For those receiving their A-Level results this week, it can feel like a make or break moment. Your grades determine your academic future, and thus your ultimate success in life. Or do they?
There are dozens of people out there who have gone on to achieve astronomical success despite failing miserably at their A-Levels - or even having never studied them in the first place - proving for a fact that A-Levels, no matter what anybody says, are not the be-all and end-all.
1. Jon Snow
He's one of the most famous newsreaders in the UK and yet Channel 4's Jon Show got a fairly meagre C, E and D in his A Levels. He did end up re-taking them and getting a place at the University of Liverpool, but he was expelled before he finished his undergraduate studies for taking part in an anti-apartheid protest.
2. Lorraine Candy
Being editor-in-chief of Elle UK and Sunday Times Style (not to mention numerous other coveted positions) is even more impressive than it sounds for Lorraine Candy, as she didn't even pursue higher education. She left school at the age of 16 and got a job with the local newspaper to kick off her journalism career.
3. Jeremy Clarkson
He's one of the biggest names in motoring, but apparently you don't need A-Levels to become a car expert. He attended a good private boarding school, but ultimately ended up with a C and two Us at A-Level. We're not saying you'll turn into Jeremy Clarkson if you fail your A-Levels, but he is worth an estimated £30 million so it's not all bad.
4. Alan Sugar
Even some of the richest people in the world don't have an A-Level to their name. The Apprentice star and Amstrad founder Lord Sugar came from humble beginnings in Hackney, left school at 16 and now has an estimated net worth of £1.4 billion thanks to pure diligence and a strong work ethic.
5. Russell Brand
He's not been the best role model in the world but he's still managed to have successful careers in comedy, film, presenting and radio. He did manage to land a place at the Italia Conti Academy following his education at Grays School Media Arts College, but he was expelled for drug use and lack of attendence. Still, going his own way without few qualifications hasn't exactly had a negative impact on his life.
6. Richard Branson
Sir Richard Branson has a net worth of $5.1 billion, but he didn't start out so successful. He is dyslexic and struggled academically, dropping out of boarding school at the age of 16. He even spent a brief spell in prison before he set up his Virgin empire. Still, we would suggest to the average person to generally avoid prosecution for the sake of your future.
7. Simon Cowell
Being an influential figure in TV and music doesn't take top grades and a certificate. The X Factor judge only got three O-Levels (GCSEs) before leaving school. It's true that his father helped get him on the ladder with a job at EMI, but that wasn't half as succcessful as he'd hoped and he soon left to form his first record company.
