School's out

Dear Suzie,

I've got my GCSEs next year and I am really worried. I am not clever and can't concentrate in class and always get in trouble with the teachers. If it wasn't for my foster dad who is really strict I wouldn't even bother going.

Michael, 14, Scunthorpe

Suzie's answer

You're lucky - you've got the first essential ingredient to help you succeed: a carer who cares and is prepared to put their foot down. I can believe you find it hard to concentrate but "not clever"? Nonsense! Ok Michael - here's what you should do. You should tell your lovely, strict foster dad how hard you find it and ask him to back you up by asking your teachers to come up with a work plan that supports your learning. Then, you're going to do brilliantly at those exams next year - write and tell me how you did!