Ipswich dad, 54, matches son's GCSE grade after returning to college
Simon Finbow, 54, from Ipswich, achieved a grade six in GCSE English at Suffolk New College – the same grade his son Isaac achieved on the same results day.
The details: Simon returned to Suffolk New College to study for his GCSEs as an adult learner, having already gained a maths GCSE the previous year. His son Isaac, who attends Northgate, was sitting his own GCSEs at the same time.
"I got a grade six in my GCSE English so that was great," Simon said. "My son, who went to Northgate and is called Isaac, was doing GCSEs at the same time as me, so I was wanting to press on the fact to him how important it was to get your grades. So I got my maths last year and my English this year to prove a point to me and to him."
What they're saying: Simon said he enjoyed the experience of returning to education. "I loved going back to college, and it was a nice thing. We were both waiting for our GCSE results today, and we got the same mark."
He praised the support he received at the college. "The support was phenomenal. My tutors were amazing, and I made some great friends, and the college wants you to succeed. Potentially I might go back and get more qualifications."
Oliver Rouane-Williams
His message to others: Simon encouraged other adults considering a return to study not to hold back. "My message to others is don't be frightened, it's never too late."
The bottom line: For Simon Finbow, a return to the classroom in his fifties has ended with a personal milestone – matching his teenage son's GCSE grade on the same results day, and proof, he says, that it is never too late to learn.
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