Home / Education / Grandmother, 55, Earns Sports Therapy Degree Without GCSEs
Grandmother, 55, Earns Sports Therapy Degree Without GCSEs
27 Jul
Summary
- A grandmother aged 55 graduated with a sports therapy degree.
- She achieved this despite leaving school without any GCSEs.
- Her graduation was a lifelong dream realized after overcoming challenges.
A grandmother from north London has triumphed over educational barriers to earn a university degree. At 55 years old, Angella Callam, from Edmonton, collected her Bachelor of Science in Sports Therapy from London Metropolitan University earlier this week. This graduation marks a significant milestone, as Callam previously left school without a single GCSE qualification. She is notably the first in her family's generation to pursue and complete higher education.
Callam embarked on her academic journey four years prior, enrolling in a foundation course. Her path was not without adversity; she faced personal tragedy, including the loss of her son-in-law during her exam period, while also supporting her daughter and grandchildren. Despite moments of doubt and comparing herself to younger classmates, her perseverance, supported by her partner, Leon Walker, enabled her to achieve her goal. Having worked as a fitness instructor for over 20 years, Callam pursued her degree to deepen her understanding of sports science and now aims to secure a role in rehabilitation within the NHS.
