Brilliant Student Left Without Education for 2 Years in Shocking Oversight

Eight-year-old Henry, a highly gifted child from Oxfordshire who taught himself to read before his second birthday, has been out of formal education for more than two years—despite his extraordinary intelligence and love of learning.

Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, Henry finds traditional school environments overwhelming and unmanageable. His mother, Kim, says that the mainstream system has failed to accommodate his unique needs, leaving her to fight an uphill battle for his education.

“Henry is incredibly bright—he’s a Mensa member—but he simply can’t cope with the noise and unpredictability of a classroom,” Kim explained. “When he’s overstimulated, he loses control, and it’s not safe for him or others.”

School Isn’t an Option

After pulling Henry out of school at age five due to the distress it caused him, Kim worked with authorities to find an alternative placement. But 21 schools were approached, and none could meet his complex requirements.

She believes forcing him into a traditional setting would be damaging: “When Henry becomes dysregulated, it’s not something he chooses. He’s not a danger on purpose—it’s a result of how his brain works.”

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Legal Battles for Support

With no suitable school placement available, Kim sought an Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) arrangement—an alternative form of education provided outside a classroom setting. But getting this tailored plan in place has involved lengthy legal proceedings, including a tribunal and even a case in the High Court to push Oxfordshire County Council to provide an appropriate education budget.

Even after winning the case, key elements of the support plan have still not been delivered. More than a year into the EOTAS arrangement, essential items like textbooks and science kits remain unfunded.

‘Exhausting and Never-Ending’

Kim says she spends hours every week pursuing the resources Henry needs. “It feels like a full-time job,” she said. “The process is obstructive by design—it wears you down. I’m mentally and emotionally exhausted.”

Following media interest, including inquiries from the BBC, the county council recently sent additional paperwork to progress funding for the outstanding resources.

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council stated: “We are committed to ensuring the best outcomes and educational support for every child. Discussions are ongoing with the family involved.”

Despite the hardships, Kim remains focused on ensuring Henry gets the education he deserves. “He’s got so much potential,” she said. “But without the right support, he’s being denied the chance to thrive.”

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