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Gordon Clayton - BA (Hons) Fine Arts & P.G.C.E

I took an opportunity I didn't have earlier in my life

My father was a coal miner, mother a housewife. I had a happy childhood although money was short. I was the first in the family to go to Grammar school and my family were quite proud of this. I'm now Acting Head of Education at East Devon College. I live in Tiverton.

I went straight into a job at 16. I decided to go on to Higher Education to take an opportunity I didn't have earlier in my life. I was a Police Officer for 7yrs and Worked in the Glass Industry for 12yrs. I had also been a sales manager in the Motor Industry for 15yrs.

I went to secondary school in Wigan, and completed my Further Education at East Devon College, Tiverton. I was a mature student and I am the first generation in my family to study a Higher Education course. I started at 54 years of age and I graduated in 2002.

My first job after graduating was as Deputy Head of Education (now Acting Head of Education) and teaching Painting (evening Class) at East Devon College.

The best thing about being at University was working with tutors and fellow students. I chose my degree subject because I have been an amateur artist for many years and after returning to education it was the logical course to follow.

My advice to others who are thinking about going to university is to take it with both hands when you are ready to commit to the hard work involved. My financial advice to others is that it's going to be tough but if you want something badly enough you have to make sacrifices.

In my current job I teach Humanities, Art, Maths, English. I hope to be head of Education in the next few months. Boss retiring! The best thing about my current job is teaching disadvantaged children. The worst is travelling 80 miles per day.

My advice for somebody wanting to get into my line of work? Do the P.G.C.E. or equivalent and go for it.

Finally, I hope Tim McQueen is still teaching at Exmouth he was an inspiration.

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