A GCSE in willpower: Pupils take character test to turn around low exam marks

Children in a trial scheme in Merseyside are tested for their resilience, ability to cope under pressure, confidence and self-control.

The least 'tough' are then helped to improve their handling of stressful situations using a series of classroom-based exercises.

School children in Merseyside are to trial an 'attitude' test. It's creators at Hull University believe that mental toughness raises exam performance and career ambitions.

If successful, the approach being tried by Knowsley Council could reinforce the backlash against school 'happiness lessons' which teach children to be sensitive, empathetic and caring – but not how to pass exams. 

The psychologist who pioneered the attitude test, Hull University's Dr Peter Clough, believes mental toughness raises exam performance and career ambitions.

Those who score highest on his test are more likely to stick to projects and personal goals without giving up and less likely to see themselves as victims of bullying, he says. 

The 48-question test was originally designed to help sportsmen remain focused in the face of competition nerves and is also increasingly used in industry.

It is said to explain why some individuals succeed and others fail when exposed to the same types of experiences – even though the under-achievers might be more innately talented.

Knowsley is hoping the test and associated toughness techniques will help bolster the achievements of children growing up in deprived areas.

In last year's GCSEs, only 26.5 per cent of its pupils gained five good grades that included English and maths.

An initial study at Knowsley's Halewood College, led by Dr Clough in conjunction with the psychometric testing company AQR, established a link between performance in exams, career aspirations and mental toughness as measured by the quiz.

The study is now being developed at All Saints Catholic High School, where 181 pupils aged 11 and 12 have taken the toughness questionnaire.

A group of 39 who scored towards the lower end of the scale have been selected to benefit from techniques such as relaxation, goal-setting and 'visualisation' of success.

'Really concentrating is a skill a lot of them have never had,' said Dr Clough. 'They are drawn to a "shortcut" culture of instant success and dream of winning The X Factor but don't see that you need to practise before auditions.'

Details of the scheme emerged days after two academics criticised happiness lessons, claiming they are 'infantilising' youngsters.

Dennis Hayes and Kathryn Ecclestone, of Oxford Brookes University, warned in a book that children were becoming introverted and neurotic because they were encouraged to talk about their emotions instead of working towards success.