Chloe moved to rural Lincolnshire with her son and decided that studying and finding a new direction was going to be a part of their new life. Chloe started looking for Access to Higher Education Diplomas, as these provide an alternative route to enter university for people aged 19 and over. From struggling with her belief that she could complete any educational studies; Chloe has completed her Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions) and is now preparing to achieve her dream career as a nurse. Today, you can read all about her inspirational journey.

Away from your studies at Clip, what are your hobbies and interests?  

Since moving to rural Lincolnshire from the midlands I’ve started walking and hiking with my son. I spend a lot of time caring for my Mum, doing the school run, and cleaning at home to make sure my family have everything they need. 

How did you find out about the Access to Higher Education Diploma at Clip?  

I live in rural Lincolnshire, and I couldn’t find college positions nearby. I searched on google for Access to Higher Education courses and found the course at Clip took a hybrid approach to studying.  This approach of being able to study both online and in person was perfect for my needs and meant I could fit in studying around my family. In December 2024, both my dad and son were unwell at the same time, I adapted my study around hospital visits and I still felt included within the course due to joining classes on Microsoft Teams.  Without it being a hybrid model of study, I wouldn’t have been able to study, the flexibility around challenging family circumstances helped me. 

What were your goals when you first started? 

I always knew I wanted to do nursing. I completed my GCSEs at school and started college at 16 but I had anxiety during my exams, so I didn’t complete them. I returned to education two years later and six months in I had a lot of life pressures and dropped out. A few years later my son was born, and education wasn’t a priority. When we relocated to Lincolnshire, I didn’t want to be isolated and have no direction, I asked myself if I don’t do it now, when will I do it? 

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be child or adult nurse, so I went in with an open mind. The journey has taken me onto adult nursing. When I first signed up, I had no idea how I would get on, I questioned if I could complete the course rather than looking forward to what happens next. I didn’t have the confidence to feel I was going to complete the course as I hadn’t completed any educational studies before. Tracey (Tutor) has been great, Jeanette (Tutor) has been amazing and I physically couldn’t have done it without Zoe’s (Tutor) support and understanding. 

What support have you received throughout your studies?  

Plenty! So much support, I’ve had extension requests and things have happened in my personal life that I didn’t expect, and I’ve been able to speak with openly with the tutors about these. Their nurturing support has helped, I’ve grown as a person through the course, my self-esteem has improved massively. Sadly, in the past, I was told I wouldn’t achieve anything and to accept whatever comes my way. Zoe taught us to look at ourselves differently. I’ve been able to have phone calls, texts and emails with the tutors, they regularly check in as well as giving you space to regroup and gather your thoughts too. 

What content did you study on the course? What was most enjoyable? 

My favourite module was the history of the NHS and the biology studies. We also studied sociology. The biology practical sessions with Tracey were brilliant and it was amazing. She brought kidneys in, and it brought it all away from just being text and reading to making it interactive and practical.  

What are you going to do now you’ve completed your diploma? 

Halfway through the course I decided I wanted to study at university. Lincoln is the nearest university, and I applied for the I applied for the Bachelor of Science Registered Nurse (Adult) Degree. I decided this was the only course I wanted to do so I only applied for this course. You can apply for several courses, but I knew this was the only course for me. I received support in writing my personal statement from the tutors and they helped me find my previous grades to add to my application. Zoe (Tutor) proofread my personal statement, and I then received an interview at the university. Before my interview I was really nervous, they asked my views on the NHS and how it’s changed. I was also nervous waiting to find out if I had been successful. Eight weeks later, I received an email asking me for additional information, so I logged into UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and saw I had received a conditional offer to study! I couldn’t believe it, I rang Zoe (Tutor) and I was crying because I didn’t think I would be able to do it, it changed the way I view myself. I feel like I can complete University, before I thought it was for everybody else and that it was unattainable for me. In three years’ time I will have completed University and without this course I never would have got a foot in the door. 

What are your long-term goals and next steps after completion of Access to HE?

As I study my degree I’ll figure out what fits naturally and whether I decide to follow a career in Accident and Emergency Nursing or Mental Health Nursing. 

From being told she couldn’t achieve anything and not believing in herself, Chloe has completed her Access to Higher Education Diploma and is now excited to study at university. Chloe achieved this whilst being a full-time Mum and caring for her Mum. Chloe’s journey is just one example of the opportunities that studying at Clip brings. 

If you dream of studying of university but don’t know where to start, you’ve got nothing to lose by enquiring about our Access to Higher Education Diploma.