Former postie celebrates First-Class Honours with family

Five years ago Scott Bees was working a postal route in all weathers. This week he celebrates adding letters to his own name – BSc First Class Honours.

Scott, dad to five girls, decided to do a short history course after being furloughed during lockdown in 2020. He graduates with his degree in Archaeology today (17 July) with the highest award possible – and his family couldn’t be prouder.

Daughter Lucy, 10, said: “I’m proud that you succeeded.”

Sister Scarlett added: “It’s very interesting. I love the stories he tells about his studies – in his history voice!”

Izabella, 14, said her dad had always had an interest in history: “Every week we do family castle Sundays, where we go to a historic castle and he tells us the history of it.”

Scott, who lives in Ely, and is also dad to Ivy, eight and Elise, 17, said: “Graduation day is going to hold a lot of mixed emotions for me when you consider the fact five years ago I was posting bills through the doors of my community members, and now, five years later, I’m working on archaeological sites, doing research that’s never been done before.

“Going back into higher education has completely changed my outlook on life. I am an avid supporter of lifelong learning.”

The 36-year-old is now looking forward to starting a Master’s in Archaeology next term.

“I’ve always been a bit of a keen storyteller with a passion for history,” he said. “I remember listening to my grandfather telling me stories about the war when I was a child and being fascinated.

“Since coming back to education as an adult, it’s been a bit of a journey for me, with Archaeology taking me back 4,000 years, to be exact.”

During his studies, Scott became a regular volunteer with the CAER Project, which works with the people of Caerau and Ely to uncover history and promote the benefits of lifelong learning. The annual digs at Trelai Park have given him practical experience of working as an archaeologist in the field and became the inspiration and basis of his dissertation.

He added: “If I could say anything to anybody who is considering going through a more non-traditional route into higher education, I’d say, don’t be afraid to do it. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”