Born and raised in Keighley, West Yorkshire, Usama Mahmood’s early education was anything but smooth. A childhood shaped by constant relocation — from Bradford and Manchester to a stint in a Pakistani school — left him feeling like a “fish out of water”.
After struggling to settle and eventually being expelled from school with no A–C GCSEs, Usama could have become just another statistic. Instead, he became a story of resilience, second chances, and incredible ambition.
In 2016, Usama enrolled at Nelson and Colne College — initially on a Level 1 childcare course. However, that first attempt didn’t go to plan, and he found himself excluded again. But when he was offered a rare second chance the following year, he grabbed it with both hands. Switching to a Level 1 Business and ICT course, he began to turn things around. During the next few years, he progressed through Level 2 Applied Science and then onto Level 3 Applied Science, graduating with an impressive D*D*D*.
Reflecting on his time at the college, Usama said: “It was a roller-coaster ride, but I enjoyed my time at college. All the tutors were great.”
Usama fondly remembers a NASA talk that sparked his interest in science, and credits his English and Maths tutors for helping him pass vital GCSEs — paving the way to university.
Today, he’s studying Diagnostic Radiography at the University of Exeter, with hopes of joining the NHS. But that’s just part of the plan.
Usama is also working toward his private pilot licence, with ambitions to become a commercial pilot. He’s flown solo five times already, and plans to complete his ATPL training in the next few years.
In five years, Usama hopes to be a qualified radiographer, licensed pilot, and possibly even a published author. Outside of medicine and aviation, he’s a travel vlogger and is writing a sci-fi novel inspired by classic 80s and 90s films.
Nelson and Colne College played a key role in helping Usama find his footing and future, not just academically but personally too. Through dedicated staff, a flexible learning environment, and opportunities to try again, the college helped transform a young man with no GCSEs into a multi-talented future radiographer, aviator, and author.
Usama’s story is a powerful reminder that where you start doesn’t define where you finish — and sometimes, all it takes is one more chance to take off.
