What next (16+)?

[MrsMariaReynolds]

Looking for any BTDT advice.

We're entering a very tricky year for my Year 11 DS. He was diagnosed ASD and ADHD in Year 9. Academically, he has been told he is very capable, is a brilliant writer, but his slow processing speed has always assesments "tricky" as it takes him ages to recall and process information. The mountain of info to process and absorb in time for GCSES next summer seems completely overwhelming.

He has qualified for various exam accommodations such as extra time, quiet space, reader and scribe. He is determined to stay on at his current school for Sixth Form (he has a solid friendship group and the environment is comfortable and familiar for him) but the target seems unrealistic for his abilities (he will need at least 5s and 6s across the board to qualify for the minimum point requirement) His June mocks were mostly 3s and 4s.

Besides that, I don't see A levels being the best path for him. He has no idea what he wants to do with his life, so alternatives at other colleges with more tech/hands on training like T levels aren't very attractive to him either. He hates the idea of uni, so he feels he just wants to "get through" the next couple of years of school and leave it all behind. Any suggestions? Do we let him get on with his Sixth Form plan and if it doesn't work out, THEN decide what to do? Or should we have a decent alternative in the pocket from the start? Convincing him that back up plans are a good idea has also been tricky--as he feels we don't believe in him. We absolutely do, but sometimes that isn't enough.

It would be wise to have plan B (and even a plan C) even if DS wants plan A to be to stay at his current school’s sixth form. Can DS be reasoned with by pointing out when applying for schools for reception and secondary and for university people apply to more than one and it doesn’t mean they don’t believe in themselves/their DC, it is about planning?

If you think DS could cope with level 3 study what about BTECs? Some have had/are having funding withdrawn but not all. Either an extended diploma, a diploma and an extended certificate, or 3 extended certificates. Or 1/2 extended certificates and 1/2 A levels. Or a level 2 BTEC if you are unsure whether DS will get the grades for level 3.

Is DS receiving any support? Does he have an EHCP?

Thank you, lots to take on board. We did look around at a local college in July and he wasn't interested in any of the BTEC courses offered. They are mostly business, trade or computer related, which, despite his love of gaming, has no interest in pursuing it as a job.

He does not have an EHCP. Current school have said it wasn't necessary as they were accommodating his needs, and to a good extent they are. School has a reputation for being one of the best mainstream settings for SEN needs. But am prepared to apply for one myself if need be.

Consider whether an EHCNA needs requesting. An EHCNA will assess DS’s needs and how best to support them.

How much choice of colleges are there? Round my way it isn't unusual to travel and hour door to door to get to the right college with the right course.

What kind of career do you think might suit him? Or where do his skills / interests lie? What A levels would he do if he did them?

I agree have a Plan B and a Plan C. it is better to look now in y11 than be left in late August trying to find out information. He loses nothing by making multiple applications. I guess with ASD he may have rigid thinking, but would he go with 'if you had to do a BTEC/T-Level what would be the least bad option'?

My eldest did Travel & Tourism + Spanish A level (until she failed the AS). My youngest went to agricultural college to do Animal care.

Also, would dropping a GCSE help him as less to learn, or is it 'just' the exams that go wrong?