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MAKE THE GRADE

From Cheryl to Gemma Collins, these celebs got rubbish GCSEs but went on to become millionaires

IT'S that fateful time of year again - students across the country will receive their GCSE results after two years of hard work.

It can be a stressful time for many, especially if your results don't match up to your expectations.

 Students will open their GCSE results today
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Students will open their GCSE results todayCredit: Pacemaker Press

If you were hoping for straight As and ended up with far worse or missed out on a place at sixth form or college because of your results, it can be difficult to know what to do next.

Luckily, there are loads of famous faces who have been in the same situation and went on to achieve great things, eventually becoming some of the UK's most beloved stars.

These are the big names who didn't pass their GCSEs with flying colours but went on to be successful anyway.

Cheryl

 Former Girls Aloud singer and X Factor judge Cheryl grew up on a Newcastle council estate
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Former Girls Aloud singer and X Factor judge Cheryl grew up on a Newcastle council estateCredit: Getty - Contributor

The former Girls Aloud singer has had dozens of chart-topping hits, but before she became a glamorous singer and TV star, Cheryl had a 'tough' upbringing in Newcastle.

Mum-of-one Cheryl left school with no GCSEs but didn't let her lack of qualifications hold her back, choosing instead to pursue a career in music and dance instead.

In a Huffington Post blog in 2012, Cheryl said: "For those who did well with their GCSEs, or even managed to just scrape by, their world is about to change.

"Maybe they're about to take up a place at college to study their chosen subjects, or maybe they have their dream job lined up. Either way it's a time for celebration."

Estimated net worth: £20 million

Gemma Collins

 Gemma Collins wasn't a straight A student, but found success on reality TV
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Gemma Collins wasn't a straight A student, but found success on reality TVCredit: Instagram

From starting in The Only Way is Essex to advertising everything form plus-size clothing to low-price holidays, Gemma Collins has plenty of strings to her bow.

But the bubbly TV personality didn't reach the same level of success at school.

She left school at 16 with a U in GCSE maths - but the grades didn't faze her.

Gemma told : "I remember sitting in the exam room for my maths GCSE and thinking, 'I’m going to be famous, I don’t need maths. What I really need is to go down Romford High Street and buy new shoes.'"

Estimated net worth: £2.7 million

Robbie Williams

 Robbie Williams didn't do well at school
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Robbie Williams didn't do well at schoolCredit: Rex Features
 Robbie was previously a judge on The X Factor
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Robbie was previously a judge on The X FactorCredit: Rex Features

Before he became one of the nation's favourite heartthrobs in the 90s, Robbie Williams was less successful in his academic pursuits.

Robbie, who is now worth £85 million, left school with no qualifications - but probably didn't feel too terrible about it at the time as he was offered a place in boyband Take That on the same day.

revealed a dossier signed by the singer that said his other career prospects might involve 'sales, social work or hotel management' if he didn't pursue music.

Estimated net worth: £245 million

Scarlett Moffatt

 It took Scarlett Moffatt several attempts to achieve the results she wanted
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It took Scarlett Moffatt several attempts to achieve the results she wantedCredit: Instagram

Scarlett Moffatt is a beloved television star with presenting credits including the National TV Awards, a best-selling fitness DVD and two books under her belt.

But during her schooldays, Scarlett struggled to get the grades she wanted.

In 2016, she tweeted: "Good luck everyone! Don’t panic, it took me 3 attempts to finally pass Maths to get into University. Just don’t give up!"

Estimated net worth: £1 million

Simon Cowell

 Simon Cowell is now one of the most famous faces on television
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Simon Cowell is now one of the most famous faces on televisionCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Simon started his career in the mail room of record label EMI
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Simon started his career in the mail room of record label EMICredit: Splash News

Before he created some of the most successful singing competitions ever, including The X Factor, Pop Idol, America and Britain's Got Talent, Simon flunked his school exams.

The music industry mogul, 60, has just one O Level, which is equivalent to a GCSE.

He got his first big break by working in the mailroom at his dad's record label, EMI, before being promoted to talent scout and crawling his way to the top.

Estimated net worth: £385 million

Olly Murs

 Olly Murs told fans on Twitter not to worry about their GCSE results
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Olly Murs told fans on Twitter not to worry about their GCSE resultsCredit: Getty - Contributor

Former X Factor winner Olly Murs admitted he wasn't a straight A student at school.

His highest grades were a B in English and a C in art.

He received Ds in PE, maths, geography, graphic products, French and English literature, and an E for science.

Olly told his Twitter followers: "Wow it’s GCSE results today! Don’t be scared, Don’t be worried!

"These results will not define you as a person or predict your future! To make you feel better check mine out if you believe you can achieve!”

Estimated net worth: £4.5 million

Kate Moss

 Kate Moss didn't get straight As at school
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Kate Moss didn't get straight As at schoolCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The high-flying super model is worth an estimated $80 million, making her one of the highest paid models in the world.

But as a teen, the model failed to do well at school.

Kate left Riddlesdown High School with eight GCSEs, achieving a respectable C in science and Ds or worse in all her other subjects.

Meanwhile, find out what Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and the rest of the royals got in their GCSEs.

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