Thousands of students are facing a day of elation or disappointment as they receive their A-level results. But for Sarah Hughes, now the CEO of the mental health charity Mind, it was perseverance, self-belief, and passion that propelled her to the top.
Thirty years ago, Sarah was crushed when she didn’t achieve the grades she needed to get into her desired university course. “I was devastated,” she recalls of that day when she received her BCD instead of the BCC needed to study social policy and social work at the University of Hull. Sitting with her father, she navigated the tough 48 hours that followed, unsure if she’d secure a place in clearing.
Despite the anxiety, Sarah’s determination and passion for her chosen field shone through. She eventually convinced the university to offer her a place. This pivotal moment was a stepping stone in her career, leading her to become a leader in the mental health sector.
Sarah, now 49 and living in Cambridgeshire, reflects on how the support of family and friends helped her during those uncertain days. “It was my network that got me through.”
Her academic struggles didn’t deter her from chasing her dreams. “I failed GCSE maths twice, and I’m not particularly academic. But I just kept going,” she admits. That perseverance has served her well, culminating in her appointment as CEO of Mind in 2023 and an honorary doctorate from the University of Hull in July 2024 for her contributions to mental health.
Sarah encourages students to look beyond today. “It’s a big day, but it isn’t the rest of your life,” she says. Her advice for aspiring leaders? “Have a vision, believe in yourself, and draw on the support around you. Follow your passion, try, fail, and keep going.”
As she looks back on her journey, Sarah Hughes is living proof that grades do not define a person’s success, but resilience and dedication do.
