Man, 34, celebrates his grade eight GCSE English

James Brown retook Maths and English at the college in Ipswich

A 34-year-old says he has more confidence in himself after retaking and passing his English and Maths GCSEs.

James Brown, from Ipswich, picked up his results alongside Year 11 pupils at Suffolk New College.

Mr Brown received an eight in English - roughly equivalent to the old A* grade - and a five in Maths, having failed both subjects when he was at school.

"It has definitely given me more confidence in myself and I know I am smart in some areas, but I never thought I was academically smart."

Mr Brown said he "was not very academically gifted as a teenager" and therefore did better than he thought he would.

He has worked at a restaurant in Kesgrave and was previously a baker at Tesco supermarket for eight years.

Mr Brown said he was hoping to enrol on an access to higher education course, so he could ultimately complete a degree in physiotherapy. He would also like to start his own gluten-free bakery business.

Jenny McCarthy and James Brown supported each other through their education journey

Mr Brown's partner was also studying, with both supporting each other through their career changes and education journey.

Jenny McCarthy, also 34 years old and from Ipswich, had studied an undergraduate degree in diagnostic radiography at the University of Suffolk.

She said she had worked in healthcare and homecare "for a long time" before starting her degree and was hoping to move into a radiography profession.