I've recommended the Access course to lots of my friends; two of whom are starting the course this September! I think it makes it a bit easier when you see that other people in your position can do it, it takes away one of the barriers and you feel inspired by other people's achievements.

Ida Okkels, 36, completed an Access course, and began a diploma in Nursing at the University of the West of England (UWE) in September 2009

The course has been brilliant! It was quite a shock going back into education after all this time, but everyone's in the same boat and the tutors are so supportive. The course gave me so much confidence, it taught me how to learn again!

Wendy Hall, 48, completed Access, and is currently studying for a degree in Social Work at Oxford Brookes University

The tutors were fabulous; very supportive and professional. It is really down to them that I was sucessful in so many ways.

Nikki Millington, 36. completed a Foundation Degree in Early Years in 2007, topped up to an honours degree in Education Studies, and is now a published writer and NVQ assessor.

I've always liked my job and I didn't want to be taken away from the contact that I have with patientts, so a work based course like the FD has given me the best of both worlds.

Gillian Cripps, 50, completed a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care Practice in Summer 2009