Neil Dunn: From army boots to school books
QMU graduate Neil gears up for teaching career thanks to life-changing support
Queen Margaret University is celebrating the incredible journey of Neil Dunn, who swapped military life for the classroom as he graduated in the summer of 2025 and headed off to start his probationary year.
Neil’s story is one of grit, growth, and a whole lot of heart. After serving in the military, he found a new calling during the COVID-19 lockdown - homeschooling his children sparked a passion for education that led him to QMU. Fast forward to 2025, and Neil proudly graduated with a BA (Hons) in Primary Education, ready to inspire the next generation.
But his journey wasn’t one he walked alone. Neil was one of 100 students across the UK selected for the Santander Universities Scholars Programme, a game-changing initiative that supports students from underrepresented backgrounds with £30,000 over three years, plus mentoring and career development.
And the benefits didn’t stop there. In July 2024, Neil joined fellow scholars for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ferrari’s legendary headquarters in Maranello, Italy. Over three action-packed days, he got behind-the-scenes insights into manufacturing, teamwork, and innovation - plus a motivational talk from Maya Weug, Ferrari’s first female Driver Academy recruit. Not your average student experience!
Neil also received support from the Baillie Gifford fund, which helps ex-military students at QMU transition into civilian careers. This backing gave Neil the stability and confidence to pursue his studies and build a new future.
Reflecting on his journey, Neil said: “Graduating from QMU is a huge milestone for me and my family. The support I received through the Santander Scholars Programme and the Baillie Gifford fund made it possible for me to retrain and pursue a career in teaching. The trip to Ferrari’s headquarters in Italy was an unforgettable experience - learning about teamwork and performance from one of the world’s most iconic brands, and hearing from Maya Weug, was incredibly inspiring. I’m excited to start my probationary year and give back by helping young people reach their potential.”
Neil’s story is a powerful reminder of how education, opportunity, and a little help from generous supporters can change lives. Queen Margaret University is proud to have been part of his journey and extends heartfelt thanks to our whole donor community for helping students like Neil turn ambition into action.
