At an age when many are content to put their feet up, 72-year-old John Hobbs decided to tackle one of life's biggest challenges head-on: mathematics. Five decades after leaving formal education, the determined grandfather has astonished his family and educators by passing his GCSE maths exam with flying colours.
John, from Horsham, West Sussex, embarked on his academic journey during retirement, dedicating countless hours to mastering algebra, geometry, and equations that had baffled him as a teenager. His motivation wasn't just personal achievement but setting a powerful example for his grandchildren about the value of perseverance.
'I wanted to prove to myself and my family that you're never too old to learn,' John revealed, his voice filled with pride. 'The classroom has changed dramatically since my schooldays, but the satisfaction of solving a complex problem remains just as sweet.'
His journey wasn't without its hurdles. John attended evening classes at Collyer's College in Horsham, often studying alongside students young enough to be his grandchildren. Yet, his determination never wavered, and his Grade 5 achievement (a strong pass equivalent to a high C/low B) stands as testament to what can be accomplished with dedication.
John's story has ignited conversations about adult education and lifelong learning across the UK. He serves as a shining example that intellectual curiosity doesn't retire when you do, inspiring others to pursue dreams they may have postponed for decades.
