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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Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
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Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd August 2024 
