Stayed on for A-levels after GCSEs because that is what you needed for sponsorships, Hated school with a passion and there were no sponsorships, so left at 17 and did frozen ATPL instead of university.
Did frozen ATPL and 9/11 happened, did instructor rating at 19 and some freelancing on C421s etc, then did Citation type at 20. Really enjoyed corporate jets, and went on to get Learjet 45 and HS125 types.
Got my command at 22 and became Chief Pilot of a corporate outfit/my own management concern at 24. Scheduled to take delivery of my second aircraft next week.
Don't get me wrong, it was a hard road, and there were some very difficult times, but I often ask myself where I would have been if Id listened to the imbicile head of 6th form and finished my A-levels and gone to university (he said I could never get anywhere without) The best Answer I can come up with.............. about 5 years behind where I am now. I had 9 (fairly good) GCSEs when I left but regrets? I wish I could have spent the GCSE time doing the CAA writtens!