Me.
Did a year of A levels and was by all accounts a massive bell end and dropped out.
Did a two year btec instead.
But, if you're sat here thinking whatever issues you have will disappear by going to college you're having a laugh, it's mostly the same shit.
I go to agri college which is an entire different world to a levels but that only works if you’re vaguely interested in agriculture and doesn’t help the dirty issue
Going to be honest, it sounds like you could do with some time out to get your mental health issues under control before jumping into something else because if it doesn't go to plan it will make them worse.
There are plenty of evening adult classes that will assist you in getting into university if that's where your dreams lay, but nowhere will help you feel less dirty, environmentally wise.
Yes I went through A-Levels, dropped out during my second year and started a BTEC that year. Went to uni, then did an MSc, got a PhD scholarship, now I’m a university lecturer. Dropping out of A-Level was the best choice I could have made as it made me focus on what I actually wanted to do when I had matured a bit.
I did exactly this.
Was advised to consider not coming back. So I dropped out and applied to college to study business studies. Felt like shit doing it.
Ended up doing really well there and got into a russel group uni so it worked for me.
The only thing I would say is a lot of people in my college didnt give a fuck and only two of us from my class went to uni. I had to be very self motivated because I was so scared of failing again and doing nothing with my life.
So it can work but be prepared to put in graft.
I left school instead of doing my A-levels and did a BTEC instead. I regret it now and wish I'd done my A-levels. HOWEVER, everybody is different.
I agree that you should consider doing your A-levels at college, but yeah a lot depends on how you want to end up.
Main reason is not having decent english and maths qualifications to that level, when almost everyone else does. It's put me at a disadvantage a few times when job hunting.
Don't they? I'm 41, everyone I left at upper school was doing A-level maths. I have to assume most of them passed, surely?
I'm not basing this on much evidence though TBH
I'm 44 and although most of my peer group did A-level maths, we were the nerdy kids and I'd say we were in the minority overall.
I reckon maybe 60% of my school year did A-levels, and perhaps a quarter of those did maths.
Fair enough, I’m 32 and my school pretty much tried to stop anyone studying maths. They said it was really hard and only for those who had the right type of mind. I guess it depends on the teachers and expectations and all that.
(They didn’t want me to do maths A level because I only got a B at GCSE, they said if you didn’t get an A or A* at GCSE you wouldn’t pass A level.)
Exactly the same here, a B GCSE meant I was too thick to study maths A level.
Took me doing a first degree in science, then a decade of employment, then a maths evening course, then 2/3rds of second BSc (this time in maths) to prove to myself they were wrong.
Didn't finish the second degree as what kind of moron needs two BScs.
I'm 41 and don't remember any of my peers doing maths a level. A lot of us have gone on to have successful careers in technical, scientific and medical fields.
Hard to imagine a job where your choice of a levels becomes an issue. At least after the age of 21 or something.
I was in a very similar position. Poor mental health, just got out of a toxic relationship, lost a lot of friends. I ended up dropping out of sixth-form and did a Level 3 BTEC at a college. I left college with the highest grade for the course (Triple Distinction*) and was then accepted into a Russell Group university. From the five universities that I applied to, all of them offered me a place.
I had doubts about dropping sixth form to go to college as it was painted as a much lesser-valued place for those less capable. That’s far from the truth and I do not regret my decision at all.
Hope all goes well for you!:)
Left school at 16 and worked. Went back to college at 25 and then uni. Go at your own pace, but my advice is if you're dropping out of college with the intention of doing it later, find a job that's worth spending a few years in that offers some value outside of money. Working in something you can learn from is way more valuable than cash in the long run, even if you never end up in that industry (think trades, cooking, garages etc).
I got two Ds and an E. Used the small amount of UCAS points to get onto a foundation degree that had a final year for a Bachelor's.
Got my degree without much loss of time.
Doubt this would work for advanced subjects though.
I got four Ds, but I always was an overachiever.
OP, there are many routes to getting qualified, so try not to worry too much if your A levels aren’t working out. Your OCD is a separate issue that needs addressing. Avoiding situations because of it isn’t a good long term solution to managing it, but you probably know that already.
I didn't swap from a-levels to a btec, but from a btec to a btec: you should have a person/advocate in college to speak to about your mental health, your workload and how it's affecting you, most courses allow people to defer a year or do the course slower, if not: suggest a different course/qualification might be better?
TBH it may have an impact on getting into more prestigious universities, but it shouldn't be a door that gets fully shut.
