The Untold

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The Untold: He Won't Go To School

He Won't Go To School

BBC Radio 4 - The Untold, He Won't Go To School

As children across the country go back to school, will Andrew be persuaded to join them?

Andrew is a school refuser. Lockdown has suited him without the option or pressure to go in. What will happen when schools open up again? Grace Dent documents 21st century dramas.

Andrew is a school refuser. He hasn’t done a full day of school since 2019.  

"He will just refuse to get dressed. He will hide under his bed. And if you physically try and get him out of the house, he is not a violent child in any way, but he will hurt you to get away from the situation."

His parents are trying to pursue their careers but, even if they can coax him through the school gates, they often get a call an hour later to pick him up.

Everyone has tried to understand why he won’t go. He has recently been diagnosed with autism which may be a factor. But Andrew can’t tell them. And no-one knows the answer or is suggesting a solution.

Andrew has been blissfully happy in lockdown without the option or pressure of being made to go in. What will happen when restrictions are lifted and schools open again?

Narrator: Grace Dent
Producer: Sarah Bowen

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Factual: Life Stories

A series documenting the untold dramas of 21st-century Britain.

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The Untold

He Won't Go To School

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