A FORMER Nelson and Colne College student who just scraped into further education after getting only four GCSE’s is now a top ranking legal officer in the Army.

Grant Davies only just met the minimum requirements to get into the college in 1988, but despite his rocky start he has since shown a thirst for learning.

After leaving the college the former Colne Park High School pupil read International Politics and Strategic Studies at the University College of Wales, and has since completed the challenging Common Practice Exam (Diploma in Law) and a postgraduate diploma in law at UCLan.

He also qualified as a solicitor in 1997 and joined the Army Legal Services team, serving in three conflict zones, and has lectured on international humanitarian law all over the world.

He said: “Nelson and Colne gave me the chance to grow up, and to truly achieve my potential.

“Whilst some academic staff would have written me off at 16, my tutors at Nelson and Colne College did not; and with some hard work, I think I haven't done too badly.”

Grant recently completed his Master’s Degree in International Law at King's College, London, achieving 'Distinction' grade.

He is currently serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Legal Services at Army HQ, but about to take up the post of Commander Legal, 1 UK Armoured Division.

Grant is full of praise for the support of his tutors in setting him up for what he has achieved.

“My tutors, in particular Norman Lowe and Greta Hill were an inspiration,” he said.

“They respected us all and believed in every student’s ability to achieve their goals. They were passionate about their subjects, which was infectious.

"The college helped me to choose my university and my degree subject, and generally helped me rise up from my mediocre performance at school to getting to university, and beyond.

"My A Level study taught me to be self-sufficient and to study hard. This key skill has never left me.

"Nelson and Colne College believed in me, and gave me the self-belief that I could go further, for which I give my thanks.”