GCSE for child not in school: online? crammer in London? Recommendations

[CindersWasAMug]

Any help appreciated. My DC is not currently in school. DC struggled emotionally and in other ways with lockdowns and before that too.

Very bright, but also NEEDS QUALIFICATIONS to get any decent job, at least Maths and English.

Does anyone have recommendations for decent (free or paid) online courses for maths/English GCSE or for a London crammer where he could just focus on these two subjects? I think he might be able to take them now and pass, but would prefer if he could get a 5 at least, and presume that would need some practice and effort? He is motivated.

Thanks!

If DS is compulsory school aged and cannot attend school the LA have a duty to provide alternative education under s.19, the Education Act 1996, this would include GCSEs where appropriate.

In addition to this, whether they are CSA or post 16 now, have you thought about applying for an EHCNA?

He could probably just work his way through some text books and revision books and look specific things up on bbc bite size if he gets stuck. He might benefit from some sessions with a private tutor too.
If he is bright and capable are you not aiming too low with two GCSEs at level 5? What does he want to do when he is older? Does he want to go to university?

A little while ago but relatives used Ashbourne College for a DC who was switching between a European educational system and the UK and needed to do GCSEs in a year. He did 9 which was really hard work, but he was motivated in terms of wanting to go to University in the UK. His parents mucked in and gave him lots of support.

They did a lot of research before choosing Ashbourne and were very happy.

An alternative might be online topped up by Justin Craig GCSE revision courses at Christmas and Easter, to pick up exam technique.

@Imitatingdory

If DS is compulsory school aged and cannot attend school the LA have a duty to provide alternative education under s.19, the Education Act 1996, this would include GCSEs where appropriate.

In addition to this, whether they are CSA or post 16 now, have you thought about applying for an EHCNA?

Thanks @Imitatingdory He did have an EHCP, but it has stopped due to some issues, but we are applying to get it re-instated. I think right now, the council is just grateful if the child leaves the house. He had a job, but was laid off, so... is drifting. He did a short course, but now I think he should get these two GCSEs, as many apprenticeships require English and Maths, and doing that might spur him back into believing in himself wrt formal education.

@3WildOnes

He could probably just work his way through some text books and revision books and look specific things up on bbc bite size if he gets stuck. He might benefit from some sessions with a private tutor too. If he is bright and capable are you not aiming too low with two GCSEs at level 5? What does he want to do when he is older? Does he want to go to university?

Hi and thanks @3WildOnes I understand what you say wrt aiming too low. He is the quirky mix of perfectionist and pessimist. He's was out of school a long time, and had so many knocks, so just completing these would be a major achievement. I think he could probably 'pass' without even studying. I did buy the books last autumn, but couldn't persuade (bribe) him to crack them. He is determined to get a job, but I think has at last realised that he can't just found an empire or stroll into a decent job without some qualifications, so... we have an important meeting tomorrow that hopefully will help him see some potential paths. My DH thinks a formal setting would be good for taking the classes, but I just looked up crammers and they cost more than university! So, I think online would be good, and as you say, some DIY may be very helpful, with some tutoring support if needed, or as he moves further along. Thank you!

@Needmoresleep

A little while ago but relatives used Ashbourne College for a DC who was switching between a European educational system and the UK and needed to do GCSEs in a year. He did 9 which was really hard work, but he was motivated in terms of wanting to go to University in the UK. His parents mucked in and gave him lots of support.

They did a lot of research before choosing Ashbourne and were very happy.

An alternative might be online topped up by Justin Craig GCSE revision courses at Christmas and Easter, to pick up exam technique.

Thanks, @Needmoresleep I'll look into the Justin Craig. With experiences of mental health issues and perfectionism/stress, 9 GCSEs just won't work. I think he if can get decent scores on these 2 exams, it will boost his self-worth, which is AS important as the qualifications, I think. He's a very intelligent person, and is doing a lot of reading at the moment, but needs to channel that into something tangible that an employer or uni can understand and appreciate! Thank you so much.

Would he study part time at an FE college? Assuming he's over 18 (is he?) he wouldn't have to do a full time study load. M and E would be free too.

I was not suggesting 9! This was a bright motivated child hoping to go to an academic sixth form, and then to have a good stab at Oxbridge. It was his idea to have a year of catch up. He had been quite unhappy in a more rigid European educational system where he faced having to repeat a year for failing a single subject.

My impression was that Ashbourne were willing to talk about individual needs. The thing I think you need to watch out for with crammers is that potential pupils come from a variety of backgrounds and with a range of motivations, from ultra high achieving overseas students to those who have been edged out of independent schools for various misdemeanours. Some crammers are selective in terms of who they take on, others less so.

Apparently the teachers were good, preferring set hours to the responsibilities that come with working in a school. They did their best in terms of extra curricular: music, sport etc, but by the nature of the organisation this was limited.

I would talk to a few, if only to get an idea of what they think might work for your DS.

@titchy

Would he study part time at an FE college? Assuming he's over 18 (is he?) he wouldn't have to do a full time study load. M and E would be free too.

