Anthony Bennett
Jul 14, 2025
Interrupted Futures: The Hidden Cost of Covid on Students, Transitions and Exams
Year 6 – The Transition That Never Was
For many Year 6 pupils, the final year of primary school is meant to be a rite of passage, leaving assemblies, residential trips, school plays, and preparation for the big leap to secondary school. But for the Class of 2020, this chapter ended abruptly. The closure of schools meant they missed out on a proper goodbye, and many entered Year 7 without the emotional or academic preparation they deserved.
The result? Increased anxiety, fear of the unknown, and a lack of closure. For some, this made the already daunting high school transition even more overwhelming.
Year 7–9 – Identity Interrupted
These early secondary years are key to self-discovery, learning independence, and building friendships. But lockdowns, social distancing, and online learning left many young people feeling disconnected, not just from school, but from themselves. The classroom became a screen, and socialisation was replaced by isolation.
What we saw:
Difficulty forming friendships
Lack of motivation
Poor engagement with virtual learning
Mental health struggles quietly building
Year 10–11 – The “What’s the Point?” Years
GCSE students experienced an entirely different storm. With exam cancellations and teacher-assessed grades, many were left questioning the value of hard work. Students who had worked tirelessly felt robbed of their chance to prove themselves, while others coasted through, missing out on key developmental challenges.
The loss of structure, competition, and clarity around expectations led many to ask, “What’s the point?”
Sixth Form/College – A Loss of Momentum
For Year 12 and 13 students, college and sixth form should be the bridge between teenage life and adulthood. But disrupted timetables, limited access to mentors, and minimal in-person learning left many feeling underprepared for their next step, whether that was university, apprenticeships, or the workplace.
The impact:
Missed work experience and enrichment opportunities
Difficulty making informed career or education decisions
A general sense of burnout, detachment, and lack of ambition
Why Inspirational Speakers Matter Now More Than Ever
With so many students feeling uncertain, unmotivated, or disengaged, the need for inspirational role models is greater than ever. As a speaker who shares my story of overcoming adversity, including being resuscitated 12 times and going on to thrive, I’ve seen the transformational power of positive messaging in action.
What I bring to schools:
✅ Real stories of resilience
✅ Strategies to reignite self-belief
✅ Motivation to embrace opportunities, even when things feel uncertain
✅ Connection and empathy with students who feel lost or overlooked
The Message Students Need to Hear
Covid may have disrupted the education system, but it also revealed just how much young people crave hope, direction, and inspiration. By helping them see what’s possible, no matter where they’re starting from, we can shift the mindset from “I can’t” to “What if I can?”
Let’s Rebuild Their Confidence Together
If you’re looking for a speaker who can connect with students, reignite their sense of purpose, and help them rewrite their story after Covid, I’d love to work with your school. Find out more about my story,
📩 Visit www.anthonyinspires.com to learn more or get in touch.
About the author
In businesses, healthcare and schools, Anthony Bennett talks about teamwork, mental health and resilience. He’s given motivational speeches around the world, speaking on his bounce back from multiple near death experiences, earning him the nickname Miracle Man.
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Best speakers draw upon their extensive knowledge of their field, as well as their unique perspectives, to deliver the best presentations at conferences and corporate events. When a keynote presentation is delivered with passion, drive, and determination, all in attendance are inspired.
