Meet Paul: How learning later in life opened the door to new possibilities
At 52, Paul made the decision to return to education after realising that missing qualifications were holding him back. After two apprenticeship interviews, he was told he couldn’t progress without passing English and Maths, a setback that could have stopped him entirely. Instead, it motivated him.
Now studying Level 1 English at New City College, Paul is determined to update his skills, grow his confidence and open new doors.
“I hadn’t done English or Maths since school. Things have changed a lot, but I was courageous enough to keep looking. I found New City College, called them, got the information I needed — and I signed up.”
Rebuilding confidence through learning
Returning to the classroom has helped Paul grow in ways he didn’t expect.
“It’s made me much more confident. I can express myself better, and the aim is always to make people understand what you’re trying to say.”
“It’s made me much more confident. I can express myself better”
For Paul, adult education isn’t just about qualifications — it’s about communication, life skills and feeling able to participate fully in the world around him.
“Education lets you talk to anybody. You learn new words, you share ideas, you absorb things. It boosts your confidence.”
“Education lets you talk to anybody. You learn new words, you share ideas, you absorb things. It boosts your confidence.”
He’s already applying new skills, from clearer writing to more professional emails.
“I even learned how to add a signature to emails — it sounds small, but it makes my communication more professional. That took me four days to learn, but I got it!”
Why adult education matters
Paul believes strongly that learning later in life has huge value — for individuals and for society.
“It helps you improve, no matter your age. We all need to keep learning. There’s always something new to discover.”
If funding were cut, he worries about what it would mean for people like him.
“People like us would suffer. Some people want a new career after redundancy or losing a job. The only way you can start again is through courses — learning the basics and working your way up.”
“Some people want a new career after redundancy or losing a job. The only way you can start again is through courses — learning the basics and working your way up.”
A message to the government
If he could speak directly to policymakers, Paul’s message would be clear:
“Do you want a society of people who are uneducated or not up to date? Knowledge is powerful. Adult education helps people gain that knowledge — it’s essential.”
He is also proud to recommend New City College to anyone considering studying again.
“The teachers are understanding, the library helps you, and everyone supports you. I’d definitely recommend it.”
And his message to other adults?
“Prepare to learn, put the time in, and keep improving. There’s no harm in continuing to grow.”
“Prepare to learn, put the time in, and keep improving. There’s no harm in continuing to grow.”
Find out more
Discover flexible, part-time and funded courses for adults at New City College and join the campaign to protect lifelong learning.
