Lisa is a teaching assistant and in 2021 she started distance learning with clip. Her journey started with her studying Functional Skills level One and level Two awards in English, but this was just the start. Functional skills qualifications are equivalent to GCSEs and are aimed at adults, with a focus on skills needed for daily life and the workplace, they provide a stepping stone to further education and employment opportunities.  

Having passed her functional skills, Lisa then went on to pass GCSEs in both English and Maths. Since then, Lisa has also completed her Certificate in Understanding Autism Level Three, and has recently started studying her Certificate in Understanding Mental Health Level Three.  

You can read more about her inspirational journey below. 

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I like reading and spending time with my partner and family and friends. I love to read thrillers, from June to December 2024 I read 33 books. This year I am aiming for 70 but I hope to read more! 

I also love to learn and focus on something new, I like to keep my mind busy.   

What courses did you study? 

In 2021 I started studying my Functional Skills Level One and then Level Two in English. Passing these courses allowed me to study and pass my GCSE in English in 2022. In 2024 I passed my GCSE in Maths and my Certificate in Understanding Autism Level Three. In 2025 I will be studying the Certificate in Understanding Mental Health Level Three. I was nominated for the Lincolnshire County Council learner of the year award; it was lovely to be recognised for this and to receive a certificate to show I have been nominated. 

How did you find out about distance learning at Clip?  

I saw it on a Facebook post about distance learning, I clicked the link and saw the various courses on the website. I completed the email form on the website and Tina from clip contacted me to arrange a time and date to call. Tina gave me the relevant information and checked if I had a level two qualification before I could start the level three. Tina was very approachable.  

How have your studies helped your career? 

I work as a teaching assistant and the autism awareness certification reminded me that I have the skill set to help people. It has helped me think more outside of the box, it has reminded me that I can do this and that I do know more about autism than I realise! 

Studying at clip has built up my confidence around maths and made me realise how much resilience I have. It’s also helped me to openly talk about my struggles around maths and to use it to inspire the children and people I work with, to help them to think it’s ok to need extra help. The staff at clip are very supportive and I like how Tina has encouraged me to develop myself further.  

What support have you received from Clip?  

So much! For functional skills Leslie was really supportive. All the tutors had time and were there for you. Rebekah is the first Teacher that noticed I struggle with maths and she gave me extra time and support. I never would have thought I would get a grade four in maths, it was hard to do. I had tried online courses before, I studied functional skills and other courses at a college, but I got lost and  left behind, other learners were faster, and I didn’t feel confident to ask questions. Rebekah never left me behind, helped me become resilient and gave me extra time, she also saw me in person to go through things together. Tina was very supportive and explained a lot of information about the courses to me. 

What courses are you studying next?   

I am going to be studying the Certificate in Understanding Mental Health Level Three.  

What would you say to anyone unsure about studying remotely at Clip?  

I would encourage them to sign up for courses. Before I joined the course Tina spoke to me about it, I was worried about how my laptop would work and things like that. The tutors make the time to speak to you and you get plenty of time to take away your questions and learn. The tutors are understanding and will help you even if you’re struggling with time. 

What are your long-term goals and next steps after completion of your courses? 

To increase my knowledge around special educational needs, this is my specialist area of learning which I enjoy.  

Ready to study? Want to make a difference? Find out more about distance learning or studying at one of our centres here.