Degree student Bex could graduate THREE times despite failing A Levels as a teenager

The 29-year-old from Market Weighton took her first steps back into education nine years ago when she completed an Access to Higher Education - Education Professions course at College before taking another break after having two children.

In 2023, though, she returned to Sim Balk Lane to enrol on our Foundation Degree in Children’s Development and Learning, whilst also working as a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Teaching Assistant in a primary school.

Her performance on that two-year course was then recognised during our Graduation Ceremony, at York Minster in September, when Bex was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award for Professional Studies.

She has since progressed on to our BA (Hons) Leading Children’s Development and Learning Degree, which will see her graduate at the Minster again later this year and, after that, she is now even considering progressing on to a Master’s!

“My graduation felt a bit surreal,” Bex admitted when reflecting on last September’s ceremony. “I didn’t think I’d ever have one, because I failed my A Levels so, to return back to education, was a big step, but I wanted to inspire my kids. The access course was my first step and I really enjoyed that course as well. We then had our son, so I had a break.”

On how gaining a full degree could lead to further career and educational opportunities, Bex added: “After my degree, I am definitely thinking about Family Support Worker roles and going down the social work side. Maybe, I could also do something still linked to education, but in another role and it all depends on my next steps really – getting the BA and whether I go on and do a Master’s.”

Bex went on to stress how her academic confidence has been rebuilt at York College following her struggles in Further Education as a teenager. 

“Compared to when I first started here, I feel like an author now with my academic writing,” she laughed. “I didn’t think I could learn so much as an adult, but I have.

“The quality of teaching is excellent. We only get one day at College, but that time is invaluable really.”

Only being required on site one day a week (Mondays 1pm-8.30pm) has also helped Bex balance the demands of a degree with her work and family commitments.

“It was all a bright idea when I was on maternity leave – two children, work full-time and go back to College – and, while balancing my studies with having a young family has definitely been a challenge, College have been really supportive every step of the way,” Bex declared. “Staff have checked in with me to find out if the workload was OK and how I could best manage it. 

“School have also been really understanding and it’s been very helpful, too, to have a job that matches and links to the degree, because it’s really useful to have first-hand experience. I’m in College for one day a week of contact time and, then, there’s lots of evenings as well, which does fit in well with the kids, because they can go to bed and, then, I start with my studies. 

“It’s very tiring, but worth it and I actually missed doing the assignments when I handed in my last one for the Foundation Degree. I actually quite enjoy them.”

The course has even led to Bex enjoying certain units more than she might have anticipated during enrolment.

“I’ve loved looking at safeguarding and legislation and how it’s changed historically,” she explained. “That’s been my main interest and, although it was my intention to start with one career, the more I learn, I can see other doors opening, so that’s been quite nice.”

To learn more about our Foundation Degree in Children’s Development and Learning, please click here

For further details on our BA (Hons) Leading Children’s Development and Learning Degree, visit here

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