I am not 100% convinvinced that Shaun was always hopeless at school. Certainly in 'This is England,' there lacks any allusions as to whether or not Shaun was studious before he became friends with Combo and the others. The movie does not say anything about Shaun's academic aptitude or lack thereof. One can speculate that Shaun did work hard in school. For example, his mother seems the sort of individual to have watched Shaun like a hawk in order to ensure that he completed his lessons. Certainly, in 'This is England '86' she comes across as being a concerned and exceptionally concered parent. (  )