Rochdale mum passes GCSEs at 40 and secures place on teacher training course

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 16:54

By David Murphy

A Rochdale mum-of-three has passed GCSEs in English and maths at the age of 40 as she prepares to retrain as a teacher.

Humera Tahir achieved grade 5s in both subjects at Hopwood Hall College and has now been accepted onto a PGCE course.

Humera, a single mum with children aged 13, 11 and seven, enrolled at the college in September 2025.

She returned to studying English and maths and said she initially thought she had “forgotten everything she’d ever learned”.

Humera turned 40 a few months before sitting her exams and continued attending college while looking after her family.

She said she had a sleepless night before receiving her results but discovered the following morning that she had passed both subjects.

The qualifications have allowed her to secure a place on a PGCE course as she plans to change careers and become a teacher.

Humera said: “I loved the whole experience and my tutors were always so professional and encouraging.

“People think they won’t be able to do it, but if you’re determined and you have the right support then nothing can stop you.

“Sometimes you think life has stopped and you’re not going anywhere, but there are always opportunities to make a change, make great memories and make new friends.”

Julia Heap, principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College, said: “A huge congratulations to Humera and all our other students who have achieved their GCSEs with us at Hopwood Hall.

“Our college community is made up of students of all ages – with many of our adult learners juggling priorities such as family, careers and major life events.

“Humera is a fantastic example that it’s never too late to return to education – whether to retrain or upskill – and take full advantage of new opportunities.”