• Who went from flipping
  burgers to flipping amazing?
• Who went from a brand new
  start to a champion of brands?
• Who went from having a dream
  to living her dream?
• Who went from being a leading
  student to leading students?
• Who went from top-ups
  to being at the top?
• Who went from an uncertain
  future to Surestart?
• Went from packing boxes
  to appearing on the box?
• Who went from home makers
  to home improvers?
• Who went from parent carer
  to skilled carer?
• Who went from producing
  college work to producing hits?
• Who went from catering
  apprentice to successful chef?

Who went from parent carer to skilled carer?

Read how Audrey Walkden decided to go back to learning after leaving school with no GCSEs.

As a single parent and full-time carer to her son who has physical disabilities, Audrey Walkden decided to go back to learning after originally leaving school with no GCSEs.

Audrey started on a short course close to her home and she was able to fit this in around her hectic family commitments. Successfully passing her course gave her the confidence to continue her education and Audrey went on to complete an Access to Higher Education in Humanities and Social Sciences course.

Audrey took an active role in College life as a course representative and still comes to college to share her caring knowledge and experience with Social Work students. Balancing her home and college life, yet still able to give 100% commitment, Audrey’s efforts were recognised in winning an award in the Adult Learners’ Week Awards 2008.

Audrey says “College has provided me with the confidence to pursue and further my education and given me opportunities to increase my caring knowledge which has been important in supporting and caring for my son. College have been understanding and supportive throughout my learning, allowing my studies to fit in with my family commitments. My advice to anyone, especially carers, who are thinking that they won’t be able to return to learn is do it.! If I can succeed despite the problems life has thrown at me, then take the plunge because you’ll be able to do it too."