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.”

Although returning to education as an adult can seem like a daunting prospect, there are endless amounts of benefits to sharpening up your study skills beyond the age of 19.

We spoke with adult learner, Sahresh Akhter, who studies GCSE English and Maths at Keighley College, to discover the top reasons to study as an adult.

Meeting new people

“Before returning to learning, I was stuck at home and suffered from severe depression. I was keen to go out in different settings and meet new people. I’ve met so many fantastic teachers and peers through college, who have really supported my personal growth.”

Inspiring staff

“The teaching and non-teaching staff are an inspiration to me. Most of them are female, who are all empowering, hard working and supportive.

“I received fantastic support from the college’s community employment coach, Betts Fetherston, who worked with me to find the right university course and apply for it.”

Flexibility

“Achieving a work-life balance can be achievable as an adult learner. I have a son, and due to the flexibility of my course, I can work my studies around him.”

Personal growth

“After starting my course, I noticed how much confidence I had gained. My self-esteem improved and I learnt how to manage my time effectively.”

Increased opportunities 

“Gaining qualifications as an adult opens up many exciting job prospects. I’m incredibly proud to have been offered a fully-funded scholarship to study Advanced Practice in Peace Building and Conflict Resolution at the University of Bradford.

“In the future, I’d love to work for the United Nations on women’s rights in developing countries and promoting higher education for women.”

Find out more about adult courses at Keighley College here.

Are you looking to develop a skill and learn something new? 

This year, we’re inviting adults aged 19 and over to come into college to discover our range of subjects, as part of the Festival of Learning.

Festival of Learning

The Festival of Learning is a national campaign which celebrates lifelong learning for adults. 

The festival’s mission is to demonstrate the benefits of adult learning and raise awareness across the country. Some of the key reasons to engage in adult learning include:

• Wellbeing: Wellbeing is at the heart of adult learning, enabling learners to meet new people and improve self-esteem.
• Flexibility: Adult education can be a flexible service that accommodates other commitments, such as families and jobs.
• Opportunities: There are adult learner providers across the district that can offer personalised and specialised learning experiences.
• Confidence: Lifelong learning enriches the lives of learners, providing them with better opportunities and the ability to adapt to unexpected changes.

Take part in our Have a Go Fortnight

If you’re interested in adult learning, but aren’t sure which course is for you, why not come down to college and get a taste of our diverse curriculum areas?

Our Have a Go Fortnight will be running from 1 to 12 November at Keighley College.

Over these two weeks, we’re inviting all adults across the region to learn something new, enhance employability and improve wellbeing through our bespoke adult taster sessions.

Book on these sessions using this link. Our available taster sessions include:

• 1 November: Media Makeup Taster from 11.30am to 12.30pm
• 2 November: Motor Vehicle – Check a Wheel and Change Tire Pressure from 10am to 11am
• 3 November: Health and Social Care – First Aid CPR from 11am to 12pm
• 5 November: Construction – Joinery from 10am to 11am
• 5 November: Plumbing – Removing a Radiator from 11am to 12pm
• 8 November: Hair – Hair Up with Ornamentation from 1.30pm to 2.30pm
• 9 November: Sports – Fitness Testing from 11am to 12pm
• 10 November: National Careers Service – Discover Your Personality Type from 10am to 11am

Ongoing events

As part of the Festival of Learning, we’re working with local partners across the district to deliver programmes and events that develop the skills and support the mental health and wellbeing of adults.

Discover our upcoming events here.

Community-centered learning is a pillar of adult education. This informal approach to learning offers adults a relaxed and inclusive environment, while giving them the opportunity to integrate with members of the community.

As part of the Festival of Learning; a national campaign which celebrates lifelong learning, we’re shining a spotlight on key community centres which inspire and empower individuals in the area.

Bangladeshi Community Association

This month, we’re taking a look at the Bangladeshi Community Association; a Keighley-based non-profit organisation which aims to better the lives of the Bangladeshi and local residents by providing services, activities and events.

Keen to make a lasting imprint on the community, the centre’s staff and volunteers work with members of the community and local organisations to improve and develop the area, as well as voicing the views of the Bangladeshi community.

