Bristol man saved £8,000 worth of tips to help fund GCSE support
GCSE Boost will take place tonight in Aerospace Bristol
Last updated 18th Mar 2025
GCSE Boost is an in person event designed to help Bristol's year 11's prepare for the exam season, offering inspiration as well as informative content to families, with advise how to be successful in their GCSE's
On the 13th March, a parents and carers element to the event, called How to best support your child through their GCSE's. It also aims to open the doors and start conversations with local employers, allowing Year 11 students the chance to meet and talk to potential prospects in the world of work.
We have been speaking to the founder, Junior Saunders, about his story, ahead of tonight's event.
"I didn't have a linear education experience. I grew up in care, going through many different trials and tribulations"
"I am going to have to take action myself. If I want something to happen for these thousands of young people I'm working with on a daily basis."
“As someone who had a challenging childhood and school life, being excluded from four different schools and growing up in foster care, without the essential support of dedicated teachers I would not have been able to complete this key stage of learning."
Junior opened up about how although education and tutoring id the focus of GCSE boost, mental health advice and Nutritional help is also crucial.
"When we came out of COVID, I recognised that mental health was rife within the young people I was working with"
"I think the learners are looking for authenticity; bridged with vulnerability and trust. I think they are the key ingredients to allow those students to see their self worth."
“I know how it feels to be disillusioned and worried about exams, and the increasing pressure young people are facing today, that’s why I want GSCE Boost to give all attendees the chance to feel better across their exam period and see that there are lots of opportunities out there that are accessible to them after leaving school. GCSE Boost is set to become an annual event, meaning that future generations of young people from across the region will benefit from this essential boost.”