“Don’t worry” I assured him “there is nothing that I haven’t seen before, no matter what happens I’ll help you thorough it”.

As we approach the end of the academic year and thoughts turn not only to the much-anticipated summer break, but also the fresh beginnings and changes that the new term will bring, I see a little hint of something in the eyes of so many of the young people I work with: fear.

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I think it’s only appropriate to reflect a little on love. I’ve spoken to many people over the years who ask me what course they should study to earn the highest salaries, which is a natural consideration when the media is shouting about how tuition fees will lead to a life of beans and tap water (which they won’t by the way).

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, as the old saying goes. That is the very reason why at this time of year, I spend so much time watching sixth formers chew the end of their pens and blankly stare in to space as they desperately try to think of the best opening line for their UCAS personal statement. The pressure is real. You’re told to make it count, that university Admissions Tutors want an opening line that will seize their attention and sell your skills and failure to write one will damn your chances of a coveted offer through UCAS.