If you’re in a class of 40 kids and what’s going on outside the window looks a lot more interesting than what’s inside, it’s easy to get left behind. I sat a few of my GCSE exams but for most of them, I just didn’t bother turning up.
It’s something I think about a lot at this time of year, when thousands of young people across the country are eagerly awaiting their results and wondering what comes next.
And for anyone who is feeling disappointed or worried after getting their results today, know this: I am living proof that you can leave school with zero qualifications and not let it stop you.
Shorts
The summer before I left school, my parents could tell things weren’t going well. My dad spoke to a man he knew who ran a business that did building plastering and slating and asked if there were any apprenticeships going. After that, I spent the six weeks’ holidays helping him as a labourer.
