POOR exam results “don’t define your future”, according to Paul Haggerty, who – with the help of the Prince’s Trust – has turned disappointing results into a blossoming career.

Paul, 25, who lives in South Ockendon, left school full of “dread and uncertainty” over his future after not achieving the grades he had hoped for.

Paul said: “I became increasingly anxious about where my life was going. I couldn’t get it out of my head that my poor academic grades would be my downfall.”

“What I didn’t know then, but that I absolutely know now, is that your exam results don’t have to define your future.”

Last week, pupils across the country were picking up their GCSE results as they looked to plan the next stage of their lives.

Paul’s life changed a year ago when he learnt, while unemployed, that he and his partner were expecting their first child.

He said: “I realised at this point I had to change something to be able to provide a future for my family.

“That’s when I found The Prince’s Trust. “ An adviser suggested to Paul that he should enrol on a construction course at South Essex College and in just three weeks, he had gained qualifications and regained his confidence.

His qualifications earned Paul a work placement at construction giant Keepmoat, which was so impressed that it offered him the chance to train as a site manager.

Paul now has to split his time between studying at Havering College and training on site with Keepmoat.

He said: “The site-manager role is something I didn’t see happening only 12 months ago.

“So many doors have been opened, I’ve got experience under my belt and the future looks bright.”

Paul added: “My story just goes to show that grades aren’t everything and that with effort and the right support, you can still be successful.”