My previous experience with the education system was tumultuous. In my classes, you either were naughty and consistently in conflict for power, you were well-liked and supported by teachers because of your ability, or you were in between; meeting academic expectations, but generally glanced over because you did not make a fuss. What is more, the classroom environment itself could be a sensory nightmare from lights to noise to temperature, and I would often prefer to skip school completely to be outdoors or be in the local library. I did not have the motivation to sit indoors all day to learn maths equations I knew I would not use, or do beep tests in PE when I loathe exercising, and so I left school at 16 years of age to work full-time in business administration.  Bullied from an early age for being a “weird witchy individual” I was thrilled to be out of the spaces which did not feel inclusive, kind or supportive.  

In each job role I took on in my late teens and early twenties, I became more invested in the development of others: from managing diverse teams, to co-creating events which land real impact in the community. I got to support people as they were, and where they wanted to be. As someone who did not have an undergraduate degree, I could not get further with a role in comparison to others who had, and I often jumped from organisation to organisation to find my ‘place’. 

Whilst I never had the academic qualifications, I did have experience (lived and professionally) to support becoming a community event organiser, working 18 hour days to deliver. Once I become pregnant with my second child, I was on bed rest and turned back to tarot again to pass the time, to keep my mental health supported and to be in touch with my spiritual side after years of neglect due to a busy lifestyle. Looking back, it had been a great self-development tool and comfort growing up but with limited down time I had neglected a spiritual practice. I became more open with friends who visited, to trust them and be vulnerable enough to say, “This is who I am, and this is what I like to do”. 

Friends recommended me to other friends, who then paid me for my time and knowledge, and it suddenly became a paid role. The clients I then met over the next 7 years came for support in grief, in change and key life transitions, in tandem with providing support for conflicts they were feeling within their own lives. Being on the other side of the table, I came to know the importance and the weight of responsibility of their stories, their emotions and their trust. People have always felt comfortable to share their dark moments with me, and this led me to wanting to develop further, providing appropriate resources and signposting for my clients.  

From there, and working with local CICs and charities, I built up soft active listening skills and felt the need to contribute even more. I enrolled at a local college for a Person-Centred skills course, and finished my Level 2 and Level 3 Counselling Skills certificates. I made use of the additional CPD opportunities for free or low cost online, such as becoming a Mental Health First Aider, Safeguarding (for children and adults) and even a Faith-Based Abuse certification. They were short courses that didn’t require me to be online 8 hours a day, they were flexible, and gave me a good understanding of the direction I wanted to work in. 

Alongside my studying I became a volunteer Mentor at a young person’s mental health charity in my area, which has led to additional paid work as a mental health contractor, providing mild anxiety interventions to primary school-aged children through a CBT approach. I knew I wanted to get a certification to become a qualified counsellor, but I wasn’t sure I would be capable of work at a University level, and this is where Step Up to HE has been brilliant.  

When I was 37, I met with Ashley at an Open day, and from the get-go he fully supported me being part of the course to build up my skills so that by September start date I would be ready to go with my Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. It didn’t matter my age, or previous learning experiences, and I just had to demonstrate my current English skills. The best part is that the course was fully funded, and I just had to get there every week to ensure I had the attendance requirements and opportunities for learning. We have covered so much content in such a short time, but each week there has been important learning that I can take away forever. For instance, adhering to proper Harvard referencing principles, how to reflective as a practitioner in using structured theoretical ideas, alongside critical thinking workshops and focused tutorial sessions to gain meaningful feedback.  

My advice would be for any Step Up students to journal each week a line or two of what you felt was useful, what surprised you about the week, and then how did you actually feel. This will be helpful not just for the course modules itself but also for your own awareness, development and self-care.  

