Exam results are only worth the paper they’re written on

I remember my teacher at primary school asking me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I replied ‘I want to be a lollypop man and help children cross the road’.

My teacher, somewhat surprised, replied ‘Why do you want to be a lollypop man?’

‘Because you don’t start work until you’re 60!’ I said confidently.

When asked the same question at secondary school. I explained to my careers adviser that I wanted to be either a zoologist, professional footballer or work in theatre (I was in love with Orangutans and Sport and Drama were the only subjects I was half good at). My adviser suggested that perhaps I should consider a more stable career like Accountancy.

Throughout my school days I was lazy. I left with no formal qualifications and without knowing what I wanted to do.

At 18 years, even after two years in FE to attempt to rescue some qualifications, I didn’t know what I wanted. I managed to scrape a few better results, but far from enough to go to University.

At a loss what to do, I took a longshot and applied for various Drama Schools in London. I was rejected from four, got lucky at the fifth and found myself attending the renowned LAMDA on the Stage Management and Technical course. When, aged 25, I met the Queen Mother at the opening night of a London West End Musical I had finally made it - according to my parents!

I am not proud about being asked to leave school at 16 with zero qualifications. But someone once told me that education is too important to go to school. Experience of life is invaluable.

Now reflecting on my working life, more than 40 years later, I have enjoyed successful spells in the professional theatre, private sector, public sector and charitable sector. For the last 10 years, I have run my own business as a Communication Trainer.

So what’s my point?

I believe that the big decisions are made at the right time, for the right reasons. Regarding my lack of qualifications at the time, I always knew that I was hungry to learn and wanted desperately to prove to myself and others that I was capable of achieving something. When the opportunity presented itself to apply for a Masters Degree in Leadership and Management at York St John University I jumped at it. I studied hungrily part-time for three years fully focused on, and dreaming about, my graduation ceremony in York Minster. That was 2013. I was 55 years of age.

It's never too late to learn or achieve success - with or without qualifications. To those who have recently celebrated the success of their GCSE and A-Level results, congratulations. To others who fell short or missed out this time, please do not worry. It’s not always about achieving academic success.

There will be another time, another opportunity. When the timing, reasons and opportunities are right for you, then go for it!

So, what would I tell my younger self?

It’s never too late. It will work out. You’ll be okay.