Collaboration with Keighley College

As part of the collaborative work undertaken with Keighley College, each week two teachers from the college visit the centre to teach maths, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), reflexology and exercise for women.

Sam Stelling, Community-led Learning Development Tutor at Keighley College, commented on the work done with the centre: “We’re committed to building bridges between our college and the community centres by showcasing the many benefits of lifelong learning. So far, our classes have had some great engagement; it’s fantastic to see adults, especially women, of all ages engaging in fun learning activities. Some progress into college where they can access further courses and others benefit from dropping into the college based Skills Lab, which they use for one-to-one support in personal development and employability.

“From 20 September, we’ll be introducing new courses including teaching assistant, DIY for women and African drumming. As many of the members find the prospect of college intimidating, our role is to bring stimulating learning experiences to them where they feel most comfortable.

“The work I do with the Bangladeshi Community Association is extremely rewarding; the connections I’ve made and the lasting friendships I’ve seen blossom has been wonderful. We now want to spread the word about this centre, the value it adds to the community and encourage adults to find out more.”

Shining a light on the centre

The four-strong centre team is made up of the centre manager, administrator, citizens advice consultant and a facilities manager.

We caught up with Hajera Ansari, who is the centre administrator and receptionist at the centre.

“The centre acts as a focal point for the Bangladeshi community, offering support, guidance and helping people to become more independent. As well as offering various classes, such as basic skills, sewing and exercise, we run an advice centre which helps individuals with issues such as benefits, immigration, jobs, translation and form filling. 

“Community centres are vital for improving adults’ wellbeing; they have the opportunity to improve their skills which will benefit them in the future. These environments also help adults feel comfortable in a place which is familiar to them, allowing them to build relationships and become more confident and independent.

“A lot of the centre users see it as a second home, where they can make a real difference to their lives by learning different skills, engaging with a diverse range of people and enhancing their knowledge.”

Shelina Khanom, Keighley-resident who studied Foundation Studies at Keighley College, commented: “I used to go to the sewing classes at Bangladeshi Community Association, which allowed me to learn new skills. 

“I have now started to do the exercise and maths classes with Sam; it’s great fun and has really boosted my confidence.”

Find out more about the Bangladeshi Community Centre here.

Raaj Ray has lived and worked in Keighley for many years, and has always been keen to raise the aspirations of young people in the area.

Driven by the desire to boost opportunities for young people, he returned to college in his forties to equip him with the skills to set up his own security business, Raaj CCTV.

An informed decision

Raaj spent many years working within the fire, CCTV and intruder alarm industry. Keen to develop his skills for his professional development, he got in touch with Keighley College.

“I chose Keighley College because of its openness to show me the workshops and training areas before signing up. The college was really accommodating, allowing me to see where I would be learning and meet the tutors.

“At the age of 45, I wanted to be sure that I was making the right decision. The college appreciated this, and showed me the past results for the course, giving me the confidence to join the Electrical Installation Level 2 course.”

Motivated to progress

After two years at college, Raaj is continuing his academic journey by progressing onto the Electrical Installation City and Guilds Level 3 qualification.

“I chose to return to college for a third year due to my outstanding tutors; they’re extremely knowledgeable, polite and have provided me with fantastic pre-exam support and revision tips.

“Coming back to college as a mature student was enjoyable; I felt confident in my learning ability. Since returning, I’ve gained knowledge on electrical cables and installation techniques. 

“Although it was difficult attending college during evenings after a twelve hour day at work, I knew my tutors really cared about my success and this motivated me to continue learning.”

Being his own boss

Dedicated to creating an honest business which protects the community, Raaj set up his CCTV business in 2015.

“I have always aspired to be my own boss; giving me the freedom to create my own strategy and business plan. As managing director, I’m responsible for managing the business, providing customers with quotes and installing CCTV and alarms in homes and businesses across West Yorkshire.

“My future ambition is to grow Raaj CCTV into a national brand, supported by a large team of installers with their own vans working for regional offices.”

