Aspiring teacher Olivia Wincott has thanked Telford College for ‘taking a chance’ on her and opening the door to a future which she says could otherwise have been out of reach.

Olivia, from Madeley, left secondary school at the age of 15 after a period of poor health with no formal qualifications to her name.

She has now graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and secured a place at the University of Birmingham as a postgraduate research student.

Olivia received a first-class grade from her first dissertation, which acknowledged the role Telford College had played in her journey.

“Publishing my first piece of scholarly work felt like a significant milestone, and it was important to me that I mentioned Telford College, as they were such a significant part of my journey,” she said.

“I left secondary school in Year 10, after an extended period of poor health. Once I was ready to return to education, I came across Telford College and knew it was the right place for me. They took a chance on me, enrolling me at 15 years old with no formal qualifications to my name at that time.

“I completed my GCSEs at the college, passing them first time, and finished my Level 1 course early. The support I received from staff was invaluable. I was met with nothing but constant encouragement and support.”

She added: “The college then allowed me the opportunity to enrol on the course that shaped me into the academic I am today. Despite not having the qualifications typically required, Telford College took yet another chance on me and I was then a student of the Level 3 Applied Science course.”

Two years later, Olivia achieved a triple distinction, and received offers from all five of the universities she applied to join.

But she said: “The qualification itself was only part of what I took away from those years. My tutors instilled in me a belief that I can achieve. I carry that fiery belief in myself still today.

“Every single one of my tutors were consistently incredibly kind, patient and supportive. They encouraged me to become the best student I could be.”

Olivia now has her sights set on a PhD, while continuing to research and publish her work.

“I ultimately plan to complete my academic journey with a PGCE and become a teacher myself, with the goal to provide young people with the same passion, support and encouragement that I was so lucky to receive. Thank you, Telford College.”