If anyone reading this has ever felt in-between or classroom-averse too – I would 100% recommend enrolling with the Step Up to Higher Education course. Take the time to come to an Open Day and have a conversation with the team, because you won’t regret it and you’ll be able to feel the genuine support from the start. It’s been proven not just with myself, but other students that you can work, you can parent and you can develop your own skills at a pace that works for you. The validation you receive is unmatched from the whole staff team (including library services and the lovely folks at the Squeezebox!), and the focus on critical thinking is extremely necessary in this current AI and politically divisive landscape.  

For myself personally, I was originally concerned about my maths abilities, but through the tutoring support and the course content, it became clear I had nothing to worry about. You use multiple areas of the campus to keep you engaged, and the Catalyst Building offers a lot of calming workspaces for those who have sensory challenges like myself. There is a mixed age range in the class (so it’s unlikely you’ll be the youngest or the oldest), where everyone is there to better their future – a shared goal makes for easy conversation and connection with new people, and make new friends.  

You will receive regular one-to-one support, not just for the modules but for your own style of learning too, which is not on offer everywhere else. You will also leave with new friends, new perspectives, and the biggest confidence boost to your learning journey.  

My future looks like what I want it to; more inclusion, more spirituality, uniquely aligned with myself, and a model for my children to follow if they wish. So, all I would say is bring on September, and when I move onto the Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling!  

Lizzie

To find out more surrounding the Step Up to HE programme and how to apply for the next intake, check out our Course Webpage available at: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/course/step-up-to-higher-education.  

Looking back, my experience within the education system often felt like a waste of time. In primary school, I spent most of my days daydreaming, disconnected from the classroom. By secondary school, I had begun to fall into addiction: drawn in by a need to numb the effects of complex traumas I experienced at a young age. This led to a profound lack of self-confidence. Struggling with undiagnosed ADHD and carrying deep emotional scars, I had little motivation or direction. In turn, achieving grades or qualifications felt impossible for me.

By the age of 13, I had immersed myself in a world of alcohol, drugs, and prescription medication. My reality was shaped by toxic relationships, particularly within the care system. I left school with no meaningful qualifications, and addiction became my primary and only coping mechanism. In truth, substances felt like my only companions, and this destructive lifestyle became my norm for years.

At 26, I found myself in prison—a place that felt all too familiar. During my sentence, I turned to studying psychology as a way to cope with the mental health struggles and to pass time. Unfortunately, my education was always short-lived outside of prison. Once released, I would fall back into the only life I knew: addiction. Each relapse brought more trauma, more self-destruction, and the cycle continued.

In 2016, everything changed. I entered an 18-week Residential Rehab Programme that marked the beginning of change. For the first time, I began to value myself. Something within me sparked: a desire to build a future for both myself and my family. Recovery started to provide me with the clarity and strength to believe that change was possible.

Now, nine years into my recovery, I am in a positive place, ready to reclaim the education I once lost at a younger age. In 2024, I completed the ‘Step Up to Higher Education’ course at University of Staffordshire. Although stepping into an academic environment was daunting, it gave me confidence, purpose, and a chance to push myself. The support I received from my course lead, Ashley, and the wider Step Up teaching team helped me manage my ADHD and CPTSD: which are psychological challenges that have long held me back in the past.

Alongside my studies, I have since engaged in a number of voluntary roles that allow me to give back to the community and support people who are on a similar path to the one I walked. I now give talks at Foston Hall prison in Derbyshire, sharing my story to show that change is possible with the right support. These experiences have strengthened my belief that my past, while painful, can also be used to empower others.

For me, I have recently received an offer to begin a full-time degree BSc Hons Forensic and Criminological Psychology at University of Staffordshire in September 2025. This path feels right with both my academic interests and personal mission. I want to use my own personal lived experience to support individuals, who may be following a similar path to me in my younger days.

At age 48, I now understand the value of education—not just as a tool for career development, but as a means of reclaiming my identity, worth and future purpose, whatever that maybe. The road hasn’t been easy, and it won’t always be smooth, but for me every step forward is a personal victory.

To anyone from a disadvantaged background: know that your life experience is not a burden, it is your strength. You do belong in higher education, in recovery, in success, and in any space you choose to walk into.