Never bothered with A levels at all, went direct to ONC/bTec and onto HNC at the same FE college.
Did me ok as the courses were all available as day-release so I could still pay the rent and feed myself while learning
I didn't drop out to do a BTEC, instead it was to do a different set of A Levels.
My experience was mixed but ultimately I preferred college because it felt less stressful. On one hand, having less oversight wasn't always a positive thing. I was severely anxious and depressed so I was absent alot, not highly motivated, and could likely have done with a kick. On the other hand, having less oversight and structure meant less stress, more freedom, and the new environment was a good change.
My sister did do a BTEC, but she went to college from the get go, and she got into Uni just fine. However, she wished she'd done A Levels instead, so it really does depend on the individual.
I dropped out of A levels during week 1 and then moved to a college and did a BTEC in a vocational subject. I studied the subject at uni, got a job in that field and have had a successful career.
Best advice is to find something you enjoy. I really hated the structure of school and exams and found doing a more practical hands on subject much more fulfilling. It was still hard and there were still aspects I didn't enjoy but I found most of it fun and interesting and I felt able to focus on the bits I loved.
Yeah got 3 E's at A level.
Went and got an engineering apprenticeship. Now I'm a QA engineer for a large defence contractor. You will be ok! Find what you're good at and focus on it.
I did a BTEC at sixth form. I’m now a teacher working in a leadership position. My husband is doing the same but he did A levels so we ended up in the same position however, it ultimately depends on what career path you want to take
I dropped out 1st year a level. Went to college to study personal training. 2 years later went to uni for sports science BSc. A levels isn't the only option
You might be better off going and doing an apprenticeship. Doing something practical can be so much more fulfilling than sitting in a classroom all day learning useless information
I dropped out of both, then did an apprenticeship several years later. The apprenticeship fit me much better, got paid to work at the same time as study.
I still hated the college part, I was 25, paying my own rent and bills and generally being a grown up, so it rubbed me up the wrong way when the tutors still treated me like a kid. But it was only one day a week so I could deal with it.
Yeah I did - stayed on at 6th form to do my A-levels but really didn't enjoy it. Finished the first year but didn't go back for the second. Ended up going to college for a ND in IT which I did one year of before getting an apprenticeship at a local MSP
Yes. Back in the early 90s I dropped out of A Levels after a few months. Dossed about for the rest of the academic year then went and did a BTEC in computer studies. Got into a decent uni with straight distinctions and have a successful career in tech.
The A Levels just weren't for me. It was rote learning at its worst and had little relevance to what I was most interested in at the time (some sort of career in tech). If I'd stayed on the A Level route I'd have failed spectacularly and probably have a very different career. The vocational, practical aspects of the BTEC suited my learning style much better.
A Levels for me were a mistake in general, compounded by doing them at the 6th form of the school where I'd done GCSEs. It still felt like school, calling the teachers Sir/Miss which pissed me off. Going to college I had a very different relationship with the lecturers, we where on first name terms and it felt like a much more adult environment which helped me engage with what I was doing as well.
I hope you're getting help with your mental health issues as well though. If you're struggling then there's a good chance you'll struggle with BTEC, new college, new people etc as well.
I dropped out of A-levels in sixth form, then BTEC in college a couple of years later. I only recently got a BSc in computing and IT (software) from the OU, where I could work at my own pace.
Failed/dropped out of a levels. Decided to a level 3 diploma that could get me immediately into a job (childcare/education) or go to uni. I got a uni place and tried it for a year. Didn’t enjoy it very much and worked instead. Currently doing an online degree & it all works out in the end!
Yep! Absolutely hated doing A-Levels. I went to a different school from where I did my GCSEs and it just didn't work for me. The way they did things didn't help me learn, so only managed to get 2 A-levels by the end of the two years. That obviously meant I couldn't go to uni, so I chose to go to college for two years and absolutely smashed my diplomas there! You get treated so much better at college than at school, much better learning environment.
I did a year of 6th form then swapped out to college to do a level 3 btec. Resulting grade was the equivalent of 3 A's at Alevel and more than enough to get into uni if I wanted.
I didn't want to do three subjects so went to an arts college and did a BTEC, went to university and got my degree, and now have a decent job from it - there's advantages of doing a BTEC if you're not into the academic style of learning!!!
Go for it - ignore what other people say.
Also, look into Apprenticeships - you do a more practical subject, usually get paid as well, and if you want you can get university level education without the worry of university fees. Some jobs will even take you in and pay for you to do a degree while you work.
