Kayleigh studied the Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship at Bradford College and is now completing the BA (Hons) Supporting and Managing Learning in Education (Level 6) while continuing to work in her school.
When Kayleigh Grant began working as a Teaching Assistant, she quickly realised how much she enjoyed supporting children – but she also felt ready for more. After completing her Level 3 apprenticeship, she began exploring ways to continue developing professionally without giving up the job she loved. That’s when she found the BA (Hons) Supporting and Managing Learning in Education at Bradford College.
“I just knew that I wanted more, but I didn’t necessarily want to leave my job. So I was looking for something that would allow me to still work and study at the same time.”
The programme’s flexibility, supportive environment, and strong links between her school and Bradford College made it the perfect fit.
A Supportive and Welcoming HE Environment
From the moment she began the course, even during online classes, Kayleigh felt supported by her tutors and the wider Higher Education community.
“They’ve always made themselves available and you always got a response… if you needed something, you would get it.”
She also describes the HE building as mature, friendly and confidence‑boosting:
“We’ve got our own HE community here… although you’re at college, you still feel like an adult.”
Growing in Skills, Confidence, and Perspective
The course has transformed Kayleigh both academically and personally. She had no prior experience of academic writing, but the range of assessment methods helped her build her skills gradually.
“I had never written an essay in my life… but the range of assessments really helped. Now I can write an essay, and I can speak in front of a group of adults.”
Being part of a diverse cohort also broadened her perspectives:
“I think I’ve learned to be a little bit more considerate of other people’s way of life… it’s extremely diverse here.”
Career Progression and New Opportunities
Kayleigh’s studies have already led to significant career progression. Since starting her degree, she has moved from Teaching Assistant to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA):
“When I started this course, I was just an LSA… now I’m a full-time HLTA, and my timetable’s full.”
Her degree has also opened the door to training as a qualified teacher through her current workplace:
“Next year I’m going to go in as an unqualified teacher, get my QTS, and then I’ll be a qualified teacher… hopefully I’m going to be a teacher in the next two years.”
She values how transferable the degree is:
“It’s very transferable… you can do anything that’s people or child-centric. It kept all of those doors open.”
Advice to Future Students
Kaleigh encourages anyone thinking about returning to Higher Education, especially mature or working students, to take the leap:
“Just do it. Don’t be scared about not knowing anybody… don’t think you’re too old or not smart enough, because you will get the support you need.”
A Life-Changing Experience
Looking back, Kayleigh sees her time at Bradford College as transformative:
“This is probably the most useful thing I’ve done so far. I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m going to do next without Bradford College.”
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