A Bucks New University graduate diagnosed with severe dyslexia as a teenager has turned a story he spent 14 years writing in secret into a published sci-fi trilogy.
Dan Batchelor, 35, studied Sports Science and Coaching at Bucks after entering university through Clearing in 2008.
The idea first came to him just months after graduating in 2012. He kept writing, little and often, but didn't tell anyone what he was working on for years.
Now a Key Stage 2 teacher, his first Jack Palmer book was published in June 2025, with the second instalment due out in October and the final book set to follow in February.
Dan said: “I didn’t find out I was dyslexic until I was 17, when a college media teacher noticed me stumbling over a script. I managed to get through school without knowing. My twin brother studied English Literature at university, so he was better at grammar, but I’ve always had a naturally creative brain.
“When I started writing, I kept it a complete secret from my friends for years. Coming from a sports background, I felt like a bit of an imposter. Now everyone knows and the kids at my school get so excited about it – even if they’re a bit too young to read dystopian sci-fi!”
After sitting on a draft for several years, a recommendation led Dan to secure professional editing and a publisher for the series.
What started as an idea on his daily commute is now a three-book series, with the first already on the shelves and two more on the way.
With A-Level results published this week, Dan believes his path shows how clearing can lead to unexpected but promising career outcomes.
He added: “Going through Clearing and ending up at Bucks was the best thing that could have happened to me. University gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and try completely different things.
“I’ve made friends for life that I still see all the time now. My advice to anyone receiving results this week is not to panic if things don’t go to plan and don’t be afraid to put your ideas out there.”