Need more answers to 13 year old hates school?

Question

He is adamant that he is not going to go back to the school he is at at the moment and wishes to go to a school which he always wanted to but is outside the catchment area, his best mate went there after primary and i must admit it is a better school for him in my mind too, he is doing very well in lessons but i am sure he would do even better if he was happier.

How do i go about this to see if he could change or is it not possible since he is not being bullied much (a bit) and his grades are good but he is very unhappy there.

Answer 1

Try to talk slowly with him. Ask him about what's on his mind.  

But I prefer you to send him to that school so he can be happy.

Answer 2

Give him a kick up the back side ?

Answer 3

he has to find a buddy or a girl friend or a hobby. without your obvious intervention (you need to be subtle). can you ask a teacher to motivate, by either praising him or "selcting"  him for some activity?