The photo shows Freda Smith who received her degree at the age of 98 at the University of Roehampton in London. (Photo courtesy of University of Roehampton )

LONDON, May 17 (Xinhua) -- A retired teacher unable to afford to complete her higher education degree four decades ago has finally received her degree at the age of 98.

Freda Smith from Ipswich, who worked for 44 years as a teacher becoming head teacher at one school, has been given an honorary degree by the University of Roehampton in London.

She left college two years into her degree course because her parents could not afford to keep her at college.

Receiving the degree, which enables her to use the letters B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) after her name, Smith said it was an honor and a lovely occasion.

The photo shows Freda Smith (L) with Professor Dame Jacqueline Wilson (R), chancellor of the University of Roehampton. (Photo courtesy of University of Roehampton)

Smith, who started her college training in 1936, explained: "I always wanted to be a school teacher. In those days, teachers' certificates took two years. But because I went to London, I wasn't given any grants from Sheffield (where she lived at the time), but my parents mortgaged their house to pay for me to go."

To get a Bachelor of Education degree, a third year of studies was required, but her family did not have the funds for her to complete the final year.

Smiling as she collected her degree at a university ceremony Monday at London's Royal Festival Hall, Smith said: "I must admit, I do consider it to be an honor. When I apply for my next job, I shall be able to say Freda Smith, BEd. It's absolutely wonderful to celebrate a degree like this at my age."

A spokeswoman for the University of Roehampton said: "It was such a nice day for Freda. She was a star of the show with so many people congratulating her. She even brought along a thesis on geography she had written in 1938."

During a career spanning more than four decades, she only had a handful of days from her classrooms through sickness.

Professor Paul O'Prey, vice-chancellor at the University of Roehampton, said the event recognized the hard work and dedication of women and men who have made significant contributions to education and teaching across the world.

The graduation ceremony was part of university's 175th anniversary since it welcomed its first cohort of students.