Leaving your post-16 course early
- Not sure if you’re on the right course?
- Not happy with your school or college?
- Is it what you expected?
- Are you having doubts?
Some people will have settled in to a new college or new course. They will have met the staff and started to make some new friends. But, if you are not one of them and are not sure about the course you are on, or you are not happy at a new college and are thinking about leaving……….. Don’t panic! There is help available and there are things you can do:
- Speak to your tutor. They may be able to help you with any worries you have.
- If your tutor can’t help you, speak to the student support service at sixth form or FE college or head of sixth form at your school.
- If your school or college can’t sort it out you could speak to a Connexions adviser.
Contact your local Connexions centre as soon as possible to arrange to see a Connexions adviser or you can just drop in. They can help you to look at your options and consider alternatives.
Don’t leave it too late – act now!
The Law Says...
Currently you are legally able to leave school on the last Friday in June of the school year during which you become 16.
The Government hopes to have all young people in education, training or apprenticeships until they are 18 in the future. This could become compulsory in the next few years, but the Government is not planning to change the law yet.
If you don’t go to school when you should your parents or carers may be prosecuted by the Local Authority in the Magistrates' Court and fined. In extreme cases they could even get a fine of up to £2,500 and/or a term in prison.
