An ambitious graduate received the “perfect” 40th birthday present with a first-class degree and an award for outstanding achievement on her course.

Joanna Dudderidge from Coleshill, near Amersham, graduated with a degree in business and marketing from High Wycombe’s Bucks New University in a ceremony at the Wycombe Swan Theatre on Wednesday (September 7).

The mother-of-four, who turns 40 tomorrow (Saturday), also received an award for outstanding achievement after getting the highest mark among the different courses at Bucks Business School.

She said: “I came to university after bringing up my four children and supporting my husband.

“Looking back to when I applied for the degree I wasn't sure I could do it.

“Then finding out I got a first was a huge achievement in itself.

“This news has left me feeling really rather proud of myself.  

“I was involved in the Enterprise Society at University and initiated the Marketing Society, bringing in guest speakers as well as liaising with The Chartered Institute of Marketing and helping organise events. 

“Now I intend to get a job and build a career.

“I am not set on a particular industry or role but am interested in retail and consumer brands. I am excited to see what the future holds.”

She said she was anxious initially about going to university and praised the campus facilities and teaching staff, who provided her with a “wonderfully nurturing” environment.

She added: “I felt for the first time in many years my efforts were recognised and rewarded.

“This encouraged me to work hard and enabled me to achieve my very best.”

Senior lecturer Vic Davies said: “Jo was a delight to teach and work with.

“She engaged with the ethos of how we approach things in Bucks Business School by being actively engaged not only with the academic work but how this related out to the real world of business.

“She was never out of place, whether working with a group of 18-year-old fellow students or alongside lecturers in her role running the Marketing Society.

“She is a great example of what a mature student can achieve, and her family can be very proud of her.”