TalentPool’s MD Adam shares a personal story of resilience and determination, about his son Charlie.
Last week, our son Charlie passed his English Language GCSE (a year early!) The plan was simple: If he could pass, it would free up time for him to focus on his other 5 core subjects. The reality is something much bigger and his achievement hasn’t really sunk in yet.
Charlie achieved a Grade 5 in English Language, the first part of two English GCSEs, with the second one coming up next year.
For context: Charlie was diagnosed with dyslexia at a very young age and awarded an Educational Healthcare Plan (EHCP) in Year 1 of primary school. Like me, he’s had to carry a label that often feels like a badge no one wants to wear (and yet crazily it’s still a feeling us dyslexics continue to carry). On top of this, he also has a developmental language disorder – which means he struggles with retention, processing with severe visual distress.
At first, we were told he was just a bit “lazy.” But Charlie has always “loved school – just not the learning bit” (his words). We knew something deeper was holding him back.
If you’re a parent of a child with a learning difficulty, you’ll know securing an EHCP is no easy feat. Council budgets are under intense pressure, so the fact he received one so early on gives you some idea of the battle he has faced and continues to face to get here.
And let’s not forget: Charlie is one of the youngest in his year group (he only turned 15 at the end of July)… and he’s taken this exam a year ahead of schedule.
So why share this here and so publicly?
Of course, I’m proud beyond words. But more than that, this is about resilience. About a child who has faced adversity at every step of his schooling journey, who has fought day in, day out to achieve something that feels like an A++
For any parent in the middle of an EHCP battle right now: Keep pushing, Trust your instincts, and don’t take No for an answer. Seek second opinions if you need to. It isn’t always easy, and it isn’t always cheap, but it can change everything.
Finally, I want to thank the incredible teaching staff (past and present) who have supported Charlie at every step and you know who you are – and my wife, who’s been his rock through some very tough, sometimes dark, moments.
Sharing this isn’t just about Charlie, it’s about giving hope and strength to parents and of course the children who are still in the trenches and showing that persistence does move the dial!
We have always asked our boys to be kind, work hard and try your very best. No matter whether you are striving to pass your GCSE English, going for a new job, or trying to grow a business. I think these are always a good reminder.
Cheers Charlie, this one’s for you!