Pensioner, 84, hopes to fulfil lifelong wish of passing GCSE physics exam

Ernie Puffett has returned to school after 66 years to achieve his dream of completing his secondary education.

84-year-old Ernie Puffett, who is a resident in Care UK’s Chichester Grange (Care UK/PA)

An 84-year-old care home resident, who failed his physics exam five times whilst at school, is hoping to fulfil his lifelong wish of completing his secondary education.

Ernie Puffett, from Chichester, West Sussex, has returned to school after 66 years with the hope he can finally pass his GCSE physics exam next summer.

Mr Puffett told the PA news agency: “I wanted to retake my GCSE as I failed it so many times when I was in school.

“I really think I can pass it this time with all the help I am getting and I would be elated if I did.

“I am amazed that youngsters today can take it all in because physics is such a vast subject.”

Mr Puffett was able to return to school with the help of his care home, Care UK’s Chichester Grange, through their ‘wishing tree’ initiative, which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies, places to visit or activities linked to past careers that they would like to try.

The elderly student, who has always had a passion for science, now attends his local school, Chichester College, where he takes weekly physics classes and has even had his course fees waived to help him achieve him dream.

Helen Loftus, Principal at Chichester College told PA: “We’ve been absolutely delighted to welcome Ernie to the college.

“As soon as we heard Ernie would like to study physics with us, we didn’t hesitate in saying yes.

“We all have ambitions and aims and we’re proud to be supporting Ernie to achieve his.”

We often say there is no age limit on studying, and it has been fantastic to see that in action

Helen Loftus, Principal at Chichester College

Ms Loftus said there are “so many benefits” to having Mr Puffett in the classroom as he works towards his final exam.

“We often say there is no age limit on studying, and it has been fantastic to see that in action,” she said.

“There are so many benefits of having people of different age groups and backgrounds learning together.

“They bring a range of experience and knowledge to the classroom which can add to their learning development.”

Ryan Harris, home manager at Chichester Grange, said the care home are “so proud” of Mr Puffett and his efforts to reach his goal.

“Most people would have given up after the second attempt, but this never stopped Ernie in completing his dream,” Mr Harris added.