Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form was delighted to hear of former student Grant Davies’ success, both at home and overseas!
Grant Davies, from Colne Park High School, attended the College back in 1988-1990. He studied a challenging programme of A Levels in History, Sociology, General Studies, English language and the Cambridge Entrance Paper (International Relations). Alongside this, he also studied for a GCSE in European Studies.
Grant came to Nelson and Colne College with just four GCSEs, the minimum then required to enter college. His story is as relevant and inspiring now as it ever has been as, with the help of the College, Grant turned it all around. 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!”
After leaving the College Grant went to University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, where he read International Politics and Strategic Studies (BSSc Econ (Hons)), gaining a II(i) degree. He was then accepted to study for the highly challenging Common Practice Exam (Diploma in Law), then Legal the Postgraduate diploma in law (LPC) at the University of Central Lancashire, gaining a Commendation. This was whilst concurrently undertaking training as a Solicitor at a local legal practice – and training to be an Officer in the Territorial Army. In the same year he qualified as a solicitor in 1997, and gained his Commission with the Queens Lancashire Regiment (TA). He later left private practice to join the Army Legal Services, where amongst serving in 3 conflict zones, and he has gained Higher Rights of Audience (Criminal Law) in 2008 after prosecuting with the Army Prosecuting Service in Germany. He has practiced and lectured on International Humanitarian Law all over the world, including Afghanistan, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bangladesh, Germany, Italy, Kosovo, the Solomon Islands, and the USA.
Grant’s desire for learning developed by the college continues, and he has recently completed his Master’s Degree in Law (LLM) 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 was full of praise for his old College, and he credited it with much of his success. He said, “My tutors, in particular Mr Norman Lowe and Ms Greta Hill were an inspiration; they respected us all (despite our immaturity!) 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 poor/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.”
