Upon being awarded a Bafta fellowship by Prince William last night, Sir Ridley Scott explained that after leaving school, he secured a place at Hartlepool College of Art despite having just one GCE. “The college was a revelation,” he said.

“It is extraordinary what an enthusiastic teacher can do, drawing the student out, igniting independence, encouraging the design of your own future. Teaching is the most important of all professions.

“Sort that out and social problems will get sorted out,” Sir Ridley added. 

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