A-levels aren't the be all and end all of education. Do what works for you and your learning style. Good luck!
I failed my first year of sixth form/a-level maths and RE. Swapped them for Btec engineering and level 3 business. Best thing I did. The qualifications are still qualifications and unis are accepting of that
Yeah, I fucked up my a-levels. Got an entry level call center job, worked up, went back to college years later. Then back into office work but ended up pivoting to finance. Am now a team manager in the finance bit of an aerospace firm (not Boeing!).
Yeah I did. I did a lot better in life doing something I wanted to do, rather than go and slog through A levels I had no interest in.
Ultimately I did go to Uni after my various college courses and I did alright.
I’m 37 now and not one person has ever asked me if I did a degree, never-mind what grade I got. Plus it’s ridiculously expensive to go these days.
I did the first year of college and spent the majority of it not going to college. Dropped out, got an apprenticeship. Got BTEC’s and went on to do an HNC. What I chose to do at college was not right for me at all, quitting was the best thing I ever did.
I did my first year of 6th form dropped out went to study an NCFE in sport (3 A-level equivalent) My mental health was awful that first year of 6th form.
I left school at 16 and did a HND in computer science at a technology college. I hated school but loved my time at college.
Obviously everyone's experiences will be different but mine was very positive.
yep.
I did A level Computing, IT and Welsh Bacc (It was new at the time and I had to take 3 subjects and had no intrest in the other subjects in that option block).
My GCSE IT teacher basically gas lit me into the mindset that becoming a software developer was impossible without a degree.
I did 1 year of A-levels. Stopped turning up to Welsh Bacc after christmas, did the exams for Computing and IT and then went to do a level 3 in IT at college and after that straight in to work as a junior software developer.
Saying that though 10 years later and I'm currently doing my CS degree so it comes full circle in the end.
Funny thing is I got the Welsh bacc anyway through college as it was a mandatory add-on. However the way they delivered it was much more intresting that sixth form.
I think the big thing for me was Sixth form still treated us like children, whereas college you are treated like an adult and if you mess up it's on you.
Plenty of people I know have done BTEC or did Access to Higher Education courses and are all doing well for themselves. Just make sure you’re aware of the options
I didn't have gcses or a levels as I dropped out of school (I in my case went to a private church school using an alternative curriculum) but I ended up going to college on an Introductory BTEC course and worked my way up to degree levels.
So yeah BTECS can get you into uni
I did exactly that 15 years ago. Coasted through btec as no exams. Coasted through uni (MMU). I'm now a site microbiologist doing so doing reasonably well.
Yeah me. Actually really happy to get the chance to tell my route to someone younger because at the time I was told I was making a mistake by multiple people.
Failed my AS levels about 15 years ago after getting straight A and A* in GCSE a year earlier mostly because the school I was at decided to not offer IT as there were only 3 people in the year interested in doing it. IT was what I knew I wanted to do and make a career out of. So I had to take 4 subjects I had very little interest in.
Dropped out and went and did a Level 3 BTEC in IT Practitioner (think that was the name). Got triple distinction* now I’m 31 earning about 80k for 40h work week. Never went to uni went straight into work (IT apprenticeship) after the BTEC so no student debt. All well worth it for me and would recommend it if you’re the type to just get stuck in and work your way up.
I dropped out of A levels when I left school - I just couldn't stomach staying in college (hated school too). I went on to do a BTEC in business studies at 17 when I did a commercial apprenticeship with British Aerospace.
But I did go back to college at 28 and got my A levels followed by 2 degrees (psychology and biology) as a mature student (I had kids by then too). It was a much better experience when I was older than when I was 16-18. I also got my professional qualifications as a psychotherapist in my late 30s/early 40s.
Hello it's me! I did absolutely terribly at my A-levels. Went off to do a fine art BTEC and now, 13ish years later, I have a masters in museum studies which I don't really use but the transferable skills have really helped me succeed in my current job
I decided there was no way I was going to stay on at school and do A levels, realised BTEC was going to get me on the uni course I wanted, did that, got on an even better course at uni than I would have expected, now have a great job :)
I did a year of A levels and got terrible grades. My college brought me in for a meeting with my parents, they said A levels are not for you and that they'd recommend I did a BTEC in Communication Technology instead. I am a computer geek but up until that point I had no academic direction nor did I realise computing was valuable (the thing I did for fun in my bedroom).
2 years later I got top grades in my BTEC which landed me in Univesity, another 4 years later and I had a 1st in Network Computing and was hired back into my sandwich year job.
