I think it's worth pointing out that "high school" in the UK finishes at 16, so he didn't so much as drop out of school as decide to not go to sixth-form/colleg

I think it's worth pointing out that "high school" in the UK finishes at 16, so he didn't so much as drop out of school as decide to not go to sixth-form/college (which is optional - and is usually two years and fits between high school and university). Still it was a brave decision, and it obviously was the right one for him - it's a very impressive story! Congrats!