Richard Branson, Holly Willoughby and other successful celebrities who failed school exams

With GCSE and A-level exam season just around the corner, millions of nervous students are busy revising and preparing to put their knowledge to the test. It’s no secret that exams can be difficult and passing them is not easy.

For those struggling with exams, it might bring some relief to know they are not alone. There have been many successful celebrities over the years who have failed their exams but are now doing very well for themselves.

From Sir Richard Branson to Simon Cowell, several celebrities who are now inspiring students did not achieve the initial education they wanted. Below is a look at some of the most successful celebrities who failed their exams.

Sir Richard Branson

After a rough ride at school, Richard Branson left school at 16. He claims his manager told him he would either go to jail or become a millionaire.

A few years later, he launched his first business, a magazine called “Student”. He currently owns Virgin Atlantic, one of the largest airlines globally and has a $2.5 billion network.

Robbie Williams

Despite being predicted to gain As and Bs in English, history and geography, Take That star Robbie Williams ultimately flunked, failing all his GCSEs at high school. Reflecting on his journey to the Mirror, Robbie remarked: “If I went back to college, long before this, I’d go back and do all my GCSEs – I failed them all.”

Jake Humphrey

Jake Humphrey did well during his GCSEs. However, when it came to A-Levels, it was a different story.

Since then, he has been remarkably outspoken and vocal on social media, tweeting: “A level students — remember your results do not and will not define you. In 1999, I got an E, N, and U for myself. Things didn’t turn out too bad…”

His successful career in broadcasting came from being fired from McDonald’s.

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell left school with just two O-levels – the equivalent of two GCSEs – but then dropped out at 16. He began his career working in the mail room at his father’s company, EMI Music Publishing.

Simon Cowell is now known for his hit shows X-Factor and Britain Got Talent, which have been franchised worldwide.

Holly Willoughby

Former ITV presenter Holly Willoughby was privately educated and struggled with dyslexia. Although he never revealed his exact grades, he did not do well enough to study psychology at university.

However, as life unfolded, a new path pushed her towards a career in television, landing her a role hosting the ITV Saturday morning children’s show. ‘ Ministry of Chaos’ . This led to her most notable performance as a host ‘ This morning’ .

Cheryl

Iconic girl group member and solo artist Cheryl went to school in Newcastle. However, the former Girls Aloud singer left without getting a single GCSE.

Speaking to the Huffington Post, Cheryl said: “For those who did well in their GCSEs or even managed to pass, their world is about to change. Maybe they’re about to take up a place at university to study their chosen subjects or maybe they’ve got their dream job either way, it’s a time for celebration.”

Ryan Gosling

After turning 17, Ryan Gosling decided to drop out of Lester B. Pearson High School and moved from Canada to LA to pursue his acting career. When Gosling turned 12, he tasted some Hollywood fame when he joined Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club as a cast member. However, his big break came from The Notebook.

Adele

Adele is one of the biggest recording stars in the world – and she didn’t need a degree to get where she is.

While attending the prestigious BRIT School in London, she failed to achieve any A-Levels. Instead, she released four studio albums and won many awards around the world, including 16 Grammys.

Gemma Collins

Reality TV star Gemma Collins left school at 16. After leaving school with a ‘U’ in maths, Gemma was undisturbed.

Speaking to YOU ​​magazine, she admitted: “I remember sitting in the exam room for GCSE maths and thinking, ‘I’m going to be famous, I don’t need maths. What I really need is to go to Romford High Street and buy new shoes.”

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz dropped out of high school at the age of 16 to pursue modeling full-time. She soon landed her first acting gig in The Mask and is now famous for her roles in Shrek, There’s Something About Mary and Charlie’s Angels.