From Homeschooling to Higher Education

East Sussex College Access to HE Nursing student, Pani, shared her inspiring journey from homeschooling to academic achievement, highlighting the transformative support she received along the way.

Pani’s journey through education has been anything but traditional. After being homeschooled for her GCSEs, following challenges in the mainstream school system, she found herself seeking a new way to continue her education.

At the age of 18, she realised that simply having her GCSEs wasn’t enough to fulfil her ambitions. She wanted to challenge herself and prove she was capable of more, and that’s when she discovered the Access to Higher Education Nursing course at East Sussex College.

"I wanted to prove to myself - and to others - that I was capable of academic achievement," Pani shared. She knew that the Access to HE course would give her the structure, support, and academic foundation she needed to take her next steps. "My experience at East Sussex College has been nothing short of transformative, primarily due to the incredible support I received from the faculty. Each of my tutors was not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in my success."

Pani found the learning environment at East Sussex College to be empowering and encouraging, especially compared to her past experiences. “Staff and tutors like Lauren Raynor, Jess, and Daniel made a concerted effort to engage with me and ensure I felt valued and capable,” she said. The tutors’ belief in her potential helped her push herself to achieve high grades and build confidence in her academic abilities."

Pani also emphasised the importance of her tutors recognising the impact of mental health. “I particularly appreciated Lauren Raynor’s sensitivity towards my mental health. She understood the importance of wellbeing in the learning process and created a space where I could thrive academically while also taking care of myself.”

One of the standout aspects of the Access course for Pani was its assignment-based format, which allowed her to focus on research and in-depth learning without the stress of traditional exams. "What I appreciated most about the access course was its unique approach to learning. Personally, I thrive in an assignment-based environment," Pani explained. This approach helped her to engage deeply with the subjects and explore areas like psychology and sociology, which she found particularly fascinating.

Pani’s time at East Sussex College has given her more than just academic skills - it has renewed her sense of self-worth and shown her that she is capable of great achievements. As she reflected on her Access course, she felt optimistic about her future, even though her career path may still be unfolding. "Completing my Access course has significantly enriched my life both academically and personally… My success in achieving nearly full distinctions throughout the course - 42 credits at distinction and just three merits - speaks volumes about the skills and knowledge I've gained, and it has undeniably opened many doors for me in the future."

For anyone considering an Access course, Pani’s advice is simple: "Find a supportive college where the faculty believes in you. It can make all the difference."

If you’d like to find out more about studying an Access to HE course at East Sussex College, please click here. All access courses at East Sussex College are done online.