late applications to sixth form

[derektheladyhamster]

My DS is in yr 11 at a selective school. In order to get into their 6th form he needs 6 A's. My son, with the confidence that only a 15 year boy can possess, says that this will not be a problem (as does his tutor). But considering the amount of effort that goes into his work (not very much) I am wondering whether to apply for one of the local schools.

The problem with this is that all students need an interview (which is a pain considering he is at boarding school at the moment) and insist that if he accepts the place he needs to go on a 'moving on' day at the end of June - which all seems a waste of time if he gets the grades required and stays on at his school.

So, can he apply after his GCSE results? Does the LA have an obligation to find him a place?

Could he look at a college? Many would enrol after results come out but you can attend open evenings now.

Sorry, these are at colleges. There are only 2 school 6th forms in the city which he wasn't thinking of applying to.

Sixth forms are short of cash and desperate for bums on seats, so I can't imagine they'd all turn away late applicants.

Looking seriously at other options is a good idea. It may well focus his mind on his exams to ensure he gets to stay where he wants to.

Round here (Hants) he would be able to apply later, but wouldn't be guaranteed to get the subjects/course of his choice.
Personally I would recommend applying for a Plan B now so you know it's all set up should things go wrong in the summer. Boarding schools tend to have longer holidays than state, can her ask to have his interview straight after his term ends? Colleges here also do weekend interviews.

great idea about the interviews, he's off the week before and the week after the state school holidays.

Won't he be finished after his GCSEs anyway?

I don't see the problem.
I'd rather have two places to 'hold' than be scrabbling around trying to find a place on GCSE results day, when he might be upset at his results anyway (assuming he is only moving if he doesn't get the grades).