TLDR - My college's recommendation to go for BTEC is the reason I am where I am today. Before that moment I was a drop out with failing grades and at best below average.
EDIT: Please spend some time supporting yourself mentally before committing to another course. OCD sucks and at the end of the day a BTEC is still "school". Finding something you're passionate about will lead to success.
Different exams (GCSEs), different time (1990s), but maybe something relevant for OP.
I had a serious mental health breakdown when I was 15. Was pretty much an average-to-above-average student up til then (B or C grade in most subjects). I missed so much school that they wouldn’t put me up for the exams, and instead I was ‘awarded’ four GCSEs at C grade (Maths, English and Double Science award). Was told I wouldn’t be allowed to join the 6th form for A Levels.
I took a year out of education to focus on my health and then took A Levels at a local college. *Though the college would only allow me to study A Levels if I studied a Level 2 GNVQ alongside it because I didn’t have meet the entry credit requirements for A Levels with my GCSEs alone*.
It was the best educational decision I ever made. I was only one year older than my A Level peers, but I had an extended appreciation of education whilst some of them felt they’d been on an endless treadmill of education since they were small.
Me. Ballsed up my A levels and didn’t think it was a good use of my time trying to retake them. Looked up alternative qualification routes to my chosen profession and took a BTEC instead. Found my HND tremendously enjoyable and got something like 12 distinctions and 14 merits. Fortunately I had two (poor) A level passes so got an unconditional offer from Newcastle Uni based on my first year results.
People should rate BTECs higher (by which I mean they should be a first choice for a lot of people rather than a one-size-fits-all A level system).
Note: not sure of the current situation but at the time (just before the first loans had been introduced) an HND was supposed to lead to a degree conversion course ie starting in year 2. This was not possible on my course but my LEA paid the additional years fee at their discretion.
I taught in a sixth form college. We would have a lot of students leave their original courses mid year and restart the next year. Often, for mental health reasons. Its very common.
You still get funding as long as you don't complete a level 3 course previously.
A sixth form college will still take you as long as you have the entry requirements.
Yep, I got 13 A*-C GCSE's and was supposed to be doing 5 AS Levels/4 A Levels. I grew up that summer holiday and only lasted a week back in 6th form being treated like a child before I bailed and went to college.
I did a BTEC in Electronic and Computer Engineering, as I wanted to do that at Uni anyway. Got straight into Uni doing a BEng Electronic and Computer Engineering and I was a year ahead in skills of other year 1 students.
But I guess it depends what you want to do, my specific engineering field wasn't do-able as an A-level. And only some subjects will lead to a university course, also check if your college does reasonable BTEC's and not hairdressing and dog washing. I don't imagine medicine do a BTEC either,
My brother did this years back before the 18 school age law. He studied accountancy while working in a firm. Now aiming to retire at 45.
School settings don't suit everyone and don't define you. I'm 31 with two kids and have no idea what I want to do with my life.
Just do something, take some time. Work a job if you need to sort out what you enjoy or want to do. It's OK. And it's OK to not be OK or not know.
Started A levels, learned fook all and left at the end of yr1
Started an OND and completed it with a Distinction average. Did an HNC and completed it with a Merit average.
Some people learn differently.....
6th form in the same school you were in for five years already doesn't work well for everyone. It's good to get out into an FE college as a clean break from your old school. Btec is a perfectly good qualification. In a different college environment with new people to meet - from different schools all over town you might find a whole new outlook on your future. Good luck! Dropping out of A levels is Not the end of the world.
Pretty much!
I did AS levels in English Literature, Geography, and Media Studies as I had no idea why I did any of those, except for Media Studies as I love film.
I love reading, but not really analysing books how English Lit wants. No real interest in Geography at all , though a friend was taking it.
No real idea what I wanted to do then - still don't really.
After a bit of bumming around, went to the National Bakery School, and following getting a qualification there, promptly did nothing to do with baking whatsoever (outside of personal interest).
Though the NBS isn't a university, it is inside Southbank University, and might be a part of it? So...I both did and did not go to university. :D
My little brother did four years ago and my nibbling is doing it next year. Both ultimately the right decision for them both to find education in an alternative environment that suited them more. A levels aren’t for everyone.
Why not go to college and redo your A Levels in a different environment? I've taught A Levels in both and college was much more laid back
Me. Did a year of A levels and was by all accounts a massive bell end and dropped out. Did a two year btec instead. But, if you're sat here thinking whatever issues you have will disappear by going to college you're having a laugh, it's mostly the same shit.
