Choosing between a supportive college and a more academic college

[Tigerthebreadroll]

2 colleges lined up. One very supportive and takes kids with 3s on level 2. The other a bit more academic and wants most kids to go to uni. Child very torn. Adhd and mild dyslexia. Grades were:

• Eng Language 7,
• Literature 3,
• PE 5,
• DT 6,
• Maths 4,
• Double science 4/4,
• Geography 5

He eas going to do a mix of Btec abiz, Geography A level and 3rd TBD

We don"t know if he will do Uni yet

Just to say he passed entry for both Colleges

Supportive.
I'd worry he would be at the lower end of the other one. I would think he might get more support on suitable options for next steps from the supportive one.

Supportive.
similar options here. And adhd
worry that they’ll end up dropping out at other

Based on what are u making your decision ? Can u explain why? DC worried the supportive college will be boring ...ha

Agree supportive. With his grades he may well find the pace of the other one too fast. Is he fixed on Geog AL given the 5 at GCSE? He sounds like a full BTEC kid to me.

So, he’s debating between a college which is seen to before ‘smart kids’ and one which is less respected but more supported?

He can progress on from with college, but he should go where he’s supported and happy.

Because the more academic one

1. academic one - Impression we get - wants self sufficient high performers
2. very little mention of support or Sen help
3. Pace may be too fast and expected to just keep up
4. feels focused on top self starters

supportive one

1. really advertises Sen and pastoral support
2. both get excellent results but different entry levels

You are not in surrey are you?! Sounds very similar !!
What are you going to do ? Roughly what is your DC grade profile?

Haha no we are up north.
We all entry requirements and defo have a place still at supportive one but 90% sure will have to switch one A to a btec.
This will prob work out better anyway.
Their offer says this and told at interview evening face to face that she wouldn’t loose place if dropped grades but may have to switch. they have huge SEN and learning support centre.
Academic other one.. interview was a 5 min call.
she did an open day and was told something that’s contrary to published info. So we aren’t 100% sure yet if she can do the same there albeit in theory she can.
Have emailed to clarify but no reply. Has a reputation for being very good as long as you can keep up with little or no extra help. Some drop out.
Both outstanding ofsted and results.
the devil is in the detail

My very academic DD went to a college with reputation for high performance and my less academic DS went to the college considered more supportive. Both did very well and are at good unis. For my DS the deciding factor was where his friends were going - and that was a big part of his supportive environment. My DD is happier to be out of her comfort zone than my DS.

Supportive 100%.

Your child has learning needs and their grades are not highly academic. They are more likely to need support than to be pushed.

My DD needs strategies to help her keep up once she starts. Not just a college who tells her she has to

From what you have told us, I would advise the supportive college.

Many dc start in Year 12 and realise that the choices they have made are not quite right for them. A supportive college is much more likely to work with him positively to explore options and find solutions.