Failed all but 1 GCSE, now has no post 16 education

[Madwife123]

Feeling very worried about my son’s future. He has low functioning autism and has attended a special needs school all his life.

In my county and the neighbouring one we are told there are NO options for SEN post 16 education. The options were mainstream or nothing.

We reluctantly accepted mainstream at a supportive college with lovely staff who we’ve spoke to at length and made sure that he will receive all the support he needs. He was accepted onto a course he will enjoy and is excited about. The offer was dependant on him receiving 3 GCSE’s grade 4 and above.

He got 1’s and 2’s across the board except for maths where he got a 9. So there goes the college option.

I’m so worried about what comes next for him and don’t want to have to tell him the college will no longer be an option.

Is residential suitable? Or online provision or home tutoring?

I'm surprised there isn't any post 16 specialist provision within travelling distance or a different course he could access in MS college. Even if he had to go in at entry level or level 1, perhaps with additional maths tutoring on top if he wanted to do A level maths - which he would be more than capable of from an academic POV. Where do others in similar situations go? Including NT students don't achieve three 4+ GCSEs.

If you NC and post on the SN board with where you are someone may have a suggestion.

That is a phenomenal grade for maths! Can you have a chat with a local sixth form or college about him doing maths A-Level and possibly even further maths? He clearly has real ability and hopefully interest in that area. Everything is negotiable and I am sure any maths department would love to have him! Best of luck! x