Dominic scales the heights of academic success.

At the age of 16 Dominic White left school with two ‘O’ levels, determined not to return to education. Now, over 16 years later, Dominic has come joint top of his year at the University of Teesside, achieving a First Class BSc (Hons) degree in Sport science. He has also gained the Human Kinetics Award.

Dominic, 32, of Taunton Vale, Guisborough, is originally from Bishop Auckland. After school he embarked on a series of jobs, including working as a hotel porter in the Lake District and as an assistant warden in north-eastern youth hostels. Both posts gave Dominic the opportunity to take part in climbing, a favourite sport from the age of 15. Since then he has climbed in a range of areas, including the Alps. Factory work made Dominic consider returning to study at the age of 28, and he enrolled for an access course at New College, Bishop Auckland.

Dominic said: “The course was enlightening, previously I didn’t want to be in education and didn’t get on with my teachers. Now I was older and keen to learn.

“I chose Sport Science at Teesside because it was interesting and I could build it into a career. The Lecturers were enthusiastic and I enjoyed the research methods modules, as well as physiology and psychology. The latter was interesting as psychological elements are so important in climbing, it’s a sport which combines the physical and the technical.”

Dominic’s dissertation explored his favoured sport, looking at the personality profiles of elite level rock climbers. He is now working as a Research Assistant on a three-year project, funded by the government through the Health Action Zone for Teesside.

The project will examine causes of lower back pain, and involve a survey of 500 local people. Dominic aims to gain a PhD from the project, through the University of Teesside’s School of Health, and possibly work as a Lecturer. He is the first in his family to graduate from University, and his mother Elaine White and partner Carla Hindle will attend the ceremony.

Dominic added: “When I first started the course I just wanted a degree, I didn’t expect to end up with a First Class.

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