Jez, 51, left school with no qualifications, believing that higher education was beyond his reach. Years later, Jez chanced upon an Open University (OU) science programme on TV – a discovery that fuelled his fascination with space and sparked an academic journey he never imagined was possible.
Now Jez’s work at the University of Nottingham creates opportunities for those struggling to access higher education. Jez shares how OU study opened the door to an incredible career.
A strong work ethic
After struggling with school and failing his GCSEs, Jez left school without a plan but was motivated to find work and progress with a career.
“I had a few jobs that weren’t really going anywhere, I was even a gnome maker for a while! I had a great time, there was great camaraderie, but there were no prospects,” Jez reflects. “So, I took a Youth Training Scheme (YTS), which was a government initiative like an apprenticeship, with Kwik Fit.
“I did really well there,” he continues. “I worked my way up to management and recognised that I could achieve things. I started to feel that I wasn’t as stupid as my exam results suggested.”
From science fiction to physics
As a science fiction fan, Jez enjoyed playing video games in his spare time from work. After playing a game which explored the physics of space flight, Jez discovered a new love for physics which would transform his career forever.
“I devoured popular science books, I couldn’t get enough of this content that fascinated me,” Jez enthuses. “I bought a small telescope, then spent evenings staring at the moon and the stars contemplating existence, the universe and what it all means.”
It wasn’t until he found the OU that Jez began to wonder whether he could do something he never dreamed was possible – return to education and achieve a degree.
Possibilities made possible
In the 80s and 90s, the OU reached its students through innovative educational programmes on the BBC – often broadcast late at night. Jez remembers the night he turned on his TV and saw an OU professor talking about the MARS space programme.
“I was hooked, I couldn’t believe these resources were out there for free! I started recording all the science programmes and watching them back on my VHS,” Jez recalls.
Soon after, Jez signed up to study for a foundation degree in science and still remembers the excitement he felt when his course equipment was delivered.
“Opening that big box to find an experimental kit, star gazing equipment, chemicals and stacks of resources was like all the Christmases I’ve ever dreamed of. I couldn’t wait to get started.”
That said, Jez remembers how his OU experience continually stretched him.
“It was ridiculously difficult, but I was so determined. I had to accept at one point, that my mathematical knowledge wasn’t sufficient to deal with the rigours of the course,” Jez explains. “I’d come too far to let that get in the way, so I opted for a maths module and learned what I needed from it.”
Reaching for the stars
After heaps of hard work and an unwavering love for his subject, Jez graduated with a BSc (Honours) in Natural Sciences (Astronomy and Planetary Science).
Jez with Black Arrow space rocket
“I studied space-time cosmology – I could calculate the curvature of space-time using Einstein’s equations. Not bad for someone who left school with no GCSEs,” Jez reflects.
Jez quickly carved out a new career path and spent many years as a secondary school teacher, sharing his boundless enthusiasm for science.
“If you’d told 16-year-old me that I would be a teacher, I would have just laughed.” Jez adds, “The OU literally changed my life – I’ll always be grateful for what OU study gave me.”
Paying it forward
Now an Assistant Professor at The University of Nottingham, Jez supports students to access university education through mentoring and outreach work.
Having worked with the Institute of Physics to tackle the gender imbalance in science for many years, Jez is passionate about inclusivity in education. His outreach work addresses socio-economic barriers, offering financial support to those who need it.
“I can’t believe I’ve got a job that I love this much,” Jez says. “I’m helping to break down barriers to higher education, just like the OU did for me.”
Jez is also committed to making his teaching more accessible for neurodiverse students – something he can relate to after a revelation during his time at the OU.
“I had no idea I was dyslexic until one of my OU tutors told me,” Jez explains. “This was in the 90s when dyslexia wasn’t understood in the way it is now and I hate to admit that I felt embarrassed. I didn’t want to be dyslexic, and I refused extra help.”
Understanding how the right teaching can make a huge difference, Jez blends a variety of teaching methods to make sure none of his students are left behind.
“I gained so many life skills from OU study, but what really stuck with me was the experience of being taught in a way that accounted for learning differences,” Jez says.
“It showed me that educators have the power to make learning accessible for all. Now I have the privilege of spreading the word about science and space… and I get paid for it! That’s incredible, and it’s all thanks to the OU.”
Inspired by Jez’s story?
Find out more about what Astrobiology OU is doing to celebrate World Space Week, or search for a science course and start your own cosmic adventure.
