Jeremy Clarkson has proven true to form and continued his tradition of sharing his story of success on A-level results day.
For years, he has taken it upon himself to assure disheartened teenagers that good grades do not equal a prosperous future by reminding them of his own career and wealth.
“Don’t worry if your A-level results are disappointing. I got a C and two Us, and I’m currently holidaying on this boat,” he tweeted, along with a picture of a boat deck with picturesque mountains in the background.
Don’t worry if your A level results are disappointing. I got a C and 2 Us and I’m currently holidaying on this boat. pic.twitter.com/f7BQxi86wS
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) August 18, 2022
The former Top Gear host was not the only celebrity to reach out to students; the sports presenter Jake Humphrey has also used his tale of A-level “failure” to encourage the younger generation.
Sharing a picture of his No 1 Sunday Times bestseller book, High Performance, he tweeted: “Not a bad book for an A-level failure, if I do say so myself.”
Not a bad book for an a-level failure, if I do say so myself 😜 https://t.co/ZZ5rPZ1EDk
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) August 18, 2022
The chef Gordon Ramsay, who has five children, has attempted to ease the burden of results day with free food.
The restaurateur invited those who had been anxiously waiting for results to head down to Street Pizza in Southwark, London, for a meal on the house.
“I’m going to help you celebrate by cooking the most amazing pizzas on the house,” he said in a video.
“Honestly, I know it’s been a tough two years. So well done, and trust me, it’s not always about the A*s. It’s about understanding who you are.”
Massive well done to everyone collecting their #ALevel results today !! Celebrate with pizza on me at Street Pizza Southwark from 11:30am! Gx pic.twitter.com/mQ0tA3EgHy
— Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) August 18, 2022
The astronaut Tim Peake shared his own words of encouragement, admitting his results were not what he’d hope for.
“Congratulations to everyone who got the A-level/T-level/BTec results they wanted this morning,” he tweeted.
“Don’t be too disappointed if you didn’t – mine weren’t what I hoped for but if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything.”
Congratulations to everyone who got the A’level/T’level/B Tech results they wanted this morning. Don’t be too disappointed if you didn’t - mine weren’t what I hoped for but if you put your mind to it you can achieve anything. pic.twitter.com/CX96NgLwBx
— Tim Peake (@astro_timpeake) August 18, 2022
A-level grades have fallen since last year yet remain higher than results achieved pre-pandemic in 2019.
They had been expected to be lower than those in 2020, when the pandemic forced an upheaval of the education system and teachers assessed their students to arrive at a final grade.
However, as examinations returned this year, the proportion of As and A*s awarded has tumbled.
Top grades in England, Northern Ireland and Wales fell 8.4 percentage points on last year’s record results, while A*s alone decreased by 4.5 points.
