Aspiring teachers have taken inspiration from a former Bradford student who has gone on to prosper in the profession despite battling dyslexia.

Edward Vickerman shared his story of persistence with Bradford College students who were celebrating their graduation from PGCE teacher qualification courses at St George’s Hall yesterday.

This week more than 800 students are receiving certificates for completing their studies at the College.

Mr Vickerman, 27, of Wetherby, was chosen as a role model to speak to students at the annual Festival of Achievement, as well as former Bradford Bulls coach Steve McNamara, who now coaches the England Rugby League Team.

Mr Vickerman had all but given up on his dream of becoming a teacher when he was accepted by Bradford College on its PGCE course, but now he is director of business and enterprise at Freeston Business & Enterprise College, Wakefield. And last year he was named Outstanding New Teacher of the Year for the North of England.

He said: “Dyslexia was a huge barrier. I had no intention of going to university. It had been a battle enough at school.

“I had a job lined up working for Ramada Jarvis, but I decided I wanted to teach. I tried to find a training provider. Two turned me down without an interview, but Bradford College took me on.”

Since then, with the support of tutors Joanne Courtney and Jill Powell, he has achieved strong results with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Ninety-eight per cent of his business and enterprise pupils have achieved an A* to C at GCSE.

He said: “There are still aspects of teaching I find difficult, but I use my dyslexia to my advantage. I tell my pupils I have this problem at the start of their teaching and you find there are other pupils who have these problems, so they become disruptive. But I tell them not to use it as an excuse. You find what they are good at and build from there.”

Among the qualifications being given out this week were awards validated by Leeds Metropolitan University, BTEC, the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Association of Accounting Technicians.

College principal and chief executive Michele Sutton and senior representatives from Leeds Metropolitan University attended the ceremonies.

Mrs Sutton said: “We are very proud of our graduates and wish them every success in their future studies and careers.”