The scenario 

Technician Vicky spots Joss Yarrow looking at the haircare fixture and marvels at the years that have passed since she first starting working in the pharmacy and Joss’s mum would pop in with her in a pushchair.

"Hi Joss," says Vicky. "How are things with you? Is it this summer or next year that you have your GCSEs?"

"Oh hello," says Joss. "Given the number of people who come in here, I really can’t believe you remember my name, let alone what year I’m in at school! Thanks for asking: I’m doing a couple of GCSEs this year, but most of them will be next summer when I’ll be finishing Year 11."

She drops her voice a notch and sidles a little closer to Vicky. "I’m glad to see you, to be honest," she murmurs. "I’ve started seeing this boy at school and although we aren’t there yet, I thought I should be sensible and think about contraception. My friend said to go on the pill, but don’t you have to be 16 to do that? Or do I have to get my parents’ permission?"