What GCSEs did Bukayo Saka, Molly-Mae and Harry Styles take?

Have you ever wondered if you and your favourite celeb, influencer or reality star have anything in common?

Well guess what… you do! The likes of Bukayo Saka, Asa Butterfield, Harry Styles and Molly-Mae all had to go through school and exams, just like you. But how did they do in their GCSEs, what were their favourite subjects and what are their top tips for getting through it all? Keep reading to find out.

So, where did it all start? What were they like at school, and what subject choices did they choose to help them achieve their dream careers?

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Which GCSEs did these celebrities take and how many did they pass?

Bukayo Saka

I actually got quite good grades. My favourite lesson was obviously PE, but I also liked Business Studies a lot, I got an A* in that.

Name: Bukayo Saka

Profession: Footballer

GCSE Grades: 4 A*s (grade 8/9) and 3 As (grade 7/8)

GCSE Options: English, Maths, Science, Combined Science, Business Studies, RE, PE

Even if you’re not a big football fan, you’ve probably heard of Saka. Whether he’s playing for Arsenal or representing England in the Euros and World Cup, he's one of the brightest stars in world football and arguably Arsenal's most influential player.

Saka’s teachers described him as a “role model student” who worked hard across the board. His favourite subject was of course PE, but he also loved Business Studies!

SAKA’S TOP TIP:

Always put your schoolwork first. Then, you can enjoy other hobbies and passions.

Molly-Mae

Maths and Science, I was so shockingly bad at them. I had to have a tutor in Maths for two years just to scrape the C.

Name: Molly-Mae

Profession: Social media influencer and brand ambassador

GCSE Grades: 3 As (grade 7/8), 3 Bs (grade 5/6) and 3 Cs (grade 4/5)

GCSE Options: English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science, Double Science, Sociology, Art, Drama, Music

Social media is taking over the world and right at the front of it all is creative director and brand ambassador Molly-Mae. Described as the nation’s influencer, Molly is one of the most followed influencers in the UK.

Whilst Molly-Mae did well in her GCSEs, it didn’t come easily. She found school really hard and struggled in particular subject areas.

Alongside her GCSEs, Molly-Mae spent her time competing in beauty pageants including Miss Teen Great Britain. After completing her GCSEs in 2016, Molly-Mae was crowned World Teen Supermodel UK.

MOLLY-MAE’S TOP TIP:

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling with a particular subject, reach out and talk to someone.

Harry Styles

I really loved my school days. I loved music, performing, right the way through school.

Name: Harry Styles

Profession: Musician

GCSE Grades: Unknown

GCSE Options: English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science, Triple Science, Business Studies, Home Technology, Economics

Grab your feather boa because up next is the infamous Harry Styles. Harry rose to fame in one of the best-selling boybands of all time before launching his own successful solo career and label. With six Brit Awards, three Grammy Awards, an Ivor Novello Award, and three American Music Awards, his solo music career really is a chart-topping success.

At school, Harry’s teachers described him as “cheeky” and surrounded by lots of friends! His primary school teacher, Mrs Vernon said, “There was something special, a sparkle, a twinkle in his eye.” He loved everything about school, especially music and performing.

Harry loved music! So much so, he formed a band with his friends, spending all his free time writing and entering local competitions. On completing his GCSEs, he decided to audition for The X Factor at just 16 years old – needless to say, the rest is history!

HARRY'S TOP TIP:

Listen to your teachers. Every teacher has an important lesson to teach – some of which will last a lifetime.

Katie Thistleton

He said to me: 'Oh, you’re really good at writing. You should be a writer.'

Name: Katie Thistleton

Profession: TV and Radio presenter

GCSE Grades: 1 A* (grade 8/9), 2 As (grade 7/8), 4 Bs (grade 5/6) and 2 Cs (grade 4/5)

GCSE Options: English Literature, English Language, Maths, Science, Double Science, Drama, Media, German, IT, Food Tech

Whether she’s presenting for Radio 1, writing her next book, or campaigning for mental health, Katie Thistleton was always destined for a career in media.

During school, Katie had her heart set on becoming a writer, with her number one supporter being her English teacher Mr McCann.

Believe it or not, Katie used to be quite shy at school until she started studying… you guessed it - Drama. After that, there was no stopping her! From making silly sketches with friends, to re-creating her favourite TV shows. It was clear Katie was on the road to a career in front of the camera.

KATIE’S TOP TIP:

Pick subjects you enjoy. If you find the work fun, you’ll want to do it.

Asa Butterfield

I didn’t really study Drama at school — or even like it. Because I did a lot of that outside of school, so I felt this sort of pressure on me that everyone expected me to just be amazing at it.

Name: Asa Butterfield

Profession: Actor

GCSE Grades: 1 A* (grade 8/9), 3 As (grade 7/8) and 6 Bs (grade 5/6)

GCSE Options: English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science, Additional Science, Media Studies, Photography, Geography, Music, Drama

Nominated for three British Independent Film Awards, two Critics’ Choice Awards, two Satum Awards and three Young Artist Awards, Asa Butterfield is the one to watch… literally!

Asa started acting at the age of eight and unlike most child actors who were home-schooled, he went through school in London, just like his peers! Growing up he wanted to be an archaeologist. His favourite subject wasn’t even Drama!

Aside from acting, Asa loved photography, wildlife, making music, and taking part in competitive gaming competitions including the Nintendo World Championships and Genesis 6.

ASA’S TOP TIP:

When things don't go your way, brush it aside and carry on. Every day is a learning day.

Feeling inspired?

Whether it’s Music, Drama, Art and Design, Business Studies or PE, there are lots of options to choose from.

If you’re finding choosing your GCSE and National options hard, try starting with your hobbies and interests. This may lead you to the right subject choices for you.

Ask yourself:

What do you want to do in the future?
What motivates you?
What do you enjoy?
What are your strengths?
What is right for you?

Your GCSE and National options are important, so take the time to talk to your teachers and friends and ask for their advice.