Cherry Farrington says don't let grades define you.

Results day. My build up to it was months of coursework and exams all interwoven with a series of sleepless nights; followed by two months of silence as I awaited my grades. Over this time teachers drilled into me the importance of these exams and on results day I walked into school with the weight of their expectation on my shoulders. My own hopes were heavy in my heart too, as I had bought into the belief that this was a life-changing moment. That the grades on the piece of paper I was given would accurately represent my intelligence and ability to achieve in life, thereby determining my future career and successes.

In school, I was viewed as 'academic'. Teachers liked me, most of the time! I did my homework, I studied, I stayed up late revising and I achieved high exam results. I worked hard to try my best to please my teachers and family. However on results day, despite my achievements, I learnt my hard work still wasn't good enough for everyone. Some people were disappointed I didn't achieve higher grades. Others whom I had hoped would finally be interested in me because of what I had achieved, didn't even take notice. The people around me who were truly happy for me that day were those who had recognised my abilities long before I had a qualification to prove them.

Four years on from my A-levels and I have come to learn that my talents and capabilities far outstretch the mark on a paper. My ability to understand, to learn, to grow my mind and use it to help others, to love and change the world around me cannot be scored through an essay. I have learnt that life-changing moments do not come simply in the form of exam results, nor in the acceptance, admiration or affirmation of others.

Instead, these moments have come, as I have been willing to step outside of my comfort-zone and say yes to the unexpected opportunities that I believe God has given me, to use my gifts and talents. This has been in ways I would never have planned for had I just worked within my own plans and the limits of my school qualifications.

None of that means that education and exam results don't matter. They do. When teachers, parents, mentors and others around you push you to work hard and do your best, it's because they know your education matters and they want you to get the most out of it. They want you to be your best and for you to succeed.

However, don't get caught up in the lie that your grades define you and your future. That A* won't bring you a lifetime of success and a U doesn't make you a failure.

Maybe your results were higher than you expected. Maybe they were just what you hoped for. Maybe you are disappointed with them. Maybe you just don't care because you've given up working for a grade you never seem able to reach. Maybe there have been other things in life that have diverted your energy and time away from school and it all seems a waste of time.

I don't know your results, what you hoped for, nor what you achieved. Regardless of whether you are celebrating or re-thinking your future in the wake of exam results though, know that the extent of your potential, intelligence and abilities cannot be summed up and are not limited by the marks of several exams. Your results matter, but don't be defined by them, for you are far more than a grade.