No GCSE's or qualifications at 17. What do I do?
Due to various circumstances (mental illness related - major depression, anorexia, anxiety, etc), I was forced to leave secondary education at the age of 15 or so. At the time, it was considered a temporary solution until I got to a state in which I could function and concentrate on my studies. However, time passed, and despite having access to therapy and a CAMHS team, I didn't get any better. A year later I agreed to go back into school a year down from where I was supposed to be, since I still had no GCSEs and it was thought that it would give me more time to settle down and relax before having to take my exams. I lasted a week before it became evident that I couldn't cope with the environment and I was taken out again. I'm now 17 - still severely depressed, still barely able to function in any productive or discernible way, and still nowhere near ready to attempt getting back into education again.
I'd just like to know what my options are when I do manage to recover enough to try. The college near me only appears to do a handful of GCSEs, none of them offering higher levels. Prior to my "breakdown", I was a good student and was always at the top of the class, so I feel like the option of aiming for an A-A* is important to me. Career wise, I feel totally lost and have absolutely no idea what I would like to study in university eventually - my depression has clouded my personality to the point where I don't even know who I am anymore or what my hobbies are, although I did used to be very passionate about science (Physics in particular), so I think that perhaps triple science would be a good idea, if at all possible.
Every time I think about all of this I get rather upset, despite my best efforts to stay calm and consider it all rationally. I feel like I've completely blown any chance of a future that I once had and that there's nothing for me to do anymore - after all, I don't even know what I'd wanted to do if I had the option. I'm just incredibly lost at the moment and I truly need some advice on what I can do. I'm so sorry that I rambled for so long!
I'd just like to know what my options are when I do manage to recover enough to try. The college near me only appears to do a handful of GCSEs, none of them offering higher levels. Prior to my "breakdown", I was a good student and was always at the top of the class, so I feel like the option of aiming for an A-A* is important to me. Career wise, I feel totally lost and have absolutely no idea what I would like to study in university eventually - my depression has clouded my personality to the point where I don't even know who I am anymore or what my hobbies are, although I did used to be very passionate about science (Physics in particular), so I think that perhaps triple science would be a good idea, if at all possible.
Every time I think about all of this I get rather upset, despite my best efforts to stay calm and consider it all rationally. I feel like I've completely blown any chance of a future that I once had and that there's nothing for me to do anymore - after all, I don't even know what I'd wanted to do if I had the option. I'm just incredibly lost at the moment and I truly need some advice on what I can do. I'm so sorry that I rambled for so long!
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Hope you recover soon from your anxietyMaybe you could get home schooled? There's lots of online GCSE courses or A Level courses you can take online but most of them you have to pay i think
http://www.oxfordhomeschooling.co.uk/course/gcse/?gclid=CMzh_IL5zbwCFRDLtAodxVsAkQ
http://www.icslearn.co.uk/qualifications/gcses.aspx?cat=search&group=high&gclid=CNuF5vL5zbwCFZHJtAodaTMA_g
^^ they're two websites that i've found but i'm sure there's more
xReply 2
Thank you both for your replies!
I'm not sure how I feel about homeschooling, or that I'd be able to successfully study on my own without my mental health affecting it. I think that actually having to get out of the house, take established classes, and get feedback from a teacher/tutor would help me since at the moment I'm stuck at home all day due to depression. I was homeschooled for about a year and a half when I was younger and I remember often feeling worried about whether or not I was behind in comparison to other students my age who were in school, since I had no true way of monitoring my progress. I'd probably be constantly anxious over the fear that I was studying the wrong material for the exams and that I'd end up failing as a result.
As for private tuition, my family is very tight on money at the moment (we declared bankruptcy a while ago), so I don't think I could do that. The main reason why I went back to school in the first place was the sheer cost of taking GCSEs as a private candidate.
Is there any other alternative to GCSEs that would be taken as seriously by colleges/universities? Or is there really no other option than private tuition? Could anyone else help me?
