Sian thought she wasn’t “smart enough”. Now she’s graduated with a degree. 

For many people, the thought of returning to education can feel daunting. Previous experiences of learning, additional support needs, work commitments or family life can all create barriers that make higher education feel out of reach.

For years, Sian Durtnall loved learning, but struggled to believe she was good at it. “I always thought I wasn’t smart enough because I struggle to read,” she says.

Today, she sees things rather differently. This summer, Sian has completed her BSc Integrated Health, Social Care and Wellbeing degree at East Sussex College, secured a new job supporting children, young people and families, and discovered something important about herself along the way.

“I have done it, and I did it well! I have made myself very proud.”

Her journey shows how the right support, encouragement and learning environment can help people unlock their potential - regardless of their background or previous experiences of education.

Sian had spent years working with children and young people, beginning as a playworker before completing a Level 2 childcare apprenticeship and moving into nurseries.

"This has been a very long journey! I started off as a playworker before gaining my Level 2 apprenticeship in childcare to then go on and work in nurseries where I fell in love with child development and supporting neurodiverse children,” said Sian. “I then progressed on to working in a special needs school where I have stayed for the past six years, three of those were alongside studying at ESC. The first two years I studied Social and Community Work with children and families and then I completed BSc Integrated Health, Social Care and Wellbeing for my 3rd top-up year."

Sian decided to take the next step during maternity leave after hearing about the course from a friend who was already studying at the College.

"I applied to study in 2022 during maternity leave when a friend who was a current student came to visit the baby and told me all about it. I knew it was what I needed to do, the first course naturally progressed onto the second course."

Finding the right support to succeed

A key turning point in Sian’s journey came during her first year when her tutor, Charlotte, recognised that she may have dyslexia and helped her access further support.

"My tutor, Charlotte, suggested that I may have dyslexia through one of my first assignments in my first year. With my consent she organised a meeting with Amanda [dyslexia support] for an assessment. Amanda scheduled an assessment with me which confirmed I do have dyslexia. She then helped me to access a whole wealth of support through DSA including 1-1 support time, a laptop, and access to many helpful apps."

That support gave Sian a greater understanding of how she learns and provided the tools she needed to succeed throughout her studies.

"This then went onto me attending an assessment through my GP in my final year, I have now received a diagnosis of ADHD. Studying while working and being a mum has been a challenge in itself but now having the understanding that I have completed it all with dyslexia and ADHD amazes me. I am unbelievably proud of myself for pushing through to the end."

A flexible route into higher education

Alongside the support available, Sian found the structure of the programme helped her balance studying with family life and full-time work.

"I have loved studying at ESC. Station Plaza is really convenient and easy for me to get to and the course hours have been condensed, making it a full-time course in a small number of days. Perfect for a busy mum's life while working full-time hours on top of gaining an education."

Over the course of her studies, Sian noticed significant changes in both her personal and professional development.

"Over the course of the past year my confidence in myself and my leadership skills have flourished."

The course also allowed Sian to continue developing her passion for supporting children, young people and families.

"Typically in previous education I would get bored of career ideas quickly and want to change my mind. However, supporting families has always been a consistent interest of mine, so I was attracted to a course that is wide and varied and allows me to use this degree in many different roles."

Using education to make a difference

The confidence and knowledge gained through the degree have already opened new doors professionally.

"I’ve secured a new job role as a children and young people's coordinator where I will be using my degree every single day to create positive impacts on the lives of children, young people and their families."

Perhaps most importantly, she no longer describes herself as someone who isn’t “smart enough”. Her advice to somebody else who might be sitting at home wondering whether university-level study is really for them is simple.

"I genuinely believe that with determination, anyone can succeed in education. Especially on my degree course; the tutors will support you through your barriers and you will end the year with a degree just like me."

And Sian knows better than most just how much can change when somebody sees what you’re capable of, even before you quite see it yourself.