Top universities beckon
Two students at Warwickshire College’s Rugby Centre – who
both dropped out of school in their teens – are heading for two of
the UK’s top universities after completing an ‘Access to HE’
course.
Tena Watson, 45, from Rugby and Kate Garland, 26, from Earl
Shilton, have been offered places at the universities of Warwick
and Cambridge respectively. Both students took an unconventional
path to higher education, leaving school before completing their A
levels and taking the ‘Access to HE’ course as mature learners.
Tena (left) and Kate (right) have got top university
places
Kate has an offer from Cambridge University – the top ranking
university in the UK – to read theology. She says: “I got as far as
my AS levels, but then dropped out of school, got married and had
my two children.
"Having had a break from education, it was a bit of a struggle
to get back into studying, but the staff were very supportive,
providing help with things like study skills. I am a bit
apprehensive about moving my family to Cambridge, but I the move
should benefit us all in the long term.
“The Access to HE course is geared towards people who have other
commitments in their life. It is very flexible and helps you to
learn independently.”
Tena has an unconditional offer from the University of Warwick
to read social studies. She says: “I had been through a tough time
personally and decided it was about time I did something for
myself.
"I left school without qualifications but decided it was time to
return to college. Initially, I didn’t have any thoughts of going
to university, but when I was interviewed for college, they
suggested the Access to HE programme. Now that I am going to
university, I am just in one big bubble of excitement.”
Access to HE is run at the college’s centres in Rugby and
Leamington Spa. It offers a route to university for less
traditional students and is specifically designed to meet the
needs, aspirations and interests of those who may have been away
from formal education for some time.
Over 85% of learners who complete the course then progress to
university study. ‘Access to HE’ offers a fast track into higher
education with students completing the course in one academic year.
The course is designed on a modular basis which means that students
can obtain credit for their achievements as they progress through
the course.