Opportunity for younger generation

Given the effect the pandemic has had on young people seeking employment, Raaj is motivated to create exciting new opportunities for young adults in the area.

“I believe in providing young people with the skills that will help them become better engineers. So far, I’ve worked with three Electrical Installation Level 2 students from Keighley College; their enthusiasm and commitment to developing new skills has been admirable.

“One of these students works with me as an apprentice which has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to employing more apprentices in the future.”

At Keighley College, we’re celebrating all adult learners by getting involved in the national Festival of Learning campaign. Take a look at the events on offer here.

An open day focused on adult learners will be held at Keighley College this September.

The event takes place at the Bradford Road campus on Thursday 2 September and offers visitors a chance to look around and find out about the variety of courses on offer.

The day will consist of two slots, at 10am and then at 2pm, and also include some ‘taster sessions’ with the Skills Support Hub.

Expert help and taster sessions

The hub is made up of an expert team at the college who work with partners including Bradford Council, SkillsHouse, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and local employers to see how they can best meet the needs of each individual.

During the Keighley College adult learner open day,  visitors will find out how to improve their job searches and CVs to boost their career prospects.

Guidance will also be available on the range of adult courses that are on offer and how they can help to enhance current skills or kickstart a new, or change in, career.

And representatives from the local DWP’s Youth Hub, which works with partner organisations to help 18 to 24 year olds gain employment, will be there to help too.

Places on the open day can be booked here.

Celebrating adult learning

The event is part of Keighley College’s support for the Festival of Learning, a national campaign to promote and celebrate the value of adult learning.

For more details on how the campaign is being backed locally, visit Festival of Learning – Leeds City College .

Ben Broadbent returned to education at the age of 30 to pursue his ambitions of working in the public services industry. 

Before joining the college, Ben described himself as a ‘maths-phobe’, with very little belief in his arithmetic abilities. 

Through hard work, perseverance and support from his tutors during lockdown, his confidence grew, which was Ben’s first step in achieving his goals.

“Most employers look at your maths and English GCSE grades, especially higher paying roles, which require a minimum of grade 4 in both maths and English. 

“I had a hard time in and out of school with both my life and mental health so I never achieved what I wanted when I was younger. 

“As I grew older, I decided I wanted to get a job in security or with the police. I believed I was terrible at maths so it was a huge boost for my self-esteem and confidence when I discovered that I could do it.

In  2019, Ben achieved the Functional Skills grades he required; a grade 4 in maths and a grade 6 in English. This prompted him to go further and progress to GCSEs.

“The GCSE Maths and English courses were free because I got a grade below C in my initial GCSE results which I had undertaken when I was 16. This made me eligible to take the courses completely free of charge. 

“The college did far more than that though, the kindness and patience of the teachers really helped me boost my confidence and reassured me whenever I had doubts in myself.

“The goals they set for me were realistic too and they were always happy to go over topics with students if they ever fell behind. It taught me how important patience is in a teacher.”

Describing his experience at Keighley College, Ben said he would ‘recommend it to anyone’ and that it’s ‘never too late to learn or improve your life’.

“I never felt alienated because I was an adult learner,  I felt supported throughout. The teachers made me realise that I just lacked confidence and needed to learn the fundamentals before getting to GCSE level. Paula Proud’s classes with her assistant teacher Tony, really helped bring out the best in my learning and allowed me to achieve my goals.

Ben is getting closer to becoming a PCSO with West Yorkshire Police, with ambitions of eventually being a police constable. 

Tending to people’s needs is something that adult learner, Kelli Smith, has always longed to do. 

After working as a healthcare support worker at Airedale Hospital for over 17 years, she decided to take her career one step further and pursue nursing.

Juggling parenting and a hospital job is challenging enough; however Kelli has found a new lease of life after returning to college at 37 years old to study Functional Skills in English and maths.

A new direction

Changing careers can be a daunting prospect for many, however as Kelli’s children got older, she decided now was the right time to take a different direction.

