On the last day of the term, the teacher asks John to stay late. The teen approaches with trepidation; teachers usually don't notice him unless he's in trouble.
Mrs. Slocombe says haughtily, "Master Watson, I understand you've enrolled in A-levels. I'm surprised; most boys of your background don't undertake rigorous courses of study. What do you intend to do for your career?"
Standing tall, John replies, "I want to go to Bart's and be an Army doctor."
"A doctor? What's wrong with just being a medic?"
"Nothing. My grandfather was a medic… but he wished he could've been a doctor. Medics take orders, but doctors give orders."
Mrs. Slocombe raises an eyebrow. "You do realize that in order to get into Bart's, you'll need A grades in your maths and science classes, and nothing lower than a B in your other subjects?"
"Yes."
"No one in your family has attended university..."
"Then I'll be the first."
"It's rare for someone like you to be accepted to Bart's. I don't think you can do it."
"I do."
Mrs. Slocombe gives him a hint of a smile. "You're made of sterner stuff than I thought. Good luck to you, John Watson. You shall need it."
John thanks her and walks out. His greatest fear is that he'll fail.
A/N: In Britain, students who are 16 years old (the age John is here) take exams called GCSEs at the end of the school year. After their GCSEs, many students go on to complete vocational training or advanced classes (A-levels) to prepare themselves for university. Once again, I tip my hat to Wikipedia for helping me fact-check.
John's teacher is named after the "Are You Being Served?" character. :)