A TULLIBODY man can pursue his goal of becoming a primary school teacher, after passing higher English with Forth Valley College.

Gordon Tibbetts, 44, needed the qualification to progress onto university and was delighted when he opened his results envelope.

The ex-military man went to the top of the class with an A and can now go after his dream career.

He said: “The Forth Valley College higher English course has been really good. I have done cheaper distance learning courses in the past, but did not feel inspired.

"[Lectuer] Rob McDermott was so passionate about his subject, and as a student I feel I perform and respond better to a real life person in front of me bringing the whole subject to life.

"The best bit for me was learning how to open my eyes to the analytical side of language and the subtle techniques used by professionals, but it was all good.

"I would definitely recommend the course to anyone and my advice would be that you are never too old to make a change in your career or job and if you go for it, Forth Valley College will support you 100 percent."

The college returned a 91 per cent achievement rate for the second year in a row for its higher English results.

Lecturers Judith Horne (day and evening) and Rob McDermott (evening) have been delighted with the hard work put in by their students.

Rob added: "The commitment that all the students put in every year is admirable, it’s not easy to juggle studying with full-time work, but the results, in my opinion, are worth it.

"As well as opening up more opportunities to progress in employment or education I’m sure everyone who attends the higher English class will come away with a greater understanding of the English language and maybe find an author, poet, playwright or filmmaker that they really like and want to find out more about.”

Anyone looking to find out more about the offerings at the college can head along to an open evening on Thursday, August 16 at the campus in Falkirk.