quitting 6th form in year 12

[SusieGil]

My 17 year old is struggling with stress and anxiety and their attendance at 6th form is low - 75%. They struggle every day, every lesson going to and staying at school. Their motivation is very low. Academically they can cope, but they are falling behind and is talking about quitting. They do not want to go to college or apprenticeship etc. I think that'd be a struggle to start somewhere else because of having massive confidence issues. They have friends and socialises out of school. They refuse counselling. It's such a worry. Legally teens have to stay in education till 18? Is home study an option? How do I get a tutor to teach 3 A levels? Sorry for 1000 questions. Any advice/thoughts most welcome!

Legally yes they have to stay in education. But in practice if they drop out no one will care much apart from the fact your child benefit should stop and they can't claim anything else (I understand, not an expert).

Home study and tutors. I guess that could be an option, would be quite pricey, and would the DC be able to self motivate to do the work in-between?

Is this stress/anxiety new or an ongoing for some years? It seems to me, who has no experience, that the teen shouldn't be allowed to drop out without also agreeing to see GP, counsellor, or whatever.

I would think that dropping out, actively sorting out mental health, and then returning somewhere in September to restart might be best. But of course that is in an ideal world and it won't be that simple.

Hopefully someone with more experience will come along. You could also try posting in teenagers and in mental health.