This is my chapter of growth and self-discovery. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and even more excited about what lies ahead.

After leaving school at the age of 16, I was given the opportunity to train in the pottery industry as a Gilder and Paintress. It was far from my dream, but with no qualification and experience, my working life was historically mapped out due to family circumstance and little choice. This served me well for many years, as I raised my family until the industry’s sad decline and closure. 

As my artistic confidence grew, I developed a love of Art and Design, especially Interiors, and began creating a happy space of my own through colour and made many a ‘silk purse from a sow’s ear’ As they say.   

I dreamed of going into higher education, but at that time it was just not possible. As a single parent, my focus was to keep everything afloat and that meant going to work, any work. No vision, prospects, I was just a Mum trying to get by, caring for a parent struggling with poor mental health until their passing.   

In 2007, I enrolled and completed an AMSPAR course for medical secretaries and Receptionists. My journey working in General Practice for the NHS had begun.  

From experience in care, working alongside Charities such as Mind and Changes, I knew that this was an area close to my heart, I began educating myself further by reading related literature of an evening and developed a keen interest in Psychology and Counselling. 

Striving for self-help and personal growth, I joined University Hospital North Midlands in 2014 as a ‘foot in the door’ to a hospital environment, spending many years clinically and clerically, experiencing various areas including Imaging, Lung Screening and Macmillan Cancer support implementing my natural active listening skills and empathetic nature along the way. 

My children by now had families of their own, my youngest daughter was independent, and of working age. With an overwhelming desire to make positive changes to someone’s life, as well as my own, it was now my time.  

In 2024, aged 56, I thought I was too old for university study. I knew deep down I had the capability but thought those academic dreams were over. After a particularly challenging day, I looked up my options on the Staffordshire University website and discovered a blog of someone in a similar situation, discussing their journey, and how it began on the Step-Up course. I started to think this could be somehow possible. Two days a week for 10 weeks! After completion of the two modules, I would have the necessary qualification to move on to a Psychology and Counselling degree with a foundation year starting the same year. What did I have to lose! 

I emailed the course lead Ashley through one click of a button and the welcoming response was just what I needed. A short telephone interview and a start date within a couple of months, no catches, no extra study or qualifications over Level 2 English needed as life skills are welcomed and encouraged. The catalyst for change was right here.  

As a nervous starter, I was amazed to see a class of mixed ages and made friends to last a lifetime which I still have to this day at Staffordshire. The support was refreshing, the course content was fully comprehensive, and I learned so much in a short space of time. It introduced a taste of university life and gave me the study skills I needed to progress into higher education. Fortunately, I could still work at the hospital part time and study on Step Up, which created that important balance and financial support for my future plan. 

I am now nearing the end of the foundation year and about to progress to the degree. My goal is to become a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, to give much-needed support to people who so desperately need it, and to give something back on a personal level. 

As for my passion for art, maybe implement some art therapy along the way! 

Age really is just a number, you are never too old to follow your dreams  x 

Debra

To find out more surrounding the Step Up to HE programme and how to apply for the next intake, check out our Course Webpage available at: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/course/step-up-to-higher-education.

Coming to university was never part of the plan. Indeed, I had no plan. Working in screen printing since I was 16, I was shy, nervous and simply had no ambition or desire to change my career. Then in 2020 something changed, I did what I wanted to do for most of my life and I came out as transgender. I knew by transitioning, I’d be happier, but I wasn’t expecting the levels of happiness, confidence and personal growth that was to follow. It was the more profound levels of personal growth that led me to Step Up to Higher Education (HE) course at Staffordshire University.

Finding myself becoming open about my journey on social media and visible within society, I began sharing my experiences in local media. The feedback was positive, I received messages from others telling me how much I was helping, this gave me much satisfaction, particularly messages from the mothers of transgender children.

