[Nicola]

I was in that position years ago Shaun - my parents felt I had a lot of academic potential and came down on me if I didn't get the grades expected of me (I've failed exams and been reduced to tears by their reaction to it in school and college), but once I'd got the actual results they were pleased with what I'd managed to achieve - I know I struggled a bit with A-levels but passed, even if it was at low grades and my parents and teachers were satisfied with the overall outcomes. I feel that looking back, I would have been better off going to university after I left college in order to improve my long-term prospects further, then I would have had the career and lifestyle that my parents expected me to have at this point in my life.

I think you should at least get credit for passing and getting an A, I remember when I did my GCSE's and A-levels I seemed to get moaned at more for what I'd failed rather than being praised for what I'd passed. Good luck with the resits anyway, I know I would have taken that opportunity to really work at them and prove myself to my parents and teachers.