Mum-of-three finds GCSE success after turning 40

A mum-of-three is celebrating after passing her GCSEs at Hopwood Hall College.

Humera Tahir, from Rochdale, was thrilled to discover she’d achieved a grade 5 in both English and Maths.

These qualifications have already unlocked opportunities for the 40-year-old as she’s now been accepted on to a PGCE course.

This will allow her to pursue her goal of changing careers and retraining to become a teacher.

It’s been a life-changing 12 months for Humera, who is a single mum of young children aged 13, 11 and 7.

She enrolled to study the GCSEs in September 2025 – reflecting that at the time she presumed she had ‘forgotten everything she’d ever learned’.

However, she quickly took to the lessons and her classmates soon became ‘like family’ as they all strived to achieve the qualifications.

Then – just months before sitting her exams – she reached a major life milestone when she turned 40.

Humera made sure to celebrate the special occasion while at the same time attending college and remaining focused on achieving her GCSEs.

She admits she had a sleepless night ahead of receiving her results, but was delighted to find out she had passed both exams when she checked her results first thing in the morning.

Humera now says she wants others to know that it’s never too late to make a fresh start and begin an exciting new journey.

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.”

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