Lucky brush with philosophy

Universities may not realise it, but the key to widening participation lies right on their doorstep. David Dunleavey, aged 40, has just graduated from St Andrews University with a degree in philosophy. His first encounter with the department came five years ago when he was painting the outside of the building. "I remember looking at a sign on the door, which said 'Logic and Metaphysics', and thinking: 'What on earth is that?'" the former painter and decorator recalls. Mr Dunleavey is now planning to teach philosophy in further education colleges, and will consider painting and decorating only for his mother.