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The Learning Institute

The Learning Institute

Student Stories

Find out how life changed for some of our undergraduate students after they studied for a foundation degree with The Learning Institute.

April 

"When I first enrolled I was doing this degree with the sole intention of becoming a primary school teacher. I was already working at the local junior school as a teaching assistant and wanted to progress my career. However, by the time I graduated my mindset was very different... I realised I no longer wanted to be a teacher. I decided I would like to be self-employed to allow myself to have a more flexible lifestyle that fits in around the needs of my own family."

Chris 

"I remember getting to the centre and standing outside, ready to turn around as this isn’t for me!  After going in, I was greeted by the amazing staff who instantly put me at ease.  The sessions started and slowly my confidence grew.  It was never easy but did make me think and question my thoughts and ideas about teaching."

Claire 

"I still get a kick out of knowing that I have a degree and I have never looked back following that initial information session. I'm so glad I took the opportunity to give university a try."

Clare 

"I really enjoyed our class sessions; it was so interesting to hear about other people’s school experiences. I had no idea how EYFS worked or how special needs settings function, and it was interesting to get a flavour of these."

Donna 

"I enjoyed the research, and learning so many new theories and ideas to take forward into my teaching."

Georgette 

"I am much more confident in both my working and personal life. It enabled me to have the courage to move on from working in the same job, as I had for the past 12 years. The world seems like a much larger place waiting to be explored, and the possibilities are endless now."

Hayley 

"My life has completely changed since returning to study. When I started in 2016, I was working as B grade teaching assistant in a village primary school. I had been doing this job for 10 years and didn’t really see myself doing anything else. During my studies, I worked my way up to HLTA, then to assistant SENDCO, until I finally took a massive leap and left the education sector to become a manager in a health and social care setting."

Helen 

"When I took the decision to enroll on the Foundation Degree, a whole new, exciting chapter in my own book of life started; I’m not ready to finish my educational and self-discovery journey yet… there is far more to learn, all thanks to The Learning Institute."

Ingrid 

"I decided to return to studying to have a chance of creating a better life for my family and to prove to my children that anything is possible with hard work and the right attitude.'

Jan 

"I really enjoyed the weekly lectures, finding a deeper understanding of my own previous knowledge.  The lecturers all made the topics being covered interesting and enjoyable due to their own in-depth knowledge and experiences."

Jo 

"I never in my wildest dreams believed that I would come out with a first class honours degree but the support I received from The Learning Institute was amazing. You could not wish for better lecturers and staff, nothing is ever too much trouble, and they really take the time to get to know you as individuals."

Leigh

"Without a doubt one of the best things that will help you through is your peers. You will message each other at midnight, crying, laughing and helping each other through. I've made 11 friends for life!"

Lisa 

"I have been able to put theory into practice which has been amazing. The course has enabled me to progress in my career, more than I ever thought but also feel I have grown as a person. The course has given the drive to continue and to be the best practitioner I can be."

Paula 

"I was a teaching assistant in a primary school, I now have a job in social services as a contact supervisor which I love. Doing the degree gave me new knowledge and confidence that enabled me to get this job."

Samantha 

"All of the students had different ambitions, to perhaps gain a management position in a nursery, to specialise in a job within a school, to start a new career or train as a teacher like me."

Tasha 

"The support that each of my tutors gave me was phenomenal, and they really were there to encourage and guide me all the way. Also, the support from other students within the group was unconditional, and we were always there for each other as we were all literally in the same boat!"