Rightio - I suppose my question is somewhat void because I am currently only in year eleven and therefore thinking well ahead, and I think I know the answer to my question anyway. However! I am only after a bit of reassurance, so I hope you'll forgive me.
My GCSE results are likely to be considerably lower than they ought to be, since I missed three years of school due to mental illness (without going into too much detail, I have Tourette Syndrome and some related disorders, and was severely discriminated against when I started high school by the majority of the staff, who chose to ignore the advice of educational psychologists and other professionals, instead punishing me for my difficulties. This, on top of issues that already existed due to a 'unique' home life, led me to some severe mental problems, including depression and school phobia; I stopped attending school in year eight). I've been studying at a pupil referral unit since September and am predicted mostly Bs and Cs in my GCSEs, along with one A and a couple of Ds. These grade predictions are somewhat conservative, as my teachers had to make them shortly after I had joined, before they had any idea what I might be capable of. Realistically, I think I can expect about four or five A*s, and the rest considerably lower, though there's a high chance that I won't achieve this.
I really (really really really) want to read English at Cambridge. I'm completely in love with the place and the course! I've chosen A levels in English lit., History, Philosophy and Drama/Theatre Studies.
I suppose my question is, if I don't achieve perfect results in my GCSEs (and I know that GCSEs aren't the most important things in the world, so don't tell me that), will I be eligible to apply via the special access scheme? Or is it only valid if your education was interrupted during sixth form?
I know I'm being stupid, and that if they don't take three years of no school into consideration then... they're really weird. I just need reassuring. I'm also aware that I have plenty of time yet, that there's no need to be thinking about University just yet, that I should go away and revise, blah blah blah. So don't tell me that, either.
Thanks!