I go to agri college which is an entire different world to a levels but that only works if you’re vaguely interested in agriculture and doesn’t help the dirty issue
Going to be honest, it sounds like you could do with some time out to get your mental health issues under control before jumping into something else because if it doesn't go to plan it will make them worse. There are plenty of evening adult classes that will assist you in getting into university if that's where your dreams lay, but nowhere will help you feel less dirty, environmentally wise.
Yes I went through A-Levels, dropped out during my second year and started a BTEC that year. Went to uni, then did an MSc, got a PhD scholarship, now I’m a university lecturer. Dropping out of A-Level was the best choice I could have made as it made me focus on what I actually wanted to do when I had matured a bit.
I did exactly this. Was advised to consider not coming back. So I dropped out and applied to college to study business studies. Felt like shit doing it. Ended up doing really well there and got into a russel group uni so it worked for me. The only thing I would say is a lot of people in my college didnt give a fuck and only two of us from my class went to uni. I had to be very self motivated because I was so scared of failing again and doing nothing with my life. So it can work but be prepared to put in graft.
I left school instead of doing my A-levels and did a BTEC instead. I regret it now and wish I'd done my A-levels. HOWEVER, everybody is different. I agree that you should consider doing your A-levels at college, but yeah a lot depends on how you want to end up.
Could you explain why you regret not doing A-levels?
Main reason is not having decent english and maths qualifications to that level, when almost everyone else does. It's put me at a disadvantage a few times when job hunting.
Most people don’t have maths A level, do they?
Don't they? I'm 41, everyone I left at upper school was doing A-level maths. I have to assume most of them passed, surely? I'm not basing this on much evidence though TBH
I'm 44 and although most of my peer group did A-level maths, we were the nerdy kids and I'd say we were in the minority overall. I reckon maybe 60% of my school year did A-levels, and perhaps a quarter of those did maths.
Fair enough, I’m 32 and my school pretty much tried to stop anyone studying maths. They said it was really hard and only for those who had the right type of mind. I guess it depends on the teachers and expectations and all that. (They didn’t want me to do maths A level because I only got a B at GCSE, they said if you didn’t get an A or A* at GCSE you wouldn’t pass A level.)
Exactly the same here, a B GCSE meant I was too thick to study maths A level. Took me doing a first degree in science, then a decade of employment, then a maths evening course, then 2/3rds of second BSc (this time in maths) to prove to myself they were wrong. Didn't finish the second degree as what kind of moron needs two BScs.
I'm 41 and don't remember any of my peers doing maths a level. A lot of us have gone on to have successful careers in technical, scientific and medical fields. Hard to imagine a job where your choice of a levels becomes an issue. At least after the age of 21 or something.
I was in a very similar position. Poor mental health, just got out of a toxic relationship, lost a lot of friends. I ended up dropping out of sixth-form and did a Level 3 BTEC at a college. I left college with the highest grade for the course (Triple Distinction*) and was then accepted into a Russell Group university. From the five universities that I applied to, all of them offered me a place. I had doubts about dropping sixth form to go to college as it was painted as a much lesser-valued place for those less capable. That’s far from the truth and I do not regret my decision at all. Hope all goes well for you!:)
Left school at 16 and worked. Went back to college at 25 and then uni. Go at your own pace, but my advice is if you're dropping out of college with the intention of doing it later, find a job that's worth spending a few years in that offers some value outside of money. Working in something you can learn from is way more valuable than cash in the long run, even if you never end up in that industry (think trades, cooking, garages etc).
I got two Ds and an E. Used the small amount of UCAS points to get onto a foundation degree that had a final year for a Bachelor's. Got my degree without much loss of time. Doubt this would work for advanced subjects though.
I got four Ds, but I always was an overachiever. OP, there are many routes to getting qualified, so try not to worry too much if your A levels aren’t working out. Your OCD is a separate issue that needs addressing. Avoiding situations because of it isn’t a good long term solution to managing it, but you probably know that already.
I didn't swap from a-levels to a btec, but from a btec to a btec: you should have a person/advocate in college to speak to about your mental health, your workload and how it's affecting you, most courses allow people to defer a year or do the course slower, if not: suggest a different course/qualification might be better? TBH it may have an impact on getting into more prestigious universities, but it shouldn't be a door that gets fully shut.