I'm not sure how I feel about homeschooling, or that I'd be able to successfully study on my own without my mental health affecting it. I think that actually having to get out of the house, take established classes, and get feedback from a teacher/tutor would help me since at the moment I'm stuck at home all day due to depression. I was homeschooled for about a year and a half when I was younger and I remember often feeling worried about whether or not I was behind in comparison to other students my age who were in school, since I had no true way of monitoring my progress. I'd probably be constantly anxious over the fear that I was studying the wrong material for the exams and that I'd end up failing as a result.
As for private tuition, my family is very tight on money at the moment (we declared bankruptcy a while ago), so I don't think I could do that. The main reason why I went back to school in the first place was the sheer cost of taking GCSEs as a private candidate.
Is there any other alternative to GCSEs that would be taken as seriously by colleges/universities? Or is there really no other option than private tuition? Could anyone else help me?
(edited 11 years ago)
Reply 3
Anyone?
Original post by CartesianDualism
Thank you both for your replies!
I'm not sure how I feel about homeschooling, or that I'd be able to successfully study on my own without my mental health affecting it. I think that actually having to get out of the house, take established classes, and get feedback from a teacher/tutor would help me since at the moment I'm stuck at home all day due to depression. I was homeschooled for about a year and a half when I was younger and I remember often feeling worried about whether or not I was behind in comparison to other students my age who were in school, since I had no true way of monitoring my progress. I'd probably be constantly anxious over the fear that I was studying the wrong material for the exams and that I'd end up failing as a result.
As for private tuition, my family is very tight on money at the moment (we declared bankruptcy a while ago), so I don't think I could do that. The main reason why I went back to school in the first place was the sheer cost of taking GCSEs as a private candidate.
Is there any other alternative to GCSEs that would be taken as seriously by colleges/universities? Or is there really no other option than private tuition? Could anyone else help me?
I'm not sure how I feel about homeschooling, or that I'd be able to successfully study on my own without my mental health affecting it. I think that actually having to get out of the house, take established classes, and get feedback from a teacher/tutor would help me since at the moment I'm stuck at home all day due to depression. I was homeschooled for about a year and a half when I was younger and I remember often feeling worried about whether or not I was behind in comparison to other students my age who were in school, since I had no true way of monitoring my progress. I'd probably be constantly anxious over the fear that I was studying the wrong material for the exams and that I'd end up failing as a result.
As for private tuition, my family is very tight on money at the moment (we declared bankruptcy a while ago), so I don't think I could do that. The main reason why I went back to school in the first place was the sheer cost of taking GCSEs as a private candidate.
Is there any other alternative to GCSEs that would be taken as seriously by colleges/universities? Or is there really no other option than private tuition? Could anyone else help me?
Hello. Dont worry i was in a situation like you and was worrying about revising the wrong topics and failing my exams. I do CaMHS in my school because of certain issues. I think you might be able to do some Btecs.
Reply 5
Original post by simonewallace289
I haven't done them at all, since I haven't been in school.
How about you look for free online GCSE courses
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/learning-for-free
Most English and Maths online GCSE courses are free
Or you could find a tutor for hire at a small cheap price
http://www.hometutors.org.uk/
http://www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk/
Good Luck x
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/learning-for-free
Most English and Maths online GCSE courses are free
Or you could find a tutor for hire at a small cheap price
http://www.hometutors.org.uk/
http://www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk/
Good Luck x
Original post by CartesianDualism
X
When I was ill (not mental health related but I was in CAMHS and couldn't go to school) my council sorted out & paid for tutoring, maybe you could ask after that?
Hope things work out for you ASAP.
Reply 8
You should assess what you are currently capable of. Do you feel able to do a full suite of GCSEs or do you just want to take a couple at a time?
You'll find uni students tutoring for next to nothing in a huge variety of subjects so you could look into that. Or you could contact a local college for their advice - you could for example take maths and english at GCSE and follow it up with a BTEC which would allow you to progress to A levels or higher level BTECs.
