A STUDENT who left Okehampton College in 1985 without taking A-levels has graduated with a doctorate in biological sciences from Birmingham University.
Jenny Rawson (nee Dyke) qualified as a riding instructor but had to change her career when she developed allergies to hay and straw dust.
After six years in various jobs, including short periods as a veterinary receptionist at North Tawton and working for MAFF, she returned to studying.
On completion of an Access course at Exeter College in 1993, Jenny gained a place at Birmingham University where her BSc degree led to a PhD research studentship.
She is shortly to take up a post in histocompatibility and immunogenetics at the National Blood Transfusion regional centre in Birmingham.
Jenny still enjoys schooling and riding horses as a leisure activity with her husband, Mark, who is a medical physicist.