A scientist has finally gained the crucial GCSE needed to fulfil his dream of becoming a biology teacher more than three decades after leaving school.

James Winch, 49, of Newham, gained a grade six in English allowing him to start teacher training in September this year.

This came 33 years after he left school with no qualifications - failure would have seen James lose his place at the University of London.

The 49-year-old is now set to become a biology teacher and expressed his delight at attaining the crucial GCSE which held him back.

James, a microbiologist, said: "Friends and relatives thought I was mad but I felt it's the right thing to do.

"I understand that real-life teaching is not like the adverts, but it hasn’t diminished the flame within me," he added.

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The NHS scientist became a teaching fellow, but still required an English GCSE to enrol on a biology teaching course.

James began his career with work experience on reception at a pathology unit.

He "fell in love" with medicine after a stint as a lab assistant and subsequently completed a BTEC and National Certificate in science.

This allowed him to gain a degree and work in labs across London.

James then gained a Masters and moved to Queen Mary University in east London, before weighing up a move to teaching.

However, he lacked the crucial English GCSE to secure a training place.

James said it was his "passion for learning" that inspired him against the odds.

Charity Now Teach said the government has committed £450 million to recruit 6,500 teachers over the next academic year.