All my Grandchildren left school at 16. This one with the job had to attend a school that could cope with autism. At some points, he was left with no school at all. Recent school was 11 miles away and they paid his rail fare. I suppose now he is having induction into the company, that is training. His Brothers started on low quality work then moved onto railtrack and highways jobs . Another was in hospitality and now a gas engineer so they are above average earners now. As children, they were difficult to manage. Now the youngest one at near 5 and not able to speak is battling the School system as he needs 1 to 1 teaching and they just do not want to pay despite the Law stating he must have it. The other battle for this boy is with the D.W.P who are slowing down the process for his D.L.A application for the raising of his allowance due to his increased weight. He is now eligible for the higher amount that will allow his Mother to have a mobility car. He cannot use public transport as he is just too lively and too strong to keep a grip on.
I have always found Government departments to be difficult until you write a formal notice to take legal action. Normally, they ring up within a few days and submit. Those who dont end up in the Courts.
Me, i left school at 15 with no exams taken to begin my apprenticeship of 5 years with the first 3 years attending day release each week and 17 exams during the 3 years. No calculators back then, no computers and all numbers worked out with a pen and paper. It was a great decision enabling me to buy a house at age 20. Others at school staid on and got certificates and many then worked at banks before being made redundant as they approached 50. One mate di do well and worked out in the U.A.E for many years becoming very rich and settling down in early retirement in Roumania. He got Motor neurone disease and died aged 69 but what a life he had with the very flash cars and properties.