One of the worst fears of a child growing up is when the report card comes through the letter box for their parents.

Some children would try and hide the dreaded card which held the fate of their future joy or misery.

This one piece of paper would decide if you were grounded for months or not.

Students question their teachers motives – “Mr. Smyth hates me and I don’t know why?”

Teachers argue that they are being brutally honest to lead their students down the right path.

It seems the days of teachers critiquing their pupils are over – teachers worry that parents will complain to the Principal about their truthful words or abuse them at the parent/teacher meetings.

Another worry is that pupils will rebel and gang up on the teacher in question.

School leaders once had the power to literally slap kids on the wrists for any wrongdoing but these days are long gone.

Schools genuinely admit that report cards are their for encouragement and not to belittle any self confidence the student may or may not have.

For those of you who received a bad school report as a child remember you weren’t the only one – the following list of people went on to become successful in their respective careers.

What their teachers said:

WB Yeats – late 1870s

“Only fair. Perhaps better in Latin than in any other subject. Very poor in spelling.”

John Lennon

“Hopeless. Certainly on the road to failure. Rather a clown in class and wasting other pupils’ time.”

Adolf Hitler – 1905 secondary school report

“Moral conduct, very satisfactory; Diligence, irregular; Gymnastics, excellent.”

Charlotte Bronte

“She writes indifferently and knows nothing of grammar.”

Joan Collins – Royal Acadamy of Dramatic Art

“She seems to lack the confidence to project and make the most of the voice she does possess. With so much in her favour the student is hampered by weakness of voice. Otherwise it will be ‘the films’ for her, and that would be such a pity.”

Stephen Fry - Uppingham School. Headmaster’s report

“He has glaring faults and they have certainly glared at us this term. English: Bottom, rightly. Not a happy figure, I fear.” (Stephen was subsequently expelled from Uppingham School in 1972.)

Princess Diana - West Heath School, Kent

“She must try to be less emotional in her dealings with others.”

Dame Judy Dench – The Mount School, York

“Judi would be a very good pupil if she lived in this world.”

Ian Fleming (James Bond creator) – Sandhurst

“Ought to make an excellent soldier, provided always that the ladies don’t ruin him.” (Fleming had to leave Sandhurst when he contracted gonorrhea)

Margaret Thatcher – Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School

Her cheeriness makes her a very pleasant member of the form. Margaret is ambitious and deserves to do well.

Carol Vorderman – at the age of 8

Carol has a masterly hold over mathematical computation which should prove profitable later on.