Case Studies

At just 20 years old, Abdullah decided to return to education after not achieving as high grades in his A-levels as he had wished. He decided to take the Access to HE Diploma (Science) at Peterborough College, with determination to progress onto a top university.

Abdullah shared that his favourite parts of the experience were the friendships he formed, as well as the lessons which were carried out in supportive and enriching ways, strongly led by incredible tutors. He mentioned how different teachers had different styles of teaching, each helping him increase his knowledge.

The Access to HE Diploma equipped Abdullah with the skills needed for university life, with a variety of assignments, including presentations which significantly boosted his confidence.

He would highly recommend the course to anyone with ambitions for higher education, emphasising its intense but rewarding nature. He added, a testament to the course's transformative impact on students striving for academic success.

Now accepted to King’s College to study Chemistry, Abdullah is looking forward to the exciting journey ahead. He’s most looking forward to the friendships he will make at university and the chance to continue achieving fantastic grades.

The entire CAVA team wishes Abdullah all the best for his future studies.

After a decade in finance, Pierce decided to reignite his academic ambitions. Reflecting on his career, he realised that university was the next step he had long delayed. Rather than retaking A-Levels, Pierce opted for the Access to HE Diploma, focusing on psychology and sociology. This decision was driven by the course's structure, which was designed for mature students like him.

Returning to education after ten years wasn’t without challenges. Pierce admitted that self-doubt was one of the biggest hurdles, especially after being out of formal education for so long. However, he quickly adapted to the Access course, which offered more than just academic rigour—it encouraged curiosity and real-world application. “The essay-based assessments helped me engage more deeply with the subjects, especially psychology,” Pierce explained. He also enjoyed being back in a classroom environment, after working remotely for several years.

Now preparing to study Human Sciences at Oxford University, Pierce is excited for the journey ahead. He’ll be joining Harris Manchester College, Oxford’s dedicated college for mature students, where he looks forward to continuing his academic exploration.

Pierce highly recommends the Access to HE Diploma, especially for those returning to education later in life. He believes it provides invaluable skills - like essay writing and research - that are essential for success at university.

The CAVA team wishes Pierce all the best as he embarks on this exciting chapter at Oxford.

Vipua Tjingaete’s journey to higher education began when she arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker in 2022. Faced with the challenges of starting a new life in a foreign country, Vipua was determined to pursue her education and enrolled in the Access to HE Diploma (Science) at Central Bedfordshire College.

Living in a hotel with limited resources made studying difficult. “I had no access to the internet, and without a working permit, I couldn’t afford a laptop,” Vipua recalls. “I had to stay late at college every day just to complete my assignments.” Despite these hardships, Vipua’s determination never wavered. She credits her tutor, Terri Miller, for providing her with the support and encouragement she needed to push through. “Terri got me a laptop and was always there for me, not just academically but also personally.”

Vipua’s perseverance paid off when she was accepted to study Mental Health Nursing at Liverpool John Moores University. “The Access course gave me the confidence to work with others, participate in group work, and do presentations. It really prepared me for university,” she says.

When asked if she would recommend the Access course to others, Vipua is clear: “Absolutely. It has boosted my confidence and given me the skills I need to succeed. I’m ready for university now.”

Ukarapo Tjaronda’s journey to education was filled with its own set of challenges. Arriving in the UK in early 2022, Ukarapo initially struggled to navigate the asylum system while pursuing her academic dreams. After some initial setbacks with other institutions, she found her place at Central Bedfordshire College, where she enrolled in the Access to HE Diploma (Nursing).

Living in hotels while studying, Ukarapo faced many obstacles, including a lengthy commute and inconsistent access to resources. “I didn’t have a laptop, so I walked 30 minutes to the library every day to study,” she recalls. Despite these challenges, Ukarapo was determined to succeed. “I had to stay on top of my work, and I never allowed myself to fall behind,” she explains.

Support from her tutors, particularly Terri Miller and Edward Dhlamini, made a significant impact on Ukarapo’s experience. “They were always there for me. Terri even helped me apply to universities that offered scholarships for asylum seekers, and thanks to her support, I received a full scholarship to De Montfort University.”

Ukarapo will soon begin her studies in nursing at De Montfort University, and she’s already thinking about how to share her experience with others. “I want to help other asylum seekers understand that university is possible for them too. I plan to use my platform on social media to spread awareness.”