Pupils at Ely College were surprised to receive ‘good luck’ envelopes from their parents and teachers ahead of their GCSE exams.

Ely Standard: Good luck envelopes were handed out during the last Year 11 assembly with secret notes from students' families and Ely College staff.Good luck envelopes were handed out during the last Year 11 assembly with secret notes from students' families and Ely College staff. (Image: Archant)

Pupils at Ely College were surprised to receive ‘good luck’ envelopes from their parents and teachers ahead of their GCSE exams.

Principal Richard Spencer also wrote a letter home to Year 11 students saying how proud the college community was of students’ resilience, positive attitude and hard work.

He wrote: “The outcome of an exam doesn’t define your worth as a person.

Ely Standard: Good luck envelopes were handed out during the last Year 11 assembly with secret notes from students' families and Ely College staff.Good luck envelopes were handed out during the last Year 11 assembly with secret notes from students' families and Ely College staff. (Image: Archant)

“Life will test you in many ways - this is just one. But your approach to them can say something powerful about your character… Year 11, we are very proud of you.”

A school spokesman added: “Exam season is upon us and our young people have been studying hard as they focus on revision.

“With teachers giving up their spare time to offer holiday revision boosters and regular afterschool support clubs, students are well prepared for the ‘final push’ as GCSEs commence this week.

“The ‘good luck’ letters coincide with the nationwide Mental Health Awareness Week which runs until May 20 and this year focuses on ‘stress’.

“Having partnered up with local charity Talking FreEly earlier this year, our PLEDGES days encourage an open dialogue about mental health and wellbeing, and the school has recently introduced free porridge as part of a breakfast service.”