You’re never too old to learn clashes with the other old phrase that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. The truth is showing that many of us older dogs can learn new tricks, and very well in some cases!

It is inherent in many of us that we didn’t do the best we could have done with our secondary education but never have there been so many opportunities to return to learning, and we are doing it in droves.

Whether it’s the Open University or local evening classes there is quite literally something for everyone. From maths to country dancing and technology to table decorations, look carefully and chances are you will find it.

The Internet has opened up a whole new world to those using computers and distance learning is now a preferred option for many. Gone are the days when you had to turn out on a cold winter’s night for a course. If you prefer to stay home you can do so.

The beauty of education in later years is that the choice is yours. No one is going to drag you off to school by the scruff of the neck, it’s your choice alone. You are in charge of your won destiny.

We now have the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education. A non-governmental organisation working for more and different adult learners, and a Minister for Lifelong Learning, Bill Rammell MP.

NIACE is a registered charity and is encouraging further education in many ways. From the largest organisation to the smallest night school class further education has become big business. Many people who did not fully benefit from their school years have been able to turn the clock back and gain qualifications which have improved their employment prospects and lives in general.

Different people are looking for different things from further education. You may simply wish to brush up on something academic or practical which you enjoyed at school. A simple woodworking class or language course may be all you want, in which case chances are you will find your local further education college could fit the bill.

Languages are particularly popular with the ease of foreign travel today. You may find an online course to suit you but there is no better way than to converse with a fluent user of your chosen language and the interaction between people at other levels is highly beneficial.

Academia is becoming increasingly available to all and gone is the upper class exclusivity once associated with it. However basic your primary and secondary education was there will be a way in to your chosen learning. There are many teachers and counsellors who can help you chose the right direction, and with the right help there is no reason why you cannot come out at the end of it with a recognised qualification.

It is some years now since I knew a man who, at 55, left his office job and pursued a teaching course in mathematics. He ended his working days happily teaching, the vocation which had eluded him for so many years became his greatest love. This is a story which has often been repeated since.

Your wish may be purely for leisure purposes. Musical and dancing classes at night school and beyond are hugely popular and in the months preceding new courses, usually beginning in September, you will see advertisements in your local newspaper. Many offer the opportunity of a sample class. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose, and maybe a whole new experience and group of friends to gain.

The Open University has, of course, become hugely popular in recent years, and there have been some remarkable success stories from their system.

Online or through the post you will be totally spoiled for choice from their courses. You can start at the most basic level, in fact you are strongly recommended to do so to ease yourself back into study after a gap of what may be many years. The system allocated you credits for passing different courses and you can mix and match for different qualifications.

Anything from an “O” level to a Master of Arts degree and beyond is possible. Using tried and tested basic lecturing techniques, and harnessing the benefits of modern day technology has seen the OU merge seamlessly into a slick learning machine with millions of devotees.

Some courses can be expensive but if you want to test the water before plunging into something you are apprehensive of, there are short inexpensive modules which can help you find your feet. Perhaps the English or French which you enjoyed at school would be worth brushing up with a basic course, and before you know it you could be on your way to a cap and gown.

So from country dancing to Chinese Literature, whatever your taste, there is something out there for you. You are never too old to learn, and it’s never too late.

Graham Smith for Third Age.