Mum of three Juli Shorrock has picked up a first class BA Hons degree from Lancaster University after six years of study - just weeks after a fairytale wedding on a ship in the Caribbean.
42-year-old Juli balanced studying for her degree in Education Studies and Consultancy and Independent Research with a full time job as an administrator at the university's Lonsdale College, and a part-time post teaching ICT at the Adult College.
But she still found time to marry husband Edward on a Caribbean cruise before returning to write a dissertation and sitting her finals.
"I wish I had done a degree when I came out of school and I wanted to better myself," said Juli, who has three children - Paul, 19, Lisa, 18, and Jenna, 17 - and two step-children, Matthew and Amy, who has just graduated from the University of Cumbria.
"It was quite a shock to come back into education after 20-odd years and there were times when I felt like giving up, but my family have offered wonderful support.
"I've learned a lot and it's been very good for my stamina and confidence.
"It was an absolute shock to get a First and I'm over the moon - it's one of my best achievements ever."
Juli - who now lives in Forton, near Garstang, but grew up in Chipping and attended St Cecilia's RC High School in Longridge - is planning to celebrate with a family party before turning her thoughts to the future - and she has not ruled out post-graduate study.
"We've not really had time to celebrate our marriage and at the moment I just need a rest," she said.