LECTURERS’ union UCU president Simon Renton slammed government cuts to education yesterday highlighting how his own journey from bus driver to academic would be impossible today for most. 

Mr Renton’s remarkable route to Manchester, where he chaired his union’s conference, took a crucial turn when he attended his local polytechnic at 27. 

The now University College London lecturer remembered how education transformed his life. 

But he warned how many working-class students will be able to ditch jobs and take on massive debts to follow his path through college. 

He said: “Despite the fact that government ministers say we should all be prepared to retrain, they have made it almost impossible to do so. 

“This is especially shocking as those ministers, in governments of all complexions, paid no fees and received grants. 

“Where there used to be a ladder of opportunity, ministers have kicked it away behind them, now people are expected to take a leap in the dark.”