You really can go at your own pace

If you’ve read this far, great. This is the most important part. You need to remember that you signed up for this voluntarily. This isn’t about getting into sixth form, or university, or being allowed to handle a car. This is learning more about something you’re truly passionate about, and if you have a problem, your teachers will support you.

If, for whatever reason, you are suddenly unable to take the exam (that is, if you are out of the country, unwell etc), you can defer your paper for a fee.

About one week after I had my first lesson with the WSET, I had to leave London suddenly for about two months. I was unable to attend the next session, or catch up with the course material for a while. I asked to defer the exam, and my teachers were more than accommodating.

Remember: at the end of the day, it’s just wine.