My youngest dd is 15, currently Year 11 so due to sit GCSEs next summer. She is at a girls semi-selective state school.
She is on the autistic spectrum and last year had some problems with mental health and subsequent erratic school attendance. The rest of Year 10 wasn't great, she had around 55-60% attendance and her grades slipped.
The start of Year 11 was much better, she was in a better place and now seems to want to do well. Attendance still isn't perfect but it's better than it was. She is handing in all her work and teachers have reported a more engaged attitude in class.
Academically I would say she is very able but not particularly interested in most school subjects.
She is worrying about what to do next year. I had thought recently that in spite of her intellect, she isn't really suited to A Levels because they are a huge step up from GCSEs and need good attendance to succeed.
I've encouraged her to look at our local college (West Herts) but she's adamant it 'isn't very good' and won't consider it. I thought maybe a BTEC might suit her.
There is also locally to us Elstree Screen Arts (formally Elstree UTC). She might consider this. I went to their open day a few months ago alone and I was impressed with what they offer but somehow socially I can't see her there.
She doesn't have a clue what she wants to do. Her main hobby is dance which she loves but I don't think she's good enough to do it professionally.
We've been to a few local school open days and she's now thinking she probably wants to stay where she is. She's thinking of Sociology, Psychology and then possibly Maths/History/Classics.
I do want her to have a back up option in case she doesn't get the grades. We can get into Central London, does anyone know of any colleges she could look at?