I went to a high school... don't know quite why it was called a high school though, as it was in the UK. Anyway, at the beginning of year 9 some secondary schools allow a certain number of students to begin an under 16s learning scheme thing at their local college, these are usually in mechanics, hair and beauty, and a couple of other courses. You get one day off school a week provided you can prove you will catch up with the work, and then when you leave year 11 you have the oppertunity to progress onto the next level of the course.
It's worth talking to your teachers to see if your school offers this.
Lou x