Hi. Thank you @titchy. He isn't yet 18, and def not ready for full-time study load. Needs 'small wins' and some gentle experiences that don't overwhelm him or make him feel like a failure. It's really tricky. We have explored some FE courses, but not sure if he's ready to go into a practical course without getting these GCSEs. And we didn't get him enrolled in anything for Jan, so ANOTHER term is going by. I'm kind of panicking, which doesn't help.

Thanks so much, @needmoresleep I do appreciate your reply very much. I'm really glad the Ashbourne experience helped your relative's child, and hope they're doing well and are happy. It's a good idea to talk to a few schools and get a sense of what's possible. One friend's child went to Rochester and had a very good experience. I got the sense it's a gentle environment, and that they're open to 'unusual' kids there.

Where are you in the EHCNA application process? Did the LA cease to maintain because DS was working rather than in education? Don’t panic an EHCP can last until 25 and include therapies as well.

@Imitatingdory

Where are you in the EHCNA application process? Did the LA cease to maintain because DS was working rather than in education? Don’t panic an EHCP can last until 25 and include therapies as well.

Thank you, @Imitatingdory I'd rather not disclose why, it was nothing he did and not in his control. I hope we can reinstate the EHCP and get some qualifications for him. Thanks, it's reassuring to know it lasts so long. We're also in touch with a private sector org that works to get kids into apprenticeships. Some of those can lead to a uni degree (with no debt) but think he'd need proof that he's literate and numerate, ie GCSEs.

I asked about the EHCP being ceased because if it was the LA acting unlawfully you may be able to complain to the LGO. Up until and including level 3 apprenticeships can be supported via an EHCP, a supported internship may be worth looking at too.

Some FE colleges might be prepared to take him just to do the 2 GCSEs - it would be worth seeing if there was someone you could have a chat to in your local one to see what they say.

Thanks @Imitatingdory It wasn't their fault. He moved from the county and their obligation ceased so we need to turn it back on, so to speak. Thanks b

Thanks @londonmummy1966 that's a good suggestion. Thank you. I get put off when it seems like you have to take a full slate, but surely worth asking if he could do only 2 subjects. Thanks!

Sorry Cinders, I didn't mean for you to feel you had to post why, I just wanted you to know if the LA hadn't acted as they should (as they often do!) you could complain. The LA DS moved to (if in England) should have taken over maintaining the EHCP and held a review etc. I would complain to them if that didn't happen as this situation could have been prevented if they had supported DS as they should. If you need help with the EHCP the SN boards are helpful.

@CindersWasAMug - a further thought - if the FE college won't enroll him as a day student it might be worth looking at evening class provision in your area - lots of FE colleges offer English and Maths evening classes for adults who need to get the qualifications.

[quote londonmummy1966]@CindersWasAMug - a further thought - if the FE college won't enroll him as a day student it might be worth looking at evening class provision in your area - lots of FE colleges offer English and Maths evening classes for adults who need to get the qualifications.[/quote]
Thanks, @londonmummy1966 I was getting discouraged that everything seems to start next Sept, but this could be a way out of that. Thank you.

Posting this in case it’s helpful to anyone . If you move and your child has an EHCP you have to give a ridiculous short period of notice. And you have to give it to the new local authority before you move or they are not obliged to accept it ! Best to take legal advice if you intend to transfer. Hope this stops someone else going through the problems the poster experienced. By the way I think the rules are set up to make you make these types of mistake so parents here shouldnt blame themselves!

If your child is not in school and you're considering GCSE preparation, there are a few options available. Online learning platforms are a popular choice, offering comprehensive course materials and interactive lessons that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. These platforms often provide a self-paced learning environment that can be tailored to your child's needs. If you prefer face-to-face instruction, crammer courses in London could be a suitable alternative. These intensive courses are designed to cover the curriculum quickly and efficiently, usually in small groups or one-on-one sessions. It's important to choose a method that fits with your child's learning style and schedule. Additionally, ensure regular practice of past papers for exam familiarity, and consider engaging a tutor if specific areas of difficulty arise. Remember that every child's learning journey is unique, so what works best will depend on your child's individual circumstances.

This is an old thread.

If you move and your child has an EHCP you have to give a ridiculous short period of notice. And you have to give it to the new local authority before you move or they are not obliged to accept it !

That is not quite accurate. You can see the actual rules about moving to a new LA with an EHCP on IPSEA’s website here.

Something to be aware of is that the Open University is "open" in that you do not need formal qualifications to register. (There is an application process for under 18s, though, but more to check that it's the right option for them.) It sometimes works well for the bright student who has missed out on schooling. As it can be part-time or full-time, they can start off part-time to build confidence.

(It's probably still well worth getting maths and English GCSE at some point, as they are so often required, but that could be alongside or afterwards if that's easier than doing them first.)

Here is some good GCSE online course https://lead-academy.org/category/gcse-courses

I went by the advice on this website and it’s not accurate or perhaps it’s more correct to say it’s not complete … my lawyers were only just able to act in time to save my EHCP