Corbyn, Clarkson, Millican and Snow: Disappointing A-level results don’t mean life is over

Underachieving in your A-levels does not by any means indicate that life is over. The fact that you’ve heard of this unlikely gaggle of high-achievers stands testament to that
13th August 2015, 10:02am

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Corbyn, Clarkson, Millican and Snow: Disappointing A-level results don’t mean life is over

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/corbyn-clarkson-millican-and-snow-disappointing-level-results-dont-mean-life-over
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Jeremy Corbyn

The Labour MP comfortably retained his seat for the seventh time in the Islington North constituency in May’s general election, and his left-wing politics are currently at the eye of the Labour leadership storm. At 66, Corbyn is the most popular candidate on social media and is favourite to win, 48 years after leaving school with just two E’s at A-level.

Sarah Millican

Now a TV regular across a wide variety of panel shows and stand-up, Geordie funnywoman Sarah Millican left school with two D’s and an E at A-Level. In 2013 the comedian was listed by Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour as one of the most powerful women in the UK, and recently presented Red Nose Day 2015.

Jake Humphrey

Humphrey failed his A-levels at the first try, passing only one with an E and failing two others. Retaking the year, he claims, led to his first TV job, and he has since worked his way up the media ladder, from children’s presenter to leading the BBC’s Formula 1 coverage. He is currently the main football presenter for BT Sport.

Jeremy Clarkson

There’s a lot to be said about the controversial figure of Jeremy Clarkson, but it cannot be denied that his recently terminated work on popular TV show Top Gear has made him wildly successful. “If you’re a level results aren’t joyous take comfort from the fact I got a C and two Us,” he tweeted somewhat ungrammatically last year. “And I have a Mercedes Benz.”

Jon Snow

On the face of it, you would expect Jon Snow to have done extremely well in his A-levels. Snow has worked as a ground-breaking journalist, is currently Channel 4 News’ longest running presenter, and has even been offered an OBE. This is all despite initially failing his A-levels and managing just a D and an E the second time round.

 

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