I left school at fourteen without any qualifications and did an apprenticeship in engineering working as a welder and fabricator. Through a combination of influences which included trade union activity, politics, my church, reading and further education I became determined to try to bring about change. To do this without more education seemed hopeless. After many ups and downs including tackling my lack of basic skills I was accepted at Plater College in Oxford, an adult residential college. From there I went to Oriel College, Oxford to read a degree and then to complete a teaching qualification. My first work was in further education in Preston where I set up course in English as a second language for Asian refugees from Uganda. I also taught general studies to hairdressers and social and economic history. I was registered at Lancaster University part-time doing a PhD on trade unionism in the Lancashire textile industry. In 1975 I was appointed tutor in economics at Newbattle Abbey in Scotland where along with others we set up diploma course in social science. In 1978 I was appointed tutor in economics back at Plater. I stayed there for more than twenty three years, ten years spent as Principal. I was lucky enough to be able to continue teaching for most of this time and to continue learning as a part-time student at South Bank University. One way and another I have been involved with adult residential colleges for forty two years. I retired in 2002 but continued to work part-time for a further three years and now retain my involvement as Chair of Governors at Hillcroft.

As a final message to all students beginning their residential learning journey at Hillcroft – with a lot of hard work and support you can still achieve what you wish to achieve in life – not having qualifications needn’t be a barrier – Hillcroft and residential learning is designed to support, encourage and empower you. I would never have dreamed all those years ago when I entered my first residential college that I would one day be a Principal and a Chairman of Governors, but I have – you can too!