Alongside this newfound confidence, came a growing ambition to change my career. I’d changed so much yet I felt trapped in a job the old me chose to do, I needed to find my own path. Exploring various career paths, I was always drawn back to the feeling of satisfaction those messages from the mums gave me and I’d found my calling, I needed to help people and support through employment and a new vocation.

University still wasn’t part of the plan. It had been over 20 years since I was in any form of education, I didn’t believe that university was a realistic option for me. That was until I found Step Up to HE. Initially, I found myself on the Staffordshire University website considering counselling as a possible career option, still not believing that I could go on to do a degree, I thought what have I got to lose?

During my initial interview with Step Up, my attention was drawn towards another degree, Working with Children, Young People and Families. Knowing I wanted to go on and help inspire and support young people, it felt a better fit for me. My interview was a success and I was in, I couldn’t believe I was starting university. There are many things I’ve done since transitioning I never imagined, such as swimming as a mermaid, or going on the radio but progressing to university as a mature learner was up there!

On the first day of Step Up, I was excited. I don’t get nervous anymore because, by coming out and transitioning I’ve already done the hardest things I’ll ever do. It’s given me a positive attitude and I was approaching Step Up like I approach many things now, with a sense of opportunity and excitement about where the degree will take me.

I felt so at home on campus and from the first lecture I knew I was in the right place, quickly learning skills in academic writing, research and referencing. University learning is such a contrast from my experience at school, it’s more relaxed and more engaging. The tutors were friendly, approachable and helpful and I also quickly made friends on the course who I now consider friends for life.

Though excited, I still had doubts. It has been so long since I was in education that I still wasn’t sure how I would take to it. Those doubts were soon alleviated, and I found myself excelling and learning quickly. I also had doubts about finance, these fears were eased with a lecture on student finance, showing us not to let finance be a barrier to education. Before I knew it, we were halfway through the course, my UCAS application was in, and I had received a conditional offer for my chosen degree in Working with Children, Young People and Families.

Achieving a First Class with Distinction on the first module is one of the proudest moments in my life. Historically, I was a C/D grade student at school yet here I was, after over 20 years out of education, smashing it! It inspired me to challenge myself in the second module which was all about research and developing everything we had learned. I wrote about the way transgender people are represented in the media and the impact it has on public perception. Choosing a subject I’m personally passionate about spurred me on. It was challenging to stay objective but I’m very proud of the work I produced, and I achieved another First Class in my final module.

Alongside Step Up and the confidence I gained at university, I was excelling in other areas of my life. I began volunteering for Mermaids, the transgender children’s charity, I became a trustee of the Staffordshire Sexual Health Charity, and I founded the Proud Potters, Stoke City’s first LGBTQ+ Supporters Group. It felt like everything was falling into line for me at the right time, I was gaining valuable experience and now I was on the path to gaining the qualifications too.

Since finishing the course, I have thrown myself at opportunities, taking on an additional voluntary role with Mermaids and volunteering for Middleport Matters as I am keen to work positively with the local community in Stoke-on-Trent. With Mind North Staffs, I’ve co-delivered an LGBTQ+ Awareness Course and I’ve also taken part in staff development days for Staffordshire County Council by sharing my experiences. Doing all of this around my full-time job while I look forward to starting my degree, Step Up has helped to open these doors to move forward with my future ambitions.

For me, the biggest thing that Step Up has done is unlock a potential I never knew was there. It’s ignited a passion for learning, shown my capabilities and it’s given me the ambition to succeed. Most of all, the course has helped me reaffirm this is what I want to do. I see a future for myself and I’m on the right path to helping young transgender and LGBTQ+ young people.

It’s been a life-changing couple of years, in more ways than I could have imagined. I’m 40 years old and my experience both with transitioning and now coming to university has taught me that it’s never too late to make positive changes in your life. What have you got to lose?

Danielle

To find out more surrounding the Step Up to HE programme and how to apply for the next intake, check out our Course Webpage available at: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/course/step-up-to-higher-education.