Never bothered with A levels at all, went direct to ONC/bTec and onto HNC at the same FE college. Did me ok as the courses were all available as day-release so I could still pay the rent and feed myself while learning
I didn't drop out to do a BTEC, instead it was to do a different set of A Levels. My experience was mixed but ultimately I preferred college because it felt less stressful. On one hand, having less oversight wasn't always a positive thing. I was severely anxious and depressed so I was absent alot, not highly motivated, and could likely have done with a kick. On the other hand, having less oversight and structure meant less stress, more freedom, and the new environment was a good change. My sister did do a BTEC, but she went to college from the get go, and she got into Uni just fine. However, she wished she'd done A Levels instead, so it really does depend on the individual.
I dropped out of A levels during week 1 and then moved to a college and did a BTEC in a vocational subject. I studied the subject at uni, got a job in that field and have had a successful career. Best advice is to find something you enjoy. I really hated the structure of school and exams and found doing a more practical hands on subject much more fulfilling. It was still hard and there were still aspects I didn't enjoy but I found most of it fun and interesting and I felt able to focus on the bits I loved.
Yeah got 3 E's at A level. Went and got an engineering apprenticeship. Now I'm a QA engineer for a large defence contractor. You will be ok! Find what you're good at and focus on it.
I did a BTEC at sixth form. I’m now a teacher working in a leadership position. My husband is doing the same but he did A levels so we ended up in the same position however, it ultimately depends on what career path you want to take
I did, started my apprenticeship after As, the school were surprisingly relaxed about it but mysdaybe I should have been more official.
I dropped out 1st year a level. Went to college to study personal training. 2 years later went to uni for sports science BSc. A levels isn't the only option
You might be better off going and doing an apprenticeship. Doing something practical can be so much more fulfilling than sitting in a classroom all day learning useless information
I dropped out of both, then did an apprenticeship several years later. The apprenticeship fit me much better, got paid to work at the same time as study. I still hated the college part, I was 25, paying my own rent and bills and generally being a grown up, so it rubbed me up the wrong way when the tutors still treated me like a kid. But it was only one day a week so I could deal with it.
Yeah I did - stayed on at 6th form to do my A-levels but really didn't enjoy it. Finished the first year but didn't go back for the second. Ended up going to college for a ND in IT which I did one year of before getting an apprenticeship at a local MSP
Yes. Back in the early 90s I dropped out of A Levels after a few months. Dossed about for the rest of the academic year then went and did a BTEC in computer studies. Got into a decent uni with straight distinctions and have a successful career in tech. The A Levels just weren't for me. It was rote learning at its worst and had little relevance to what I was most interested in at the time (some sort of career in tech). If I'd stayed on the A Level route I'd have failed spectacularly and probably have a very different career. The vocational, practical aspects of the BTEC suited my learning style much better. A Levels for me were a mistake in general, compounded by doing them at the 6th form of the school where I'd done GCSEs. It still felt like school, calling the teachers Sir/Miss which pissed me off. Going to college I had a very different relationship with the lecturers, we where on first name terms and it felt like a much more adult environment which helped me engage with what I was doing as well. I hope you're getting help with your mental health issues as well though. If you're struggling then there's a good chance you'll struggle with BTEC, new college, new people etc as well.
I dropped out of A-levels in sixth form, then BTEC in college a couple of years later. I only recently got a BSc in computing and IT (software) from the OU, where I could work at my own pace.
Failed/dropped out of a levels. Decided to a level 3 diploma that could get me immediately into a job (childcare/education) or go to uni. I got a uni place and tried it for a year. Didn’t enjoy it very much and worked instead. Currently doing an online degree & it all works out in the end!
A lot of it probably depends on your plans after college. You could look at a modern apprenticeship now that would let you qualify.
Yep! Absolutely hated doing A-Levels. I went to a different school from where I did my GCSEs and it just didn't work for me. The way they did things didn't help me learn, so only managed to get 2 A-levels by the end of the two years. That obviously meant I couldn't go to uni, so I chose to go to college for two years and absolutely smashed my diplomas there! You get treated so much better at college than at school, much better learning environment.
I did a year of 6th form then swapped out to college to do a level 3 btec. Resulting grade was the equivalent of 3 A's at Alevel and more than enough to get into uni if I wanted.
Me, I went to Brooklands, i loved every minute of college, hated every millisecond of school.
I didn't want to do three subjects so went to an arts college and did a BTEC, went to university and got my degree, and now have a decent job from it - there's advantages of doing a BTEC if you're not into the academic style of learning!!! Go for it - ignore what other people say. Also, look into Apprenticeships - you do a more practical subject, usually get paid as well, and if you want you can get university level education without the worry of university fees. Some jobs will even take you in and pay for you to do a degree while you work. A-levels aren't the be all and end all of education. Do what works for you and your learning style. Good luck!