Don't think for a second that you've screwed everything up. I had very similar problems in college and at uni and had to just keep working through the systems until I managed to get somewhere. I left school with a handfull of GCSEs so took a GNVQ level 2, took 4 years to complete a level 3 qualification and ended up at the Russell Group uni. I finished with a 2.i a couple of weeks ago and I'm now 27. It took a while but it was definitely worth it and you are not alone in what you are going through.
Posted from TSR Mobile
You'll find uni students tutoring for next to nothing in a huge variety of subjects so you could look into that. Or you could contact a local college for their advice - you could for example take maths and english at GCSE and follow it up with a BTEC which would allow you to progress to A levels or higher level BTECs.
Don't think for a second that you've screwed everything up. I had very similar problems in college and at uni and had to just keep working through the systems until I managed to get somewhere. I left school with a handfull of GCSEs so took a GNVQ level 2, took 4 years to complete a level 3 qualification and ended up at the Russell Group uni. I finished with a 2.i a couple of weeks ago and I'm now 27. It took a while but it was definitely worth it and you are not alone in what you are going through.
Posted from TSR Mobile
Reply 9
You could definitely enter as a private candidate and resit GCSEs; you sound very intelligent, and if you're passionate about Science then go for triple - nothing's stopping you .
I'd say, I hope you come out the stronger in regards to your anxiety and manage to do some quality work to get some GCSEs - at 17, by no means is it too late and if you manage to focus, you'll get the grades you want.
Best of luck!
.I'd say, I hope you come out the stronger in regards to your anxiety and manage to do some quality work to get some GCSEs - at 17, by no means is it too late and if you manage to focus, you'll get the grades you want.
Best of luck!
Reply 10
i have been through exactly the same, i had to leave year 10 due to my anxiety and depression and emetophobia, i went back 8 months later because i thought i was better but they told me i had to retake the year again.. i never made it to year 11 because of the state i am in, i signed up for college as i’m 17 and i was there for a few weeks then my tutor told me that i’m not ready to be studying childcare so they kicked me out of college and i have no GCSE’s or qualifications.. i never even entered the exam rooms! i’ve always wanted to be a neo natal nurse and to work with premature babies but i seem to have no future
Hi,I'm sorry to read about your situation but guiltily relieved that I'm hearing about other teenagers going through the same as my daughter. I hope things have improved for you, if so have you got any good advice for this worried mum. My daughter is 17, barely went to school since 13/14 although very bright and was expecting A* had she sat exams. Unfortunately due to MH issues she just could not attend school and now spends all of her time playing online with friends in the USA which means she's awake through the night and sleeps through the day. Any advice/support would be appreciated.
Reply 12
0
I can’t believe so many people are in the same boat - the education system is clearly failing our children and we are waiting for a Camhs referral but could take 12 months plus !! Hi I’m a mum of a 15 year old boy with mental health issues mainly anxiety - we took him out of school in Feb for his own well being and mine ! He is now much happier but I’m now trying to work out what to do next - he has 1 more year left before his GCSEs and we were hoping to get him on a 14-16 course at Myerscough College but there is a waiting list so fingers crossed - I’m also just looking at courses online learndirect and IGCSES https://wolseyhalloxford.org.uk/ But to be honest my sons wellbeing and happiness is more important than the grades as he can always do them at any time in the future I’m not on Facebook but would be interested in talking to people in the same boat with similar aged children thanks
Reply 13
Original post by Vkp
I can’t believe so many people are in the same boat - the education system is clearly failing our children and we are waiting for a Camhs referral but could take 12 months plus !! Hi I’m a mum of a 15 year old boy with mental health issues mainly anxiety - we took him out of school in Feb for his own well being and mine ! He is now much happier but I’m now trying to work out what to do next - he has 1 more year left before his GCSEs and we were hoping to get him on a 14-16 course at Myerscough College but there is a waiting list so fingers crossed - I’m also just looking at courses online learndirect and IGCSES https://wolseyhalloxford.org.uk/ But to be honest my sons wellbeing and happiness is more important than the grades as he can always do them at any time in the future I’m not on Facebook but would be interested in talking to people in the same boat with similar aged children thanks
Yup....I’m a Mum of a 15 Yr old boy. Been off school with MH issues and episodes chronic fatigue since he was 12. Meant to be taking GCSEs this school year....hardly in school to learn.
