GCSE pupils' celebrity exam boost

Pupils sitting their GCSEs have received over 50 messages of good luck from celebrities after their head wrote to them for inspiration.

A-list actress Keira Knightley, Dame Kelly Holmes and Sir Alan Sugar were among those to send messages and photos to Arthur Mellows Village College.

Head Mike Sandeman said they had been made into a "wall of inspiration".

He contacted over 300 people considered role models by students at the school in Glinton, near Peterborough.

The wall, which is just outside the exam hall, had "made a real difference to pupils" at this crucial time, Mr Sandeman said.

"It's created a real buzz.

"Some very well-known role models have taken the time and we want them to realise what a difference this makes.

"It hasn't changed the whole approach of the students towards their exams, but even if it inspires one pupil, it is worth it."

'Busy'

Other celebrities who responded include actor Colin Firth, entertainer Bruce Forsyth and chef Gordon Ramsay.

"Sir Alan Sugar took the time to send a personal message, and there can be no busier person at the moment."

Prime minister Gordon Brown and the other party leaders also responded, he said.

But Mr Sandeman said some agents replied saying their clients did not respond to such requests as they were "too busy".

After speaking to pupils the head broadened out the range of celebrities contacted.

"We must be careful not to imprint our own views on pupils," Mr Sandeman said.

"These are their role models, and this is about finding good role models in all echelons."

Every celebrity who replied will be sent a picture of the wall created.

And the school promised that any messages and photos would not be auctioned or sold and would remain at the school.

Offers of cash from female teachers for Colin Firth's signed photo had to be turned down, Mr Sandeman said.

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