Navigating the Path to Higher Education: Sherry’s Journey at Exeter College

Embarking on a journey toward higher education can be daunting, especially for those who seek a fresh start and a new direction. Sherry, a dedicated individual with aspirations of pursuing a career in Paramedic Science, found her pathway through the Access to Healthcare course at Exeter College after returning to education to retake her GCSEs. In an interview with the College, Sherry shared her experience, highlighting the pivotal role Exeter College played in shaping her academic and personal growth.

Sherry’s decision to enrol on a Access to HE course stemmed from her desire to unlock the doors to university education. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed; “I want to go to university, and because I’m a mature student, it’s my best option to get into university.”

Despite facing challenges during her GCSEs, Sherry persevered, recognising the need to strengthen her academic foundation. She shared, “I didn’t do very well at school…I didn’t achieve what I needed because I was in the mindset that I couldn’t do it, so I came back to College and achieved my English GCSE and my other GCSEs.”

A girl with blonde hair smiles at the camera wearing a black and white chequered shirt.

Driven by her passion for healthcare and enriched by her experience working as a Health Care Assistant in the accident and emergency department amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Sherry set her sights on Paramedic Science. The Access course provided her with a comprehensive platform to pursue her ambitions while balancing her professional responsibilities. Sherry explained, “I’ve been working in the hospital since the COVID pandemic,” emphasizing the seamless integration of her studies and practical experience.

Navigating her rigorous schedule, Sherry dedicated Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to her studies at Exeter College, combining her educational pursuits with her work commitments. Despite the demanding workload, Sherry found solace and support within the College community. She remarked, “I feel like I’ve grown personally and academically…the College has pushed me in the right direction…everybody here has been very supportive.”

Central to Sherry’s success was her dedication to achieve. Despite initial apprehensions stemming from past academic setbacks, Sherry found herself excelling beyond her expectations. She reflects, “I didn’t think I’d be able to do it because I always struggled but I managed to get a higher grade than I thought I was going to get.”

As Sherry reflected on her experience, she wholeheartedly endorsed the Access to HE course at Exeter College. She attested, “It’s difficult and full-on, but it definitely sets you up for university…I’ve enjoyed it, there’s a lot of work but if you’re willing to put the effort in, it’s definitely a good idea to do.” Sherry’s testament echoes the sentiment of countless students who have found their future through completing an Access Diploma.

Throughout her journey, Sherry confronted various challenges, from managing her time effectively to overcoming self-doubt. Yet, with the support of her tutor and the support teams at Exeter College, she has emerged resilient. Sherry acknowledged, “All my teachers have been supportive…they see the best in you and want you to do your best. It’s been a fresh start.”

Sherry hopes to embark on the next chapter of her academic journey at Bournemouth University to study Paramedic Science (after applying for 5 universities and getting offers for all 5!). Her story illustrates the transformative power of education and highlights the potential that can arise from returning to the classroom.

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New support for mature students helping them to make the next steps to education or work

New support for mature students across Devon is helping them to make the move on to university and new careers. Experts from the University of Exeter and Exeter College are working together to provide access to specialist information and advice.

The new Mature Access Pathway allows them to experience what university life is like and polish their study skills through workshops, talks, and on-campus activities. There is also access to academic staff, mentors, and current undergraduate students who have given information, advice, and guidance they need to make an informed decision about their future.

The course was set up after University of Exeter analysis showed mature students can lack confidence in applying to higher education and often prefer to study for a degree locally. The review showed the need for mature students to meet those in the same situation and to get targeted information about finances and life as an undergraduate.

The Mature Access Pathway, which was set up this academic year, includes social events and advice about money and living matters. It also includes help on how to choose the right course and study skills. It forms part of the timetable of all Access to Higher Education students at Exeter College.

During the first year 83 students took part in the pathway, which is led by Roisin Quinn, Student Access and Further Education Relationship Manager at the University of Exeter, Marianne Readman, Adult Learner Experience Manager on the Exeter College Partnership Board and Suzy Bell, Access to Higher Education lead at Exeter College.

So far 35 of those who took part applied to the University of Exeter and they were given a guaranteed contextual level offer. University of Exeter mature students get extra support, including an enhanced induction programme and access to mentors.

Ms Quinn said: “Our aim has been to increase progression to university from mature students in Devon– to many Higher Education institutes not just the University of Exeter. We provide support and information to support them to progress to many institutions and courses.

“We hope this will now be a key part of the support for mature students in the South West which will give them the confidence, knowledge and support to go on to higher education.”

Participants take part in face-to-face sessions at Exeter College and the University of Exeter where they get advice on applying for university, study skills such as reading, note-making and paraphrasing, researching, academic honesty and referencing, academic writing skills and higher education assessment.

