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Belinda Robinson

2008: Access to HE (Social Science), CG Partnership
2011: BA (Hons) in Humanistic Counselling, University of Nottingham

I attended Skegness Grammar School but left after my
O levels. Nearly 30 years later I found myself divorced and living with my elderly mother as her carer. It was when I took my younger daughter to a university open day that I began to think of finishing my education.

I found that an Access course would enable me to get an interview for university. I made enquiries and found an ideal course run by CG Partnership, starting in a few days! It seemed like fate.

It felt wonderful being back in the classroom with a completely different mindset from over 35 years previously. There were seven other students of varying ages, and the atmosphere was great. We were all there because we wanted to learn. The tutor was entertaining, encouraging and a great teacher.

Increased maturity had enhanced the knowledge gained all those years ago at school. I managed my other commitments easily - I just had to spend a lot of early mornings and evenings studying, which I enjoyed. There was on-line assistance, and the tutor was only a phone call away. The learning group was very encouraging, and I made new friends.

The most important thing I gained was increased confidence. The course exceeded all my expectations, and I learned more in that one year than in five years at secondary school.

I applied to Lincoln, Hull and Nottingham universities and received offers from all three. There seemed to be no stigma attached to not having A levels. I chose to study for a degree in Humanistic Counselling at the University of Nottingham.

The standard I had attained by the end of the Access course meant that I easily slotted into my university course and gained top grades in my first two years. In my final year I worked at two placements, a learning centre and a hostel for young adults. My clients ranged from 16-year-olds to people in their 60s, with very varied issues.

I was awarded a first-class degree, and, following a year working at Lincolnshire Counselling, set up my own practice. I also completed a teaching certificate and have taught several short courses for CG partnership introducing counselling skills.

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