Gary Peel
Even though Gary Peel left school aged 16 with few qualifications, he reached managerial level at a supermarket chain where he worked for 30 years. When he suffered a serious breakdown in his mental health, he had to leave work in 1996.
As a way to recovery and to re-build self – esteem, at school, Gary was encouraged to return to learning by his health counsellor. He was told he first needed to improve his literacy and numeracy skills, so he completed a six-week Keeping Up With The Children course at Thrumpton School and then a 12-week Family Learning course where he passed his Level 2 in Literacy. He then went on to pass GCSE Maths with a Grade B. Towards the end of the Maths GCSE, Gary started to volunteer as a Teaching Assistant in the student support centre, working with people with special educational needs.
After completing his first Teaching Assistant course, Gary now has a paid position at Thrumpton Primary School, while studying for a Level 2Ds course at North Notts College.
Gary said, “Learning gave me an order to my life when I was ill and I was able to study in a structured way. The more I learn and achieve, the more I want to go onto the next stage. Learning has helped me to change career. I now work where I feel I can make a real difference to the lives of others and see [them] achieve their potential.”
His nominator, Alan Clark, said, “Gary is a real champion of learning in the community and an excellent role model for others. Education has been the biggest help in turning around his health and self-confidence.”