Hi Kim

I don't have a miracle answer for you I'm afraid, but feel similar frustrations with my 17 year old. One thing that a couple of people have said to me though, is that if my son doesn't get through this final year...he might be able to go and do the course he wants later as a mature age student. There are options for our kids and not doing it all in one straight line and at the same time as other kids, might end up being the way forward.

Is there any other place your son could possibly do his final year?
Here we can also take more than one year to do the final year and the college my son attends allows this and has recommended it for him next year as his attendance was pretty bad this year. He only just scraped through, despite his intelligence. He has no motivation, which seems to be the same with your son? My son has also gone off to go to the college and then I get the text...I'm on my way home, I couldn't face it. I think he arrived an hour late every single class for the past semester...well.. the ones he attended! The staff were very flexible but I suspect they won't be so flexible next year, and I guess that is what worries you too. What do the teachers say or suggest?

Is your son getting help from a counsellor? Has he been able to pin point anything specific about the school that makes him hate it so much? Has he had symptoms of school refusal or anxiety of any kind previously? Do you think he is depressed?
And is he blocking out/avoiding the whole thing by staying up late to avoid the morning, and then using tiredness as an excuse not to go? That is what my son does.

I'd be looking at some support from a doctor or psychologist. If he is depressed he needs that support and maybe even consideration of medication? Let us know how you go...its certainly frustrating and I can only give you lots of sympathy and let you know you are not alone. There will be something out there for you, there are ways forward.
Take care
Linda