Ms Readman said: “This opportunity to collaborate with a partner university to support our learners to achieve their ambitions is a fantastic addition to all of the hard work of Exeter College staff to ensure a great experience for all our Adult Learners.”

Ms Bell said: “It has been a pleasure to work closely with Roisin and the University of Exeter to create and launch the Mature Access Pathway. It has been such a success in terms of supporting students making the transition to university. It has also enabled students to further develop essential study skills, find out about the types of support available at university level, and receive additional guidance throughout the university application process.”

Kay Botham, 32, is studying Access to Business. She has applied for Business, Management and Marketing, and Accounting and Finance at University of Exeter. She hopes to go into an element of marketing such as publishing marketing or events. Before this Kay had been out of education since she was 19 and says the pathway has been “greatly beneficial”.

“It gives you that extra insight which gives you a push. Being able to sit in lectures created such a spark at the right time as I was doing my UCAS application at the time. It confirmed it was what I wanted to do.

“Meeting people at the University of Exeter and being able to ask them questions was helpful. A couple of them had progressed from the Access course last year and they were so knowledgeable. We have had some nice honest conversations with them.

“It’s stressful. I have 3 kids, I work, and I do this. But as soon as I said I wanted to go to the University of Exeter I felt like all my tutors at College rallied behind me to make it happen.”

Leon Hill is 23 and studying Access to Humanities (English Literature, History and Politics). They are hoping to study Film at Falmouth University.

Leon said: “I chose Exeter College because I had friends who came here when they were 16 and really enjoyed it. It’s been worth me making the journey from North Devon which is one of the reasons why I appreciate the programme being incorporated into the course, rather than an additional thing.

“I found the visit to University of Exeter really helpful in demystifying the uni experience. I appreciated being able to go and realise universities are not as scary as I had imagined. It was good to get a feel for how things may feel if I went there.

“Going back to studying has been a challenge, but it is not unreasonably difficult. It is manageable alongside other life commitments if you do pace yourself. I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been a very understanding, welcoming environment. It was a really good decision to come back into education and to do it at Exeter College.”

Exceptional Results for Exeter College Access to Higher Education Students

Exeter College’s truly exceptional summer of results has continued with the stunning success of their Access to Higher Education (HE) students, who are celebrating a huge 96% achievement rate.

The results mean that the vast majority of students on an Access to HE course at Exeter College now have the skills and qualifications to move on to fully-fledged degree level studies at universities throughout the UK.

“They truly deserve these incredible results, and I can’t wait to see what they’ll all go on to achieve next,”
Lucinda Sanders, Exeter College Director of Adult Learning

The outstanding results follow the news earlier this summer that the College’s International Baccalaureate students achieved a 100% pass rate. Over a third of students achieved more than 40 points, putting them in the top 5-10% of students in the entire world.

For many adult learners, an Access to HE course is a route into a higher level of study for those who don’t hold many formal qualifications or don’t meet the current entry requirements for university level education. Having completed their Access course at Exeter College, this cohort of students can now go on to make applications to study at universities, safe in the knowledge they have the required qualifications to make a successful application.

Exeter College Director of Adult Learning Lucinda Sanders said, “It’s hugely satisfying to see the success of our Access students, especially during what has been a unique academic year for their studies with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m thrilled that they’re celebrating their achievements in their courses. It will certainly unlock their future ambitions when it comes to university level study.

“It was great seeing the way students and staff adapted to the pandemic to continue teaching and learning at an incredibly high level during difficult circumstances. I want to thank all our teaching staff and students for taking to the new way of working so well. They truly deserve these incredible results, and I can’t wait to see what they’ll all go on to achieve next.”

Exeter College Access to Healthcare student Amy Mulvihill, 20, achieved an incredible 45 distinctions, giving her the grade profile to be accepted to study Midwifery at the University of Southampton.

“I’m so happy that I’ve got the results to go on to study at university. When I last studied, I just missed out on what I needed to get in, so I’m really pleased that I’ve got what I wanted.”

The student from Exmouth wanted to pay tribute to the Exeter College lecturers that supported her during her year-long programme of study.

“From the start, they found out about our entry requirements for where we all wanted to study and what we wanted to do at university. This meant they could support each of us in the right way for what we wanted to go on to study in the future, and that definitely made it all easier to understand and relevant to our interests.

“It has been an enjoyable and sometimes intense year, but everyone is really supportive. Someone is always there to help you if you need them.”

Find out about former Access to Higher Education student Anna Grayson, who used her Art and Design course to become a fully-fledged artist.

Find out about Access to Higher Education with Exeter College.

Discover Exeter College’s wide range of courses for adult learners.