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A grandfather who returned to school to help his grandchildren with their maths homework has picked up a GCSE of his own on results day – at the age of 78.

As thousands of Year 11 students returned to school on Thursday morning to find out how their exams went among the 350 arriving at Coleg y Cymoedd was Peter Burridge, of Taffs Well, who had taken higher tier GCSE maths.

Helping his grandchildren

Peter, who enjoyed a career in engineering, returned to education last year to help his two grandchildren learn the subject.

And he enjoyed going back to school so much he has now gone on to re-take his maths GCSE – and has walked away with a B grade.

He said: "Returning to education was like someone had thrown me a lifeline – I can’t recommend it any more to people of any age who are looking for a new challenge or to improve their skills.

"The tutors were really lovely and the teaching quality was excellent.

'I really enjoyed the subject'

"I never expected to get a grade B.

"But I have found that I really enjoy the subject and am looking forward to mentoring others and helping my grandson and granddaughter with their schoolwork."

Peter starting working life as an apprentice and is now planning to volunteer in mentoring younger students through their qualifications.