After not getting the grades I hoped for I was in despair. I had always wanted to go to university, and I felt it was something that couldn’t happen now.

The University of Sunderland is an excellent place, with great support and high-quality teaching available. They were able to play to everyone’s strengths, and took into account my personal circumstances when planning their timetable.

The course was very family-friendly, and financially I received funding to help me pay for childcare.

I now work in a supported accommodation for women with substance misuse problems and their families, and I thoroughly enjoy my job. It is challenging, but I go home each day knowing that I have made a real difference to the lives of others.

I would never have imagined when I received my A-Level results that I would be happy in an amazing career – and now here I am.”

Published 15 August 2017