Think you know a lot about Dickens? Then who's this Herbert character?
All parents and teachers know this, which is what made last week so very unusual. The English paper set by one of the main examining boards has a character question that encourages pupils to engage deeply with someone in the key text. It might not be the main character, but usually it will be one you've heard of.
In Great Expectations, however, they chose Herbert. Maybe you're familiar with the story – there's a hero, there's a love interest, there's an eccentric benefactor, and there's a villain who only appears twice but is very colourful. None of these people are Herbert. There's a kindly father figure, a mother figure, a random bad guy, a merchant and a gold-digger, and, again, none of these are Herbert.
Herbert is a nobody. He's the guy in the wedding photo whose name people can't remember by the 10th anniversary. He is – in the modern parlance – not A Thing. Shoehorning everything, or even anything you know about Great Expectations, through the character of Herbert is like trying to explain photosynthesis using a fingernail and some gravel. It's been the talk of the town. I walked into a Starbucks and overheard two people of about my age going: 'Who the hell is Herbert?' This is probably the most talked-about Herbert has ever been.
So, a great day for him, but a disaster for everyone else.
Zoe Williams is a Guardian columnist
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Wales Online
24 minutes ago
- Wales Online
GCSE results 2025 see 21.9 per cent getting top grades
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Wales Online
24 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Top grades at GCSE in Wales rise as 2025 results are published
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Congratulations to you all on what you have achieved today." Article continues below Philip Blaker, chief executive at Qualifications Wales thanked all involved in exams and told teenagers getting results: 'I hope you got the grades that you wanted. If not, don't worry. There's lots of information and support available to you. "Your school or college can help you with advice and guidance, and there's information on the Qualifications Wales website with links to organisations that can provide further support.'
The Independent
24 minutes ago
- The Independent
How to appeal your grades on GCSE results day
Pupils in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will receive their GCSE and Level 2 vocational qualification results on Thursday, which are crucial for progression to further education or training. England uses a numerical grading system (9-1), while Northern Ireland and Wales retain variations of the A*-G scale. A government pilot will see over 95,000 GCSE students in England receive their results via the new EducationRecord app, in addition to traditional paper results. Exam aids, such as formulae and equation sheets, have been provided in certain subjects since 2022 due to the impact of Covid-19 and will continue until 2027. Students who are unhappy with their grades have options, including requesting a review or appeal, resitting exams, or discussing flexibility with their chosen educational institutions. Any student should discuss these options with their school or college.
