Our Lifelong Learning Entitlement: Ellie Lee

Before she returned to education, Ellie Lee had been working in the hospitality industry while raising her young daughter. 

She had struggled during her teenage years and had left school without any formal qualifications.

‘I honestly felt like I had zero prospects,’ she says. 

She adds that when she'd started her Access to HE course, she hadn't been sure that she could manage making it through the course while working and raising a child. 

Ellie Lee completed an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities and Social Science in 2017, before going on to receive a first-class honours degree in Criminology in 2022. She is currently studying for a Master's in Forensic Psychological Studies at The Open University, and is also working as an Enhanced Learning Support Assistant.

She recalls finding it tough to adjust to her new routine at the start of her Access course. She'd leave home at 7.30 in the morning, study till three in the afternoon, and then work a five-hour evening shift. Fortunately, her mum was able to help with childcare.

‘But, before I knew it, we had hit Christmas break and it felt like the end was in sight,’ she adds. ‘The work felt intense, but it was interesting – so that pushed me on.’

She also recalls with fondness the feeling of camaraderie among her fellow students, as well as the diversity of her cohort.

‘I loved the fact it wasn’t all young people,’ she says. ‘I was 26 when I started, and I think the eldest was in her 60s. We became one big family, and everyone watched out for the others. The tutors were just the same. One was nicknamed 'Pops' as he was just so approachable and kind.’

She is very conscious of the benefits of choosing to progress into higher education via an Access to HE programme.

‘I firmly believe the skills I learnt from the course gave me the confidence to push myself,’ she says. ‘Without it, I never would have dreamt I would be where I am now.’

She is also very proud of the fact that her daughter has now applied for a course at the same college and plans to attend the same university to follow her own dream of a career in counselling. 

And so, today, she's keen to recommend the Access to HE route to anyone who is willing to commit to it.

‘If I can do it, anyone can,’ she insists. ‘Open that door and see where it takes you!’

Ellie believes passionately that people should be able to – and should be encouraged and supported to – access education throughout their lives.

‘When I was at school, it was made out that university wasn't for everybody,’ she explains. ‘It felt almost completely inaccessible to me. And the older I got, the less accessible it seemed to be. It's so important that people realise they can return to learning at any age. Lifelong learning should really be available to all.’

Now more than halfway through her Master's, she continues to be inspired by learning.

‘I'm juggling my work, my kids and my studies,’ she says. ‘It can be exhausting. But lifelong learning is truly addictive, in the best possible way. The thought of a PhD is already on my mind!’