Duncan’s story

Duncan was in year 9 when he took part in a Grit workshop as part of an access to university programme.

I’ve always wanted to be an arachnologist but it felt completely impossible, like there was no way I could ever think of becoming one.

Before Grit, I hardly ever came to school. I found learning difficult, didn’t have much confidence and was getting bullied by other students. My self-esteem was very low. It also felt like teachers were picking on me because my handwriting wasn’t very good and they kept bringing it up. People told me I’d probably do badly in my exams, which made me really worried. Reading was difficult too, especially in front of the class, because I’d miss words or start stuttering.

After Grit, I realised that the only thing holding me back was that voice in my head telling me I couldn’t do it. I realised that if I didn’t go to school, I wouldn’t be able to do the things I want to do when I’m older. I started coming to school every day.

Concentrating was probably the thing I struggled with most. Grit taught me some ways to stay focused, and they’ve made a massive difference. Now I finish my homework within two days of getting it. I’m way more focused and organised, and I’m flying through my work. I’ve realised I’m actually good at loads of the subjects I thought I was bad at. I’m even in the top set for Maths now. Outside school, I used to spend nearly all my free time looking at screens. But I’ve cut that right down and don’t use them at all during the week.

I feel much more confident around other people. After standing up and speaking to a group of people I didn’t know in the Grit workshop, I can even read in front of my teachers without panicking.

I actually enjoy school now and get much more involved in lessons. I don’t feel like I’m in the wrong place anymore—I feel like I belong. I’ve made new friends and started going out more too. I feel much better about myself.

I’m totally motivated. It used to feel that everything I wanted to do would be too difficult, to hard, that I didn’t really have many choices. Now I see that although somethings might still be difficult, everything is achievable. I do have choices. I can get to where I want to be.

So, when I think about university, I believe I can get my GCSEs, do my A-levels and make it there. I used to think I wasn’t clever enough. Now University feels like something I can actually do. I spoke to the Student Ambassadors[1], and they told me what it’s actually like. I’m confident I can do it.

Mum and Dad keep telling me how much I’ve improved, and I’m getting loads of good feedback from school too. They say they’re proud of me, and that makes me really happy. Honestly, I couldn’t ask for more.

[1] Current university students supporting the programme and engaging with the young people participating