Double celebration for father and daughter’s Open University graduation

Posted on 6 January 2026 • Arts, Arts and social sciences, Education, languages and health, Student stories

It was a real family affair when David Stewart graduated from The Open University with a BA in Arts and Humanities because his daughter Eleanor picked up her own degree at the same time in Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.

Yet it was the retired teacher’s youngest daughter, Martha, 25, whose successful efforts to apply for university to study medicine more than six years previously, were the inspiration for him to fill out the OU joining forms.

And three years later it was David who encouraged Eleanor to also sign up to study with the OU for a BA in Primary Education.

Recently, the 70 year old from Buxton in Derbyshire, originally from Newcastle Upon Tyne, and Eleanor, 28, attended back-to-back events on the same day that saw them both don their OU graduation robes and officially collect their degrees.

Eleanor attended her graduation at the morning ceremony, watched by the family including fiancé Toby Anderson, while David walked across the stage to collect his degree in the afternoon. “It made a fantastic day,” he said.

David, who already has a degree in Philosophy of Education from a brick university, said when Martha applied to the University of Leicester to study medicine he was “so enraptured” by what was happening “I’d forgotten all about what you do to join, and I thought why don’t I give the Open University a go”.

He chose to study art history and religious studies and “thoroughly enjoyed” his six-year-long study journey. He said:

“I’m terrified of getting dementia and it kept my brain active. It was far better than doing the weekly crossword in the local newspaper.”

When Eleanor decided a brick university wasn’t for her, David immediately suggested the OU and one of the reasons for saying so was because of the support offered to students.

“I said if you’ve got a problem just get in touch with your tutor who will help you out in all sorts of ways.” And the learning bug hasn’t left David yet. He’s just begun a Masters degree in Art History.

Eleanor said:

“For various reasons I knew university life wasn’t for me despite my desire to become a teacher. But my Mum, Dad and Toby’s support, encouragement and advice helped me to make my career dream come true.

“I am really pleased that I took that step and did my degree with the OU. Yes, assignment times were a bit stressful, but tutorials and forums really helped. The stage-by-stage learning process was an enjoyable experience and the support of my family and fiancé really helped me on my learning journey.”

The OU is the market leader across the UK in supported distance learning and gives undergraduates the study skills needed to progress successfully.

Nearly three-quarters of OU students are in work, while a growing number are studying to start their careers, and many others are looking to develop or change their careers, including a large number of apprentices.

Pictured (l-r) are: wife Samantha, David and daughter Eleanor Stewart and Eleanor’s fiancé Toby Anderson