With SATs week for KS2 children behind us, don’t forget that school success eluded many famous individuals. As we wind down from another SATs week for KS2 pupils across the UK, it’s a great moment to reflect on the varied paths to success and how school performance doesn’t always predict future accomplishments.
“Stephen has glaring faults and they have certainly glared at us this term.”
“Is a constant trouble to everybody and is always in some scrape or other. He cannot be trusted to behave himself anywhere.”
“Certainly on the road to failure… hopeless… rather a clown in class… wasting other pupils’ time.”
“He must devote less of his time to sport if he wants to be a success. You can’t make a living out of football.”
“He will be a disgrace to himself and all his family.”
“Will never amount to anything.”
“Too much talk at school.”
“She will never be successful.”
“It would seem that Briers thinks he is running the school and not me. If this attitude persists, one of us will have to leave.”
“He will either go to prison or become a millionaire.”
These reports remind us that the road to success is not always paved with academic accolades. The candid and often brutally honest school reports of the past did not mince words, offering a stark contrast to today’s more nurturing and supportive feedback.
As educators and supporters of learning at Monster Phonics, we embrace all types of learners—those who excel within the academic system and those who find their way later. In our shared journey under one sky, let’s remember that potential is vast and not always evident in school reports. The next great mind or talent could very well be developing in someone whose abilities are not captured by traditional measures.
Well done to all children and schools for surviving another SATs week!
Ian Connors