“Ever since my children were born, they have been my first priority, as I’ve always decided to concentrate on them. However, now that they’re getting older, I’ve had time to reflect on my long-standing ambition to pursue my career further; deciding to take the plunge back into the learning pool.

“I’ve always held nursing in the highest regard and had ideas of changing my career eventually, but I had to make a conscious effort to build my confidence and go for it. I was aware of Keighley College’s community-centered reputation, therefore I chose to sharpen up my English and maths skills.”

Managing responsibilities

Kelli was faced with the challenging task of handling parenthood and working through college studies – all while working at a busy hospital during the pandemic.

“The various lockdowns upheaved our everyday lives; especially with switching to home learning when bubbles collapsed. My children and I worked tirelessly to ensure their work was completed to the best of their ability, and the knowledge I learnt through my college courses really helped me support them.

“It was important for me to stay focused on my college studies, so I always made the effort to join additional revision classes and attend every lesson. My time at college was phenomenal; I felt incredibly supported by my tutors who were genuinely committed to boosting my skills and confidence.”

Continuing lifelong learning

This year, Keighley College is taking part in the Festival of Learning; a national campaign to celebrate the achievements of adult learners. 

“I would encourage everyone to continue learning as they get older; lifelong learning gives you the skills to adapt to an ever-changing environment. 

“I was over the moon to have passed my English and maths courses this year, meaning I’m one step closer to my dream nursing job. I’ll be returning to Keighley College in September to gain my GCSE maths.”

As part of the festival, Keighley College is working with partners across the region to deliver a range of taster sessions, short courses and open days for adult learners. Find out more here and discover our calendar of events.

When Husen Ali moved to the UK in 2017 the then 16-year-old’s most pressing goal was to master English.

Now, following lots of hard work at first Keighley College and then Leeds Sixth Form College, Husen is half way through his A levels with his sights firmly fixed on pursuing a law degree at university.

He credits his tutors for giving him the skills and confidence to ‘dream bigger’ and gain the qualifications that have helped him decide on his future career – and says the value of lifelong learning can’t be overstated.

Broadening horizons

He said: “When I came to the UK around four years ago I could speak very little English, so to improve that I enrolled on an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course at Keighley College.

“The time that I spent there was unforgettable as I met fantastic people, the staff were always polite and always helped me when I needed it, and the students were very diligent and fun to be around.

“On top of that, I consider myself very lucky because without the teachers that I had I wouldn’t be where I am today: they guided me and encouraged me to always do my best.

“At first, I was going to choose the engineering route at Keighley College but then one of my teachers suggested I should do my GCSEs first, as that would allow me to expand my options and help me discover what I truly like.

“If it wasn’t for that comment I wouldn’t have enrolled at Leeds Sixth Form College and discovered my passion for law.

“So I am really grateful that I met such fantastic people at Keighley who always pushed me and encouraged me to go out of my comfort zone so I could improve myself.”

A chance to keep improving and growing

With his GCSEs successfully acquired Husen is now studying hard for the A levels he needs to secure an offer to study law at university.

His educational journey has been a challenging but very rewarding one, and he is keen to encourage others to find the courses that will help them follow their dreams – whatever their age.

He said: “I have just completed my first year of A levels and in September I’ll start my final year and then go to university.

“My first choice would be Durham University, which belongs to the Russell Group. Although the acceptance rate is 69.4%, which shows that getting into Durham can be a bit competitive, I am confident that I’m capable of meeting the requirements needed.”

Reflecting on the Festival of Learning and its celebration of lifelong learning, he added: “No matter how old you are, pursuing education is never too late as education is not bound by age.

“Lifelong learning will allow you to keep improving and grow as a person, also it will give you a sense of satisfaction as learning new things gives us a feeling of accomplishment.”

To find out more about courses at Keighley College visit keighleycollege.ac.uk/courses-apprenticeships.

A wide range of courses are available to study for free, through the government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, for anyone aged over 19 who doesn’t currently hold a Level 3 (A level equivalent) qualification. For more details visit leedscitycollege.ac.uk/lifetime-skills.

For more information about the Festival of Learning here leedscitycollege.ac.uk/festival-of-learning.