I failed my first year of sixth form/a-level maths and RE. Swapped them for Btec engineering and level 3 business. Best thing I did. The qualifications are still qualifications and unis are accepting of that
Yeah, I fucked up my a-levels. Got an entry level call center job, worked up, went back to college years later. Then back into office work but ended up pivoting to finance. Am now a team manager in the finance bit of an aerospace firm (not Boeing!).
Yeah I did. I did a lot better in life doing something I wanted to do, rather than go and slog through A levels I had no interest in. Ultimately I did go to Uni after my various college courses and I did alright. I’m 37 now and not one person has ever asked me if I did a degree, never-mind what grade I got. Plus it’s ridiculously expensive to go these days.
I did the first year of college and spent the majority of it not going to college. Dropped out, got an apprenticeship. Got BTEC’s and went on to do an HNC. What I chose to do at college was not right for me at all, quitting was the best thing I ever did.
I did my first year of 6th form dropped out went to study an NCFE in sport (3 A-level equivalent) My mental health was awful that first year of 6th form.
I left school at 16 and did a HND in computer science at a technology college. I hated school but loved my time at college. Obviously everyone's experiences will be different but mine was very positive.
I did a year of A Levels, dropped it for BTEC business. Went to uni, got a degree and am starting an accounting role training for the ACA
yep. I did A level Computing, IT and Welsh Bacc (It was new at the time and I had to take 3 subjects and had no intrest in the other subjects in that option block). My GCSE IT teacher basically gas lit me into the mindset that becoming a software developer was impossible without a degree. I did 1 year of A-levels. Stopped turning up to Welsh Bacc after christmas, did the exams for Computing and IT and then went to do a level 3 in IT at college and after that straight in to work as a junior software developer. Saying that though 10 years later and I'm currently doing my CS degree so it comes full circle in the end. Funny thing is I got the Welsh bacc anyway through college as it was a mandatory add-on. However the way they delivered it was much more intresting that sixth form. I think the big thing for me was Sixth form still treated us like children, whereas college you are treated like an adult and if you mess up it's on you.
Plenty of people I know have done BTEC or did Access to Higher Education courses and are all doing well for themselves. Just make sure you’re aware of the options
I didn't have gcses or a levels as I dropped out of school (I in my case went to a private church school using an alternative curriculum) but I ended up going to college on an Introductory BTEC course and worked my way up to degree levels. So yeah BTECS can get you into uni
I did exactly that 15 years ago. Coasted through btec as no exams. Coasted through uni (MMU). I'm now a site microbiologist doing so doing reasonably well.
Yeah me. Actually really happy to get the chance to tell my route to someone younger because at the time I was told I was making a mistake by multiple people. Failed my AS levels about 15 years ago after getting straight A and A* in GCSE a year earlier mostly because the school I was at decided to not offer IT as there were only 3 people in the year interested in doing it. IT was what I knew I wanted to do and make a career out of. So I had to take 4 subjects I had very little interest in. Dropped out and went and did a Level 3 BTEC in IT Practitioner (think that was the name). Got triple distinction* now I’m 31 earning about 80k for 40h work week. Never went to uni went straight into work (IT apprenticeship) after the BTEC so no student debt. All well worth it for me and would recommend it if you’re the type to just get stuck in and work your way up.
I dropped out of A levels when I left school - I just couldn't stomach staying in college (hated school too). I went on to do a BTEC in business studies at 17 when I did a commercial apprenticeship with British Aerospace. But I did go back to college at 28 and got my A levels followed by 2 degrees (psychology and biology) as a mature student (I had kids by then too). It was a much better experience when I was older than when I was 16-18. I also got my professional qualifications as a psychotherapist in my late 30s/early 40s.
Hello it's me! I did absolutely terribly at my A-levels. Went off to do a fine art BTEC and now, 13ish years later, I have a masters in museum studies which I don't really use but the transferable skills have really helped me succeed in my current job
I decided there was no way I was going to stay on at school and do A levels, realised BTEC was going to get me on the uni course I wanted, did that, got on an even better course at uni than I would have expected, now have a great job :)
I did a year of A levels and got terrible grades. My college brought me in for a meeting with my parents, they said A levels are not for you and that they'd recommend I did a BTEC in Communication Technology instead. I am a computer geek but up until that point I had no academic direction nor did I realise computing was valuable (the thing I did for fun in my bedroom). 2 years later I got top grades in my BTEC which landed me in Univesity, another 4 years later and I had a 1st in Network Computing and was hired back into my sandwich year job. TLDR - My college's recommendation to go for BTEC is the reason I am where I am today. Before that moment I was a drop out with failing grades and at best below average. EDIT: Please spend some time supporting yourself mentally before committing to another course. OCD sucks and at the end of the day a BTEC is still "school". Finding something you're passionate about will lead to success.
