Thousands of teenagers across the UK will be waking up and heading into school to collect their GCSE results today.
Results day is by far one of the most important (and stressful) days of any student’s education, with all the hard work they’ve put in over the last two years finally coming to an end, opening the door to the future and setting them on the path towards the rest of their lives.
But how would us ‘grown-ups’ fare if we were faced with our GCSEs again today?
Whether you knew them as O-Levels, CSEs, the current GCSEs, or something else entirely, most of us would probably run for the hills if we were presented with the opportunity to flash-back to being 16 and have a go at sitting our final exams again, but in the current day… and nothing proves this to be true more than the findings from this recent study.
Ahead of the big day, online distance learning provider, Open Study College, surveyed the nation to find out just how many adults think they could realistically pass their GCSEs if they were to take them today.
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79% of UK adults reckon they wouldn’t pass their GCSE exams if they took them today / Credit: Unseen Studio (via Unsplash)
Surprisingly, as little as 21% of the respondents believed they would be successful, which leaves a whopping 79% of adults thinking they’d miss the mark.
Even more surprisingly, only a quarter (24%) think they’d pass the SATs taken in primary school.
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On the other side of the spectrum, a further 20% of those surveyed believed they would, in fact, get better results if they were to sit their exams today than they did back when they were actually 15 or 16, while 80% believed they would receive similar or worse results.
When it comes to the subjects UK adults said they would struggle with the most, maths and algebra came out on top at 80%, followed by chemistry at 66%, English language at 43%, and the basic concept of essay writing at 46%.
66% admitted they don’t use any of the skills taught in school in their day-to-day adult life.
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Samantha Rutter Bryant, who is the founder and CEO of Open Study College, said there is “so much pressure” placed on young people ahead of results day, adding: “While it is, of course, a very important time, it’s somewhat comforting to know that successful adults might even struggle with the school-aged exams.”
Good luck to anyone getting their results today… we couldn’t do what you’ve done (clearly).
Featured Image – MChe Lee (via Unsplash)
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The hearing over Manchester City’s 115 FFP charges will officially start next week
Danny Jones
After more than a year of speculation as to when proceedings will finally start, it has been confirmed that the hearing regarding Manchester City and their 115 FFP charges is set to begin next week.
Man City were first slapped with the laundry list of alleged breaches of FFP (financial fair play) and failure to comply with Premier League rules on profit and sustainability (PSR) back in February 2023, but little movement on the case has been reported since then.
In that time, they also won the coveted Treble and their record-breaking fourth league title in a row; meanwhile, the club have continued to deny all claims of rule-breaking.
However, it has now been revealed that City‘s hearing will now kick off on Monday, 16 September.
BREAKING: The hearing over Manchester City's 115 charges will start on Monday 🚨 pic.twitter.com/9ujOCryVMF
As explained in various reports, given the extended nature of the claims made against the Manchester side, it is estimated that the case could run on for up to two months if not longer.
Furthermore, it is thought a decision isn’t expected to arrive until spring 2025 – again, this is simply due to the number of charges brought up over the best part of a decade.
In case you need a refresher, the allegations levelled at Man City date back to 2009 and concern a supposed nine years of financial irregularities, as well as subverting UEFA FFP rules.
Some of the accusations made against them also include failing to cooperate with the European football body and the Premier League, as well as offering ‘secret contracts’ so as to pay one particular manager a larger sum than what they recorded in their financial statements.
The final verdict, whenever it is reached, will be handed down by an independent commission and City will still be able to make an official appeal.
It goes without saying that were they to be found guilty, it would be the biggest financial scandal in English football history and could be seismic for the future of money in the sport and regulations surrounding ownership, which have already grown tighter following the charges being issued.
And in case you needed a more detailed refresher on what exactly they are being tried for and what the possibilities are regarding punishment if found guilty, here’s a quick rundown:
Featured Images — Arne Müseler (via Wikimedia Commons)
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You can live out your cowboy dreams on this northern wagon staycation
Thomas Melia
There’s a staycation in Yorkshire that’s perfect if you were one of those kids obsessed with cowboy hats, horses, and yelling ‘YEEHAW’ in your parents’ faces.
We all know that Haworth is home to some fantastic food, breathtaking views, and fascinating history – and is now housing a 19th century style wagon.
Called Pondenrosa, the American-style covered wagon sleeps two with a king-sized bed and a campfire, making it a great opportunity for couples to trial out glamping together.
This old-timey staycation isn’t stripped back all the way to the days of the Wild West as guests will be provided with a luxury that cowboys never had – an electric blanket.
You can even try your hand at campfire cooking with the retreat offering some complimentary beans to warm your soul.
If you’re no good at cooking or just want someone else to do it for you, Haworth’s main street is only a five minute drive away hosting some proper pub grub to delight your taste buds with.
There’s even a pub called the Wuthering Heights within walking distance a nod to the area’s connection to the Brontes.
You can live out your cowboy dreams on this northern wagon staycation / Credit: Canopy and Stars
After treating yourself to the best home-comfort meals in town, why not stroll along the cobbled street and pop into some local vendors supplying everything from sweets, chocolates and intricate handmade gifts.
It’s not surprising that this cosy West Yorkshire village is inheriting another piece of history, after all it was once the residence of literary greats the Brontës who took great pride in the natural landscape.
It’s not only literary works that Haworth is esteemed for, this small village is bustling with lots of arts and culture with BBC’s ‘Peaky Blinders’ and Channel 5’s ‘All Creature’s Great & Small’ filmed in the Yorkshire dales.
For any keen-eyed music fans, Pink Floyd filmed parts of their 1982 movie musical ‘The Wall’ in Haworth and the surrounding areas such as Keighley – only a 14 minute drive away.
Pondenrosa is a staycation in Yorkshire where you can stay overnight in a wagon / Credit: Canopy and Stars
You’re also only a short trip away from beautiful Hebden Bridge.
However you and the cowboys will have one thing in common – no phone signal, giving you a chance to fully unwind. Sometimes we all need a little digital detox.
So whether you want a chilled holiday or one packed full of mini adventures, why not do it in style… cowboy style.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd August 2024 
