Lauren’s learner journey ends with a degree in teaching

For Lauren, the adult education journey was something that needed to fit in with her day-to-day life.

She had completed a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship and was looking at her next steps.

Unable to give up work to study full-time, Lauren decided to attend an open event at Stockton Riverside College and speak with the team to see if higher education could work for her.

After face-to-face conversations, she enrolled on the Foundation Degree in Supporting Teaching and Learning.

When asked about her learner experience, Lauren said: “The teachers are great, supportive, and approachable. Nothing ever felt like a burden.”

After completing her two-year foundation degree, she felt it was a natural progression to enrol on the BA (Hons) Education and Training, which she felt confident she would be able to complete. This would turn her foundation degree into a full degree after just one further year of study.

After enrolling, Lauren started her new course. She was in college once a week from 1-9pm and continued working full-time hours around her studies.

Class sizes were small, and this allowed the group to work in a different setting from a typical classroom. She said: “It was nice that we worked in study pods to discuss and debate in class.”

Lauren graduated from her BA in November and is now in her final stage of completing a teacher training programme, which will earn her teaching status. She hopes to start work as a teacher in September 2026.

When asked what advice she would give to other adults who may be in a similar situation to her, she said: “There’s always a way to overcome issues and barriers, and it’s always worth it in the end.”

Huge congratulations, Lauren!

To learn more about our foundation degree in teaching, click here: FdA Supporting Teaching and Learning | Stockton Riverside College

Alternatively, attend one of our open events to find out more about higher education.