Retired Grantham milkman gets his first A-level at 70

Retired Grantham milkman James Tinkler has just gained his first A-level.

The 70-year-old great-grandfather spent three years at Grantham College, studying with teenage classmates and gained a grade C.

James has been interested in space since a teenager and was particularly fascinated by the first moon landing in 1969.

But the former pupil of St Hugh’s did not pursue his dream career and instead became a cost clerk at Coles Cranes in Dysart Road and then a milkman for 39 years, until retiring at 65.

James, who has three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, wanted to follow his interest in retirement, so he joined Grantham College in 2015 and began studying GCSE maths and science.

After passing his GCSEs, he enrolled on to A Level Physics, helped by lecturer Guy Cowhig, who James says is a “great lecturer.”

“I expected to feel I was in the wrong place being surrounded by 16-18 year-olds and that I would drop out but this was not the case. This feeling melted away very quickly and I felt just like all the other students. I fitted in, my confidence grew and I made my contribution. Everyone made me feel so welcome.”

“I’m very chuffed. It was a lot of hard work but it has paid off. If you believe in yourself, if you have the interest, determination and the will to succeed, then you will.”

James celebrated his achievement with wife Susan Tinkler by enjoying a curry at the Tollemache Inn saying he didn’t want “any fuss.”

After receiving his A-level, James will now study for a degree in astronomy and science at the Open University.

Grantham College marketing manager Jaz Abeysekera called James a great asset to the college, hoping his story will inspire others. “It goes to show, that regardless of your background, goals or age; you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”