From ‘unteachable’ at high school to college student of year nomination

‘EVEN IF YOUR CHILD’S BEEN TOLD THEY HAVE NO POTENTIAL, THEY CAN SUCCEED’, SAYS MUM

A MUM has spoken of her pride after her son, who was said to be “unteachable” and excluded numerous times from school, has excelled at college.

Brannon Underwood, 17, suffers from ADHD and comorbid conduct disorder, both of which severely affect his behaviour.

He has struggled in education since he was young and was excluded multiple times from high school - nine times in one month, at its height.

Mum Kerry Underwood, 43, from Ravenstone, said: “His conditions affect his concentration and he will do anything dangerous.

“He has no concept of danger, and will take everything literally.

“He wouldn’t think something is wrong if an adult told him to do something, he would just think of it like an experiment.”

Brannon attended a local primary school with just 26 pupils, and although he struggled, he stayed on at the school with the support of the staff.

Kerry said: “He struggled all through primary school, but because he was likeable they brushed any issues under the carpet. I actually wanted him to go to a special school, but they insisted they could cope with him.”

After attending such a small primary, the move to a large high school with more than 500 pupils was a big shock for Brannon and his mum.

She added: “That was a massive change, and his behaviour became worse.

“He was always getting into trouble, and once he was excluded nine times in the space of a month.

“The school would call me to come and get him, and then he’d go back the next day and be excluded again.”

Despite Kerry’s attempts, Brannon did not qualify to go to a special school because he was too good at maths.

She said: “It was a nightmare, and it felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall. Nobody wanted to help me.”

At 16, Brannon transferred to Loughborough College, with the bare minimum qualifications to get in.

Kerry said: “In a letter the school wrote when he was transferring to the college, they said he was ‘unteachable.’

“They didn’t know how to cope with his needs.

“I was really worried about what would happen, as he had no qualifications.” However, against the odds, Brannon has thrived at Loughborough College and is now in his second year studying catering and hospitality and has been nominated for awards, including student of the year.

He has passed all his exams and is now studying for his Level Three qualification in catering and hospitality, following in the footsteps of his sister Billie-Gee, 19, who is studying the same course at university.

Since moving to the college, Brannon’s behaviour has vastly improved and his mum says he doesn’t even need his medication anymore.

Kerry said: “The college have been fantastic, and Brannon has excelled since being there. He is already saying he wants to study patisserie next year.”

Although Brannon doesn’t want to go to university, his mum believes he could be offered a scholarship.

She says he has found his passion in life and, as well as studying at college, he also works part-time in a café.

Brannon has also reached the final of the Zest Quest Asia 2020 national finals, was selected for the Country Range 2020 student team challenge and has also won three silvers and a bronze in the 2019 Welsh International Culinary Championships.

His skills in the kitchen have also impressed Michelin star chefs, as he has been invited to train at the two Michelin-star restaurant in London Bibendium after impressing at the Young Risotto Chef of the Year Awards 2020.

Catering lead at Loughborough College, Darren Creed, said: “I think it took at least two hours before it fully sunk in with Brannon. It had meant so much to him to even reach that stage in a competition which is aimed at industry chefs, but he found the whole final an amazing experience - and eventually began to appreciate what a a fantastic prize he’d received in recognition of everything he had done.

“It’s such a boost to his confidence and he can’t wait to get into the kitchen at Bibendum.”

Mum Kerry added: “I am proud of him. What I want to say to other parents whose children have been excluded, is to not give up on them. Even if they have difficulties, and they’ve been told they have no potential, they can succeed.”

What I want to say to other parents whose children have been excluded, is to not give up on them

Mum Kerry