Rail tickets for a 14 year old

[NigellaPleaseComeDineWithMe]

Is there a way to book train tickets ahead for a 14 year old travelling by himself? Student rail cards start at 16 and all the other sites don't allow a 'child' (whos nearly 6' and looks about 17 to travel by himself).

Any ideas on how to minimise the costs?

The National Rail fare finder seems to let you put just a child into the system and buy tickets - I didn't go all the way through to buying a ticket, but it didn't stop me from getting a quote for a child with 0 adults.

Wil try that site next time. Thanks

The Virgin site I usually use doesn't allow a child only option !!

Try the trainline.com

My daughter travelled back from visiting relatives in the new year and was quoted £65 at the station for the single fare (no direct trains from there to here - minimum 3 changes). I looked at the website and priced each bit of the journey up individually. Reduced the cost to £30. She took the details into the station and bought a ticket for each leg of the journey.

You can either book through the website or go to the station with all the details written down. The downside will be that you are restricted to travelling only on the train that you have booked for.

I have been able to purchase tickets for 1 child and no adults.