Scott Ellis

Scott worked as a coal miner before he enrolled on the
Access to HE course. He is now a college lecturer.

1998: Access to Social Sciences, North Derbyshire Tertiary College*
2002: BA (Hons) Social Policy, Sheffield Hallam University
2006: MA Social Science Research Methods, Sheffield Hallam University
2006: Certificate in Education, North Nottinghamshire College
2007: Lecturer at The Dukeries College, Nottinghamshire

No-one from my immediate family had ever been to university. In the sort of background I grew up in, that didn't come into the equation - you just left school and went to work at the coalmine. I was 26 when I attended an open day at the college and was advised to consider doing the Access to HE course.

I decided to enrol on the part-time course to improve my longer term career prospects. Initially I thought that I'd go into a career in social work, but my interests changed as I progressed through my studies.

To support my family during the course, I continued to work full-time at the coalmine and managed to fit study in between my shifts. The course helped to improve my knowledge, increase my confidence and raise my aspirations. I learnt how to manage my time and how to prioritise. I found the assignments quite straightforward and it was a great thrill to pass the course.

The things I learnt on the Access to HE course gave me a springboard into studying at a higher level. After my degree I took an MA and got a distinction and an award for Best Overall Student. My working hours and conditions are now so much better, my health has improved and all of these things have made a big difference to my family's quality of life.

* now part of Chesterfield College

Successful careers

Current degree students

Current Access to HE students

Scott Ellis