Post by Sofiya Aichaoui

Sharing the not-so-glamorous side of A-Level study. Coming from a working-class family where school wasn’t a big focus and no one around me had done A-Levels, I wasn’t fully prepared for the intensity of it all. During my GCSEs, I didn’t revise much and never really learned proper study techniques — something that’s made A-Levels feel like a massive leap. Yesterday, it all became too overwhelming. I broke down under the weight of the workload, the overdue homework, the disorganised notes, and the pressure I put on myself. But today, I took a step forward. I sorted out all my folders and papers, tackled the backlog of work, and made a realistic study plan to help me regain control. A-Levels are difficult — there’s no denying that. But they’re also just one step on the journey toward something greater. Sometimes, dropping out can feel like the easiest way out. But I’m learning that perseverance and resilience are key. You have to keep showing up, even on the tough days — especially on the tough days. To anyone else struggling: you’re not alone. Keep going.