When Nancy Esiovwa arrived in the UK from Nigeria more than ten years ago, she was determined to continue her education to secure a career in social work.

At first, her circumstances meant she could only access Level 1 and 2 courses in subjects like English and maths. Rather than letting those limitations deter her, Nancy stayed focused and, in 2022, enrolled on our Access to HE Diploma (Social Work).

That turned out to be a key step towards achieving her goals.

She has since gone on to the University of Bradford, where she was awarded a Sanctuary Grant scholarship to support her studies for a Social Work degree. 

An exciting return to education

Looking forward to completing her university course later this year, she said: “Being accepted for the Access to HE Diploma felt like a significant breakthrough to me.

“I felt excited to return to education as an adult and study at a higher level. This opportunity was particularly meaningful because, for a long time, my circumstances meant I could not access further education beyond basic courses.

“Although excited, I was also worried about whether I would be able to retain the knowledge. However, I overcame this by finding learning strategies that helped me remember and understand what was taught.

“This experience would not have been possible without the fantastic support from my teachers, whose knowledge, guidance, and commitment made the course engaging and meaningful.”

It wasn’t all plain sailing, however, and just a few months into the course Nancy was told the worrying news that she was not eligible for government funding, and would have to pay the fees herself.

That potentially devastating hurdle was overcome thanks to strong support from the college’s staff.

Invaluable help and encouragement

She said: “This was a very difficult situation for me. However, when I spoke to my tutor about it, she advocated on my behalf and provided invaluable support, which enabled me to continue and successfully complete my studies

“I am truly grateful for the encouragement and support I received from my teachers, as it gave me the opportunity to progress into higher education and work towards my career in social work.”

Now looking forward to starting work in her chosen field of child protection, Nancy has nothing but praise for the college and its staff.

A great learning environment 

She said: “I would highly recommend Keighley College to other adult learners because the teachers have a strong understanding of the challenges and responsibilities that come with returning to education later in life.

“They provide the support, encouragement, and guidance needed to help learners succeed and achieve their goals.

“In addition, the college is very accessible. It is conveniently located next to the train station, and the bus station is a five-minute walk away, with several bus stops situated both beside and opposite the college. This makes it an ideal choice for learners who rely on public transport.”

And she had these words of advice for anyone thinking about signing up for a course: “I would encourage anyone who is considering studying at Keighley College to go for it.

“It is a supportive environment where you can grow both academically and personally. Be open and honest with your teachers if you are struggling with anything or finding a subject challenging; they are approachable and will provide the support you need to succeed.”

For apprentice teacher Hanna Isaievska college life has provided a real lifeline after fleeing from the war in Ukraine.

Hanna came to the UK with her daughter in 2022, and was quickly referred to our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses by the Department for Work and Pensions.

The move provided more than just the opportunity to polish her language skills – it introduced her to a supportive community that made the transition to living in a new country so much smoother.

A welcoming and supportive community

She said: “For me, being an ESOL student at Keighley College was a lifeline, especially in terms of socialising. At college, I met people who felt just as lost as I did and who also struggled with English.

“We shared news and information, and supported each other. My teacher at the time, Tanya, later became my colleague. She gave us not only language support but also the practical knowledge we needed for everyday life in the UK.

“I always felt comfortable and supported at college, and it completely changed my life here.”

Hanna gained her Level 2 Functional Skills English and GCSE qualifications – the equivalent of grade 4 GCSEs – while receiving strong support from her teachers and fellow students.

She then went on to land a role as a Community Employability Coach with the college which, as she explains, led to a brand new opportunity.

From student to teacher

She said: “While working as an employability coach I was asked several times to cover classes for teachers who were on sick leave. And I really enjoyed it!

“After that, I was offered a position as an apprentice ESOL teacher which I’m now at the final stage of, and should hopefully complete in June or July.

“I enjoy studying and I’m happy with my tutor, and my mentors have been supportive and have always given me helpful advice.

“Sometimes I have found it difficult to cope with the amount of paperwork, but overall it has been a very positive experience.”

Building a new life

By going into teaching Hanna is also drawing on skills that she developed back in Ukraine, where her first degree was related to teaching the Ukrainian and English languages.

Looking ahead, she said: “I feel very lucky to be part of my team. At college, I was given the opportunity to continue my education, find a job and meet amazing people who are always ready to help. 

“Thanks to this experience, I feel safe, supported and comfortable here.

“I’m here on a humanitarian visa, so my future remains uncertain which is difficult for me. But as long as this country will have me I would like to stay and continue building my life here.”

Keighley residents have celebrated completing a project to get back into education or work.

We have been working with local community centres and other partners to ‘provide pathways’ into employment, as part of the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) programme.

Of the 214 adults who have taken part so far, 110 have progressed into education – on courses ranging from English and maths, to teaching assistant and English for Speakers of Other Languages. Another 14, meanwhile, have gained work. 

To celebrate those achievements, the college presented certificates to nearly 40 women who have taken part at the Bangladeshi Community Association on Wednesday 23 November.

‘I feel much more confident in my abilities’

Shazia Hussain, who is studying towards gaining a teaching assistant qualification, said: “I have previously tried three different college classes and not gone back after the first lesson.

“This time, however, I have not only felt motivated to complete the course and progress, but I am also helping other students with their assignments. I feel much more confident in my abilities thanks to the project.”

Melissa Ciplinski also credits the programme with bolstering  her self-belief. She said: “I have always struggled with anxiety and the teaching assistant course has helped me to gain confidence.

“I now attend the classes without feeling vulnerable and nervous, and am looking forward to progressing onto the next course.”

Working together to make a positive difference

Mashuk Miah, who manages the Bangladeshi Community Association, said: “The CLLD project has enabled women to come out of isolation and helped them mix with others whilst learning maths, English, sewing or exercise. I know that our partnership with Keighley College will continue, and that together we are making a positive difference to the lives of those in our community.”

Our Deputy Head for Adult and Community, Jo Rusden, added: “We were delighted to celebrate the achievements of these learners with the association, which has been one of our key partners.

“This programme has already helped hundreds of Keighley residents take a step towards getting back into education or work, and we look forward to welcoming more moving forward.

“These are tough times for everyone just now, but especially those in households with low or no income. This programme is all about giving people the help, and skills they need, to take a step on the path towards employment and a rewarding future.”