What an absolute joy to share the story of our graduate, Kathleen “Kath” Sexton, who has just celebrated her 103rd birthday.

Kath was born in South Tottenham and moved to Palmers Green, Enfield, where she started her professional journey with our secretarial and shorthand training.

Today, over 30,000 people come to train in our modern centres centres each year, but our story started way back in 1837 when Sir Isaac Pitman created his famous shorthand system. By 1870, the first Pitman school opened its doors – and that was just the beginning.

What makes us really proud is our role in British history, especially for women in the workplace. When the First World War began in 1914, we opened our training centres to women who were eager to learn new skills. While most doors were closed to women back then, we welcomed them in. Thousands of women came to our centres during the war years, learning skills that gave them their first experience of workplace independence. It was a proper turning point – both for us and for women’s equality in British workplaces.

After the war, women kept coming to Pitman. Our secretarial courses opened up solid office careers – from typing pools to personal assistants – at a time when good jobs for women were still hard to come by. This was the world Kath stepped into when she joined us in 1935, ready to start her own career journey.

A Special Birthday Celebration With Words of Wisdom

This Is Your Life Kath 103rd Birthday

Our Managing Director, Paul Lewis, had the pleasure of sending a card, flowers and a personalised recording to share birthday wishes with Kath. “It fills us with such pride to see how far Kath’s career took her after starting with us,” Paul shared. “And to think she’s still enjoying a round of golf at 103 – that’s just amazing.”

The celebration at Snowdrop House care home in Ware, Hertfordshire, became a heartwarming affair, with a “This Is Your Life” themed party. Staff and residents gathered alongside Kath’s family and friends as the home’s Lifestyle Lead took on the role of Eamonn Andrews, complete with the iconic red book. She lit up while sharing memories of her Pitman Training days, and when presented with the card, video message and flowers from us, she was genuinely moved. The surprise brought an extra special touch to an already memorable day, connecting her present moment with the training that launched her impressive career so many years ago.

According to Chris Riches, North-West Correspondent for the Daily Express (January 2, 2025), when asked about her secret to longevity, Kath shared her refreshing perspective on life: “I loved the freedom of going on holidays, and to the theatre. My advice would be – don’t get married unless you’re sure. I’ve had a great life with no worries. I have lots of friends. Enjoy life, stay sober, and take lots of walks in the fresh air.”

Adventures Beyond the Office

After retiring in 1981, Kath enjoyed many adventures with her sister Winnie. As reported in the Daily Express (January 2, 2025), their travels included a memorable boat trip along The Rhine and a special journey from Switzerland to Germany to watch The Oberammergau Passion Play, a grand production held every decade that presents the story of Jesus.

From Secretary to Board Level: Kath’s Career Journey

Kath’s story shows just what’s possible with the right training and determination. What began with basic typing and shorthand turned into a successful and joyous lifelong career. After graduating from Pitman, Kath began working at the Halifax Building Society in Edmonton in 1941 before being conscripted to the National Fire Service at age 20, where she served for four and a half years during World War Two.

After WWII, Kath worked at Weatherall Green and Smith Chartered Surveyors on Chancery Lane for nine years before moving to the Board of Directors at Truman, Hanbury, Buxton and Co Brewery in Brick Lane until she retired in 1981, aged 60.

Looking Back and Looking Forward

As we celebrate with Kath on her birthday, we’re reminded of what makes us proud to do what we do. For over 185 years, we’ve helped people like Kath build careers they love – and we’re still at it today, offering in-demand courses in everything from digital marketing and data analysis to cyber security.

Just like Kathleen, our students today can study at their own speed and build the skills they really need for their dream jobs. Her journey from Pitman student to board level, and now to incredible centenarian golfer, makes us all smile. Here’s to you, Kath – thanks for being part of our story!

Note: Additional reporting for this article includes content from “Don’t marry if you want to live to 103 – WW2 hero’s advice for longevity” by Chris Riches, North-West Correspondent, published by Express Newspapers, part of Reach PLC (www.express.co.uk) on January 2, 2025. Original article available at: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1990018/kah-saxton-Don-t-marry-if-you-want-to-live-to-103.