Thanks Cibby,
He is getting grinds privately at home but absolutely refuses to return to school. Years of extreme struggle for him just to get a low average has finally broken him. We feel so sorry for him and just need to support him as best we can. He is also seeing a psychotherapist to help with self-esteem issues etc. We have been in close contact with the school, who, it has to be said, have been very helpful and understanding, but ultimately could not help.
We are in the Midlands (of Ireland) but the career he wishes to pursue is in UK. For that career he needs 5 GCSEs or equivalent and we thought until 3 days ago that Junior cert was equivalent to GCSEs. Unfortunately we have now found out that Leaving Cert Hons grade D or above, or Ordinary level grade C or above is what is required. He doesn't have that. It is heart-breaking.
He is now getting grinds in both Maths and English to sit Ordinary level leaving cert independently. He can do three more next year if he is able as there is no requirement for the 5 subjects to be attained at one sitting. So, that's where we are at the moment. Thanks for everybody's input.