Learning Has No Expiry Date: Why It’s Never Too Late to Grow
Before we take off with Paul’s piece, here’s a note from our Editor ✍️“One of the things I love most about running High Flying Design is hearing the many different paths people take to grow - because success is rarely a straight line. While our features often spotlight female founders, I also value voices that remind us that growth is universal. In this article, Paul Kenny reflects on returning to education in his fifties, and how that decision reshaped both his career and company. It’s a story of resilience, curiosity, and proof that learning truly has no age limit. I hope it encourages you to trust your own timing.” – Shannon Kate Murray
By Paul Kenny, Managing Director of Yorkshire-based AquatrustMany of us look back on our A-Level results with mixed emotions. Research from Cambridge Advance Online suggests women in particular may be more likely to skip university after disappointing grades - yet their data also shows that nearly half of UK managers, directors and senior officials do not hold a university qualification.
But what if there was an option to return to education later in life - especially if a lack of confidence or self-belief held you back the first time? Today, there are more opportunities than ever to re-engage with learning. Building new knowledge later in life can sharpen leadership, open fresh markets and help future-proof a business.
Education isn’t a straight road
My own path was far from linear. I didn’t go to university, and my A-Level results weren’t what I had hoped for. At the time, I was more focused on entering the workplace than on studying. University was not a financial option for my family - no one before me had gone, and it was simply out of reach.
Despite this, I found opportunities, worked hard, and kept learning. Over time, I progressed in my career and became Sales Director of Aquatrust, a Yorkshire-based water hygiene and treatment specialist. Then, in my early fifties, I decided to return to education.
The decision was sparked by someone suggesting I apply for a business growth programme. At the time, we had numerous ideas about Aquatrust’s future, but lacked a clear strategy to guide us. I began exploring options and, through a connection in one of my peer groups, discovered the 90% government-funded Help to Grow: Management Course. I never imagined that returning to education would be an option for me at this stage in life, but that moment of curiosity and encouragement opened the door.
Reigniting an appetite for learning
That decision reignited my appetite for learning and equipped me to lead Aquatrust into its next chapter. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel out of place at all, even though it was my first time back in an education setting since I left school.
The course brought together people from all walks of life - different ages, backgrounds and experiences - which made the learning environment incredibly inclusive and energising. In fact, being back in a classroom setting was one of the most invigorating experiences I’ve had in my career. The content was business-relevant, practical and delivered by my local business school, so it slotted seamlessly into my working day. Rather than being a burden, it actually helped me lead the business more effectively.
Taking part in the programme really was a turning point: I developed a clear plan for growth, doubled company revenue from £1.5m in 2020 to £3m in 2025, grew our team by 25% to 40 people, and transitioned from traditional services to a technology-led model using IoT and software. The experience also allowed me to progress in my career, moving into the role of Managing Director in March 2025.
Building resilience and adaptability
While I’ve never felt “not good enough” without a degree, I have, at points, experienced a sense of underachievement. There was always a desire to improve myself and reach for something more.
However, what I’ve realised over the years is that your exam results don’t define you. They’re just one moment in time. What matters more is your attitude, your work ethic, and your willingness to learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to fail - failure builds resilience.
I’ve failed more than once in life, but I’ve learned to pick myself back up and carry on. It makes you stronger under pressure and better equipped to lead. In business, that ability to adapt is just as valuable as any qualification. Feel the fear - it means you care about your direction in life. You don’t want to be just run-of-the-mill. Lean into that feeling and use it to drive meaningful progress for yourself and your business.
Indeed, returning to education later in life wasn’t driven by fear or a sense of previous failure - it was driven by a genuine motivation to grow and become better.
The biggest lessons I’ve learnt
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that there’s always room to grow, whether that’s gaining new knowledge, meeting new people, or developing yourself for the benefit of your team and business.
Enthusiasm is contagious. When you’re in a positive mindset and actively learning, it rubs off on those around you. I’ve found that when you lean into growth, good things tend to happen more often.
I’ve also learnt a lot about myself as a leader. Before the course, I was very much caught up in the day-to-day running of the business. I didn’t consider myself a bad leader, but I lacked a clear plan for driving Aquatrust forward or embracing innovation.
After completing the course, I felt like a changed person. I was re-energised, full of ideas, and had a solid strategy to implement. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose, both professionally and personally, and transformed how I lead the business.
Your journey is your own
There’s no single formula for success. Careers evolve in unexpected ways, and education doesn’t have an expiry date. Some of the most important lessons happen outside the classroom - but structured learning at the right time can sharpen your edge.
I’d say to any business leader: don’t think twice about re-entering education. You should always look for ways to improve yourself, and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable experience too. I’ve learned a great deal, expanded my network, and even gained publicity for the business through my efforts.
For senior leaders considering their next step, the Help to Grow: Management Course is one practical way to strengthen both your business and yourself. It’s one of many routes available - but for me, it offered the structure, strategy and renewed energy I needed to lead Aquatrust into its next chapter.
Paul’s reminder that “your exam results don’t define you” feels especially relevant in a world where so many founders have built businesses from unconventional paths. If you’ve ever doubted your credentials or felt it was “too late” to start something new, let this be your nudge: curiosity and learning are always available, at any age, in any form.
