These inspirational famous faces didn't do too well at school, yet still became hugely successful

These inspirational people all did badly at school - but became huge successes

These is a lot of pressure put on students to perform well in their school exams - but if you don't make the grades, it doesn't mean it's the end of the world.

These inspirational famous faces didn't do too well at school, with some dropping out, failing them exams, or leaving with little or no qualifications, yet still became hugely successful. Here are 15 well-known celebrities who made something of themselves, despite not having a great history with academia.

She may now be worth in excess of 40 million GBP, and has been awarded three honorary degrees, but this businesswoman left school without completing her A-levels, instead opting to study business at college.

5. Deborah Meaden

She may now be worth in excess of 40 million GBP, and has been awarded three honorary degrees, but this businesswoman left school without completing her A-levels, instead opting to study business at college.
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After dropping out of school aged 16, Branson went on to set up a student magazine which later led to the creation of Virgin Records. He now has a net worth of around 4.1 billion USD.

6. Richard Branson

After dropping out of school aged 16, Branson went on to set up a student magazine which later led to the creation of Virgin Records. He now has a net worth of around 4.1 billion USD.
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Cowell left school with just a couple of O-levels and began his career working in the mail room at his dad's company, EMI Music Publishing. He went on to become a talent scout and eventually made his name at BMG Records.

7. Simon Cowell

Cowell left school with just a couple of O-levels and began his career working in the mail room at his dad's company, EMI Music Publishing. He went on to become a talent scout and eventually made his name at BMG Records.
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Rejected from every drama school she applied to and told to become a children's TV presenter instead to get more experience, Mulligan didn't let it deter her and is now an Oscar-nominated actress.

8. Carey Mulligan

Rejected from every drama school she applied to and told to become a children's TV presenter instead to get more experience, Mulligan didn't let it deter her and is now an Oscar-nominated actress.
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