Learner stories: “I’d decided education might not be for me – until the T Level changed my life and took me to university” 

Leah Maughan’s journey into education took a different path to the one she first imagined. Studying the T Level in Education and Early Years at Shipley College gave her the chance to reconnect with her love of learning, gain valuable experience, and build the confidence to progress to Leeds Trinity University. Here, Leah shares more about her journey, the challenges she faced, and how the T Level transformed her life. 

Q: Why did you choose to study the T Level in Education and Early Years? 

A: “As a child, I always wanted to become a primary school teacher, but never believed it was something I could do. I was never an academic student and thrived in more practical subjects at school; I loved sport and tried to pursue a career in that, but after trying multiple colleges between the ages of 16 and 18, I was never able to fully absorb myself in the content.  

“Having ADHD makes it much harder to channel my energy unless I’m deeply passionate about the topic. After being excluded from college at 18, I decided that education might just not be for me. However, I then started working with children and rediscovered my passion for teaching. 

“In September 2023, I phoned Shipley College spontaneously, desperate to try one last time to get an education. The head of department suggested the T Level in Education and Early Years. The first year was difficult, returning to education and being slightly older than the other students – but my passion to make a difference for the next generation kept me motivated. 

“I never once doubted my decision because of the alternative learning strategies – placement, coursework, exams, practical lessons. Every day was different, and the ability to apply learning to different career routes really personalised the experience. It was the first time I felt in control of my learning.” 

Q: What did you enjoy most about the course and your placements? 

A: “I really enjoyed the different assessment methods throughout my T Level journey – coursework, exams and practical observations. This reduced pressure on the academic side because I could show my development practically.  

“The observations also fed into the coursework, such as lesson planning, which motivated me to stay focused for better practical outcomes. I think it’s such an incredible approach that clearly takes into consideration students with SEND. 

“The lesson delivery was incredible and included so many insightful strategies that I’ve used in my placements, such as creating sensory experiences and LEGO therapy. We were also given opportunities to take part in ‘micro teach’ lessons; not only did this develop my teaching ability and prepare me for placement, but it also built my confidence. 

“Every aspect of the course was clearly well planned, with student success as the priority. If it wasn’t for the T Level, I wouldn’t be at university now or have such a deep passion for supporting children and young people.” 

Q: Can you share a moment from your placement that made you feel proud? 

A: “There were so many moments that consolidated that this is the career I want to go into, and that I’m capable of being a primary school teacher. Seeing the children make progress in interventions and watching their self-esteem improve made me proud of them and of myself. 

“The professional relationships I built with the students are also something I’ll never forget. As part of my BA, I need to undertake a professional placement, and the school I was previously at for my T Level has been thrilled to offer me the same opportunity again.” 

Q: What challenges did you face during your studies, and how did you manage them? 

A: “I faced significant adversity throughout my time at college. I worked three jobs alongside my placement and college, and struggled with my mental health at times, but staff at Shipley College did everything they could to support me. 

“I discovered that education is my outlet for managing and coping with things I’ve experienced. Learning about attachment, parenting styles and recognising abuse helped me understand myself better. Understanding the psychology and sociology behind people’s experiences helped me move forward and prioritise breaking the cycle so that I can make a difference for others. 

“My autism and ADHD can also make education difficult – especially when masking – but Shipley College identified my needs quickly and put support in place straight away. They created a safe, judgement-free environment where it was okay to take regular breaks and ask for help if I hadn’t retained everything. 

“I used to struggle with emotional regulation, which affected my ability to stay in FE settings, but the emotional support from teachers helped me develop strategies to prevent escalation. I never felt different from anyone else.” 

Q: How did you balance college, placement, work and your involvement in college life? 

A: “It wasn’t easy juggling everything, but it was my only option. Shipley College was very accommodating, supporting me through my studies and allowing me to leave slightly early when I needed to get to work. I applied what I learned on the T Level to my jobs, which motivated me to be a better role model. 

“When it came to college life, I chose to work 1:1 with a child with SEND, which was extremely rewarding. I was also involved in college activities, including open days and the launch of their strategic plan around lifelong learning. 

“Having ADHD had been a huge barrier in previous settings, but during the T Level it became more of a superpower. I was able to juggle college, placement and work by staying focused on what I wanted. My ADHD means I can cope on very little sleep without it impacting my performance – so once I got stuck in, nothing could stop me.”  

Q: How has the Helena Kennedy Foundation bursary supported you? 

A: “The bursary