Javier Griffiths-Payne, a 25-year-old from Barry, who left school at 14 with no formal qualifications, has secured a place at the University of Bristol to train as a doctor. His journey back into education began a decade after dropping out, inspired by his late grandmother, a nurse for 46 years.
A decade later: from dropout to medical school
Javier attended an open day at Cardiff and Vale College to learn about entry requirements and pathway courses. “I really had my heart set on a career in medicine but, with no qualifications, it was very hard to find what I needed as a mature student in my situation,” he said. “After the open day, I gained a clearer understanding of the goal I had set for myself by discussing the different pathways I could take.”
He enrolled on a foundation course alongside a GCSE in Biology with the Open University. He then earned top grades in an intensive science course, which helped him secure his university place.
Overcoming challenges and balancing care duties
Javier also cared for his disabled grandfather and captained Team Wales in competitive video gaming tournaments alongside his academic schedule. “It felt very welcoming to learn in an environment in which I was not alienated because of my lack of formal education, as this was one of my biggest worries about returning as a mature student,” he added.
His hard work earned him the Young Adult Learner Award at this year’s Inspire! Adult Learning Awards. The ceremony takes place at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff on September 23 to mark Adult Learners’ Week in Wales.
Celebrating adult learning in Wales
Adult Learners’ Week, running from September 21 to 27, celebrates people who show exceptional commitment to acquiring new skills. Organisers hope Javier's journey will encourage other adults to explore local training courses to boost their employment prospects. Free taster sessions and online workshops will run across the country throughout the month.
Javier said: “It is never too late to start again. If someone had told my younger self that I would be studying medicine at university, I would have said they were joking! But here I am. I’ll never stop learning!”
His former college tutor Kathleen Weatherhead commented: “Javier is an exemplary learner. Over the past couple of years, he has demonstrated time and again the genuine enthusiasm of a mature learner enjoying the opportunity to study and to take advantage of every opportunity that prepares him for higher education.”
Support and next steps
Michelle Matheron from the Learning and Work Institute said: “Lifelong learning offers opportunities for all of us, whether that's to move into a new career, learn a new skill, support our health and well-being or just do something we enjoy. The impact can be transformative, and we can see that through the stories of our award winners.”
She added: “Their commitment to learning has made a huge difference to their lives but also to those around them. Adult learning makes a real difference and it's vital to support and celebrate adults in Wales who are embracing learning, sometimes overcoming significant personal challenges to do so. In a fast-changing world the message to 'never stop learning' is more important than ever.”
Anyone interested in exploring local training options can contact Working Wales on 0800 028 4844 or visit the Working Wales website. Information on Adult Learners’ Week activities is available at the official Adult Learners’ Week website.