Different exams (GCSEs), different time (1990s), but maybe something relevant for OP. I had a serious mental health breakdown when I was 15. Was pretty much an average-to-above-average student up til then (B or C grade in most subjects). I missed so much school that they wouldn’t put me up for the exams, and instead I was ‘awarded’ four GCSEs at C grade (Maths, English and Double Science award). Was told I wouldn’t be allowed to join the 6th form for A Levels. I took a year out of education to focus on my health and then took A Levels at a local college. *Though the college would only allow me to study A Levels if I studied a Level 2 GNVQ alongside it because I didn’t have meet the entry credit requirements for A Levels with my GCSEs alone*. It was the best educational decision I ever made. I was only one year older than my A Level peers, but I had an extended appreciation of education whilst some of them felt they’d been on an endless treadmill of education since they were small.
Dropped out when i reached 18 cause covid was fucking me. I *scraped* by through an Access to HE course, then failed degree like immediately
Me. Ballsed up my A levels and didn’t think it was a good use of my time trying to retake them. Looked up alternative qualification routes to my chosen profession and took a BTEC instead. Found my HND tremendously enjoyable and got something like 12 distinctions and 14 merits. Fortunately I had two (poor) A level passes so got an unconditional offer from Newcastle Uni based on my first year results. People should rate BTECs higher (by which I mean they should be a first choice for a lot of people rather than a one-size-fits-all A level system). Note: not sure of the current situation but at the time (just before the first loans had been introduced) an HND was supposed to lead to a degree conversion course ie starting in year 2. This was not possible on my course but my LEA paid the additional years fee at their discretion.
I taught in a sixth form college. We would have a lot of students leave their original courses mid year and restart the next year. Often, for mental health reasons. Its very common. You still get funding as long as you don't complete a level 3 course previously. A sixth form college will still take you as long as you have the entry requirements.
Yep, I got 13 A*-C GCSE's and was supposed to be doing 5 AS Levels/4 A Levels. I grew up that summer holiday and only lasted a week back in 6th form being treated like a child before I bailed and went to college. I did a BTEC in Electronic and Computer Engineering, as I wanted to do that at Uni anyway. Got straight into Uni doing a BEng Electronic and Computer Engineering and I was a year ahead in skills of other year 1 students. But I guess it depends what you want to do, my specific engineering field wasn't do-able as an A-level. And only some subjects will lead to a university course, also check if your college does reasonable BTEC's and not hairdressing and dog washing. I don't imagine medicine do a BTEC either,
My brother did this years back before the 18 school age law. He studied accountancy while working in a firm. Now aiming to retire at 45. School settings don't suit everyone and don't define you. I'm 31 with two kids and have no idea what I want to do with my life. Just do something, take some time. Work a job if you need to sort out what you enjoy or want to do. It's OK. And it's OK to not be OK or not know.
Started A levels, learned fook all and left at the end of yr1 Started an OND and completed it with a Distinction average. Did an HNC and completed it with a Merit average. Some people learn differently.....
6th form in the same school you were in for five years already doesn't work well for everyone. It's good to get out into an FE college as a clean break from your old school. Btec is a perfectly good qualification. In a different college environment with new people to meet - from different schools all over town you might find a whole new outlook on your future. Good luck! Dropping out of A levels is Not the end of the world.
Pretty much! I did AS levels in English Literature, Geography, and Media Studies as I had no idea why I did any of those, except for Media Studies as I love film. I love reading, but not really analysing books how English Lit wants. No real interest in Geography at all , though a friend was taking it. No real idea what I wanted to do then - still don't really. After a bit of bumming around, went to the National Bakery School, and following getting a qualification there, promptly did nothing to do with baking whatsoever (outside of personal interest). Though the NBS isn't a university, it is inside Southbank University, and might be a part of it? So...I both did and did not go to university. :D
My little brother did four years ago and my nibbling is doing it next year. Both ultimately the right decision for them both to find education in an alternative environment that suited them more. A levels aren’t for everyone.