Wondering what the options are for him next year. He’s getting better slowly and I’m desperately trying to put in place a plan. He needs to ‘return to learn’ with support and the opportunity to take GCSEs - for the first time, despite being a year out. He doesn’t want to be home schooled - it would be lonely- but a mix of college and home would work. Allowing plenty of rest time with a flexible timetable and good mentoring. Does this exist?
What happens to the lovely children who through no fault of their own, have had to leave the school system? How are they able to resume learning and education once recovered? My boy is bright and could do very well with the right support.
I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has made discoveries of how to move forward from here.
Grateful thanks
Reply 14
Original post by Helliegram
Yup....I’m a Mum of a 15 Yr old boy. Been off school with MH issues and episodes chronic fatigue since he was 12. Meant to be taking GCSEs this school year....hardly in school to learn.
Wondering what the options are for him next year. He’s getting better slowly and I’m desperately trying to put in place a plan. He needs to ‘return to learn’ with support and the opportunity to take GCSEs - for the first time, despite being a year out. He doesn’t want to be home schooled - it would be lonely- but a mix of college and home would work. Allowing plenty of rest time with a flexible timetable and good mentoring. Does this exist?
What happens to the lovely children who through no fault of their own, have had to leave the school system? How are they able to resume learning and education once recovered? My boy is bright and could do very well with the right support.
I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has made discoveries of how to move forward from here.
Grateful thanks
Wondering what the options are for him next year. He’s getting better slowly and I’m desperately trying to put in place a plan. He needs to ‘return to learn’ with support and the opportunity to take GCSEs - for the first time, despite being a year out. He doesn’t want to be home schooled - it would be lonely- but a mix of college and home would work. Allowing plenty of rest time with a flexible timetable and good mentoring. Does this exist?
What happens to the lovely children who through no fault of their own, have had to leave the school system? How are they able to resume learning and education once recovered? My boy is bright and could do very well with the right support.
I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has made discoveries of how to move forward from here.
Grateful thanks
Schools have to adjust for young people, so go round some schools. A fully adjustable timetable at GCSE is very unlikely but to counter the lessons your son has missed, he could both use an online learning system and if he is absent for a certain amount of non-consecutive days (in term time when he is enrolled) the local council HAS TO give him free tutors! Also, you may be eligible for an EHCP (Educational healthcare plan), which you should check because it could be very helpful. Don’t worry about it , just make sure the council and school give you what is required under the Equality Act.
Reply 15
It's been really refreshing to read this thread of people going through similar things as i am
Original post by Guest_5
Hey I'm 16 and in the same situation as you please help
this is a seven year old thread, read the previous responses and if you want more input try creating your own thread (:
Reply 18
My 17 year old is in a similar situation and I am struggling to help them. I have looked at most standard paths and can't honestly see a way forward, I am, therefore going to a local centre that houses the town's youth club and a branch of the NSPCC in the hope that they can give us some guidance. I will get back to you with any information I find.
Reply 19
Original post by freelancehuman
My 17 year old is in a similar situation and I am struggling to help them. I have looked at most standard paths and can't honestly see a way forward, I am, therefore going to a local centre that houses the town's youth club and a branch of the NSPCC in the hope that they can give us some guidance. I will get back to you with any information I find.
Hi! This is a 7 year old thread, so this person will likely not read any info you kindly post. I would make a new post ( ask a question button at the top of the page ) and post it anonymously for your child's privacy in case you post anything later that could be used to identify them ( but don't do that since it's against the rules, but accidents happen
)Quick Reply
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