Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe The vision that Andy Burnham has laid out of the future is refreshing, particularly his assertion that education is a key to growth, hope and opportunity. Central to this vision I would like to see the revitalisation of further education. I have many reasons to believe in the life-changing importance of FE. Here are some of them. Given Burnham’s emphasis on opportunity and hope, I would like to tell my own story. I failed my 11 plus and left school in 1965, aged fifteen. Ten years of dead-end jobs followed. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.