Requesting a reference

[RaindropsAndSparkles]

I am an employer. I have offered an 18 year old an apprenticeship.

During the last six weeks I have requested a reference from the head of 6th form twice in writing and a telephone reminder today. The receptionist's response today was a "yeah well he's a fully timetabled teacher and busy. I responded it was a shame I was reminding after six weeks and a young person's job, future and income was being jeopardised. The tone changed a bit then.

The offer was subject to satisfactory refs. We will now have to start a process to say to consider if the employment can be confirmed.

Pretty poor imo from a pastoral perspective.

Any views on here?

Secondary 6th form teacher here, not acceptable at all.

It is unacceptable and sets an atrocious example for the pupil to follow. Given how much will be going on at present in terms of university entrance issues etc, maybe a week is acceptable to respond but 6 weeks is just not appropriate.

So do you think a letter to the head enclosing copies of the request might be helpful at this stage?

Yes I think I would. It's so unfair that someone might miss out on an opportunity because your requests are being ignored.

Never send them to a specific person, instead send addressed to the head, then it will get sorted by the Head’s PA to the most appropriate person to deal with.

The requests have been sent to the admin inbox with requests for them to be forwarded to the head of 6th form. Do schools really care so little for their former pupils?