We all know about Einstein. Who else has succeeded despite school day stumbles?
As A Level results arrive, we celebrate the cultural figures who stumbled in their school days only to achieve astonishing success later
Carey Mulligan in 'An Education'
Don't panic about A-level results. Great grades aren't the only route to reaching your dreams. And sometimes a deviation from your planned academic course can kickstart the next big adventure. We all know about Einstein's dyslexia and Bill Gates dropping out of Harvard, but plenty of creatives and leading cultural figures overcame stumbles during their school days.
1. J.K Rowling
It's hard to believe the creator of one of the world's biggest franchises ever did struggle. However, the start of Rowling's literature career path was far from smooth. She failed to gain a place at Oxford, where she had so desperately longed to go. Seven books, eight films, two wizarding worlds and a play later, we reckon she's outshining all those people who happily sailed into their first choice uni.
2. Benedict Cumberbatch
Cumberbatch is renowned for his suave theatre presence, cinematic successes and television leading roles. His school days were not so well-rounded, however. The Sherlock star recently revealed how there was 'a lot of pressure on [him] to achieve an Oxbridge level of brilliance at A-levels'. The London-born actor ended up going to Manchester University to pursue a degree in Drama, leading him to his shiny acting career.
3. Jon Snow
The original Jon Snow (whose career pre-dates Kit Harington) is an authority on all things current affairs. Renowned nation-wide for his work in journalism, Snow shows that school exams are not always the only measure of capability and intellect. The newscaster failed his A-levels not just once, but twice.
4. Damien Hirst
He's the divisive darling of the Modern Art world, with a Turner Prize, an eponymous gallery and a fortune of £215 million. Not bad for someone who was awarded an E in A Level art.
5. Steven Spielberg
Jaws, E.T, Schindler’s List, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park; Spielberg’s work reads like a ‘top classic movies’ list. Despite now being one of the most famous directors to date, his career started with a few bumps along the way. He was rejected by the University of Southern California School of Film, Theater and Television three times. Yes, three.
6. Jeremy Corbyn
The Leader of the Opposition finished school with just two E grades to his name. He is now one of the top political figures of our country, and has a keen interest in literature and lecturing. If this isn’t an example of A-level results not defining your career or cultural intellect, what is?
7. Lorraine Candy
ELLE is the biggest-selling fashion magazine on the market. Lorraine Candy worked her way up to being the UK edition's editor-in-chief, attending fashion shows across the globe and making a name for herself in the industry, all without an A-level qualification to her name.
8. Carey Mulligan
With an oscar nomination to her name, Carey Mulligan (Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice) has an enviable acting career, but drama schools couldn't quite see her talent from the start. 'I was rejected from every drama school'.
1. J.K Rowling
It's hard to believe the creator of one of the world's biggest franchises ever did struggle. However, the start of Rowling's literature career path was far from smooth. She failed to gain a place at Oxford, where she had so desperately longed to go. Seven books, eight films, two wizarding worlds and a play later, we reckon she's outshining all those people who happily sailed into their first choice uni.
2. Benedict Cumberbatch
Cumberbatch is renowned for his suave theatre presence, cinematic successes and television leading roles. His school days were not so well-rounded, however. The Sherlock star recently revealed how there was 'a lot of pressure on [him] to achieve an Oxbridge level of brilliance at A-levels'. The London-born actor ended up going to Manchester University to pursue a degree in Drama, leading him to his shiny acting career.
3. Jon Snow
The original Jon Snow (whose career pre-dates Kit Harington) is an authority on all things current affairs. Renowned nation-wide for his work in journalism, Snow shows that school exams are not always the only measure of capability and intellect. The newscaster failed his A-levels not just once, but twice.
4. Damien Hirst
He's the divisive darling of the Modern Art world, with a Turner Prize, an eponymous gallery and a fortune of £215 million. Not bad for someone who was awarded an E in A Level art.
5. Steven Spielberg
Jaws, E.T, Schindler’s List, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park; Spielberg’s work reads like a ‘top classic movies’ list. Despite now being one of the most famous directors to date, his career started with a few bumps along the way. He was rejected by the University of Southern California School of Film, Theater and Television three times. Yes, three.
6. Jeremy Corbyn
The Leader of the Opposition finished school with just two E grades to his name. He is now one of the top political figures of our country, and has a keen interest in literature and lecturing. If this isn’t an example of A-level results not defining your career or cultural intellect, what is?
7. Lorraine Candy
ELLE is the biggest-selling fashion magazine on the market. Lorraine Candy worked her way up to being the UK edition's editor-in-chief, attending fashion shows across the globe and making a name for herself in the industry, all without an A-level qualification to her name.
8. Carey Mulligan
With an oscar nomination to her name, Carey Mulligan (Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice) has an enviable acting career, but drama schools couldn't quite see her talent from the start. 'I was rejected from every drama school'.
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