Jay James May

Jay James May dropped out of school at 15, but a passion for literature led him to Sussex, where he has scooped a hat-trick of prizes and a first-class degree in English Literature and Film Studies. 

Jay James says: "My move into higher education was the continuation of a journey that began when I was 21. I decided to get an education and went to night school, where I studied for my GCSE and AS levels. I taught myself A2 English. 

"The decision to read English was based purely on my passion for literature and my own desire to write. I had no idea that I would want to become a scholar before I landed in Sussex." 

Jay James' hard work and talent was rewarded with three prizes:

• The School of English prize for the highest ranking student in the School
• The Mary Dove prize for the highest ranking English Literature student
• The Siobahn Kilfeather Prize (held jointly with another student) for the best dissertation mark across all subject areas in the School of English. 

Jay James adds: "It came as a massive surprise to win these prizes. Sussex lecturer Dr John David Rhodes has played a large part in my academic growth, through his own unique blend of criticism and encouragement." 

Jay James' academic journey continues: he has won a scholarship to study for an MA in Modern and Contemporary Literature and Culture at York and hopes to continue after that with a doctorate.