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College Didn’t Work Out… Now What?

For some young people, college or sixth form just doesn’t work out. Maybe the course wasn’t right. Maybe the environment felt overwhelming. Maybe life threw something at you that made staying in education feel impossible. If that’s you, take a breath. You’re not alone. And this isn’t the end of your story.

You’re Not The Only One Feeling Stuck

Around 1 in 10 students aged 16–18 leave their course early, and the latest Youth Voice Census shows over 12% of young people are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Behind those numbers are real lives; young people whose wellbeing, mental health, or circumstances made it hard to keep going.

The good news is more and more young people are getting help with their mental health (up to 41% this year), but wellbeing can be a fragile thing. Stress, anxiety, and burnout are common reasons students miss class or feel unable to continue. And for young people with additional needs or difficult home lives, that pressure can be even heavier.

So if you’ve stepped away from college, it’s not because you’ve failed; it’s because you’ve recognised something wasn’t working. That’s a brave first step.

Finding Your Way Forward

The truth is, there isn’t one right route through education or life. There are many. Here are a few paths that might help you find your footing again:

Vocational training and apprenticeships

If you like learning by doing, apprenticeships could be a great fit. You earn while you learn, picking up skills in everything from construction to digital design or care work. According to the Census, nearly half of young people say lack of work experience is their biggest barrier to finding a job, so apprenticeships and supported work placements can make all the difference.

Try something new, or somewhere new

Sometimes it’s not education itself that’s the problem; it’s the environment. Switching courses or colleges can give you a fresh start. Ask to visit before you decide, to make sure you’ll have the support you need.

Mentorship and youth hubs

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Places like Inclusion EB8 or local Youth Hubs offer one-to-one guidance, work placements, and safe spaces to rebuild confidence. Mentors and youth workers can help you set small goals and explore new directions at your own pace.

Digital and life skills

Confidence with digital tools is dropping, especially for young people who’ve felt left behind. Workshops on using AI, CV building, or job platforms can boost your confidence and help you prepare for work. (Inclusion Education’s employability hubs and Future Potential events are great places to start.)

Looking After Yourself Along The Way

When things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to feel lost or compare yourself to others. But your wellbeing matters more than any timetable.

Here are some gentle reminders while you find your next step:

  • You’re not a failure, you’re figuring things out.
  • Prioritise your mental health. Free services like Kooth, Young Minds, and Hampshire Youth Access are here for you.
  • Build a small routine, one achievable thing a day helps you move forward.
  • Stay connected, talking to a trusted adult, mentor, or friend can lift a lot of weight off your shoulders.
  • Celebrate progress, not perfection. Every small win counts. Self-care apps like Finch are fun ways to set achievable goals that encourage you to keep going!

For Parents and Carers

If your child has stepped away from education, it’s natural to worry. But right now, what they need most is your calm, non-judgmental support.
Healing and rebuilding confidence takes time, and your patience is their lifeline.

There’s More Than One Way To Succeed

College isn’t the only path; it’s just one of many. And for some young people, taking a different route might lead to the most meaningful growth of all.

If you’ve stepped away from college, there are plenty of ways to keep learning, growing, and building the skills you need for work and life, in ways that actually suit you.

Learn in your own way

If classrooms felt overwhelming or rigid, online and flexible learning might be a better fit. You can take things at your own pace and still work towards recognised qualifications.

You could:

  • Study from home through providers like National Extension College or ICS Learn.
  • Brush up on essentials with online Functional Skills courses in English, maths, or digital skills – these are accepted by most employers and apprenticeship providers.
  • Explore short, free courses on platforms like FutureLearn or BBC Bitesize, just to get your confidence back.

 

The goal isn’t to rush, it’s to rebuild at your own pace.

Get hands-on with skills that matter

If you prefer learning by doing, vocational and technical courses could be a great option. Local colleges offer courses in areas like construction, hospitality, creative arts, and health and social care; often with small class sizes and practical learning.

You can search courses near you on Find a Course – GOV.UK.

Many young people also benefit from apprenticeships, where you earn while you learn. You’ll gain real work experience, training, and a qualification at the same time — all while getting paid.

Explore current opportunities here: Find an Apprenticeship – GOV.UK

If you’re not ready for a full apprenticeship yet, look into traineeships or supported work placements; shorter, more guided experiences that help you build confidence first. Local Youth Hubs or organisations like Inclusion EB8 can help you find placements that feel safe and supported.

Build your confidence through experience

Often, the most valuable learning happens outside of a classroom. Volunteering, joining a youth group, or taking part in community projects can help you gain teamwork skills, meet new people, and feel more connected.

You can search local opportunities through:

Every small step – whether it’s a short course, a day of volunteering, or a new work experience – helps you move closer to where you want to be.

You deserve to feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow.

So if college didn’t work out, remember: you still have every chance to build a future that feels right for you.

Get in touch

If you would like to contact us with any further queries then please complete the form with your details and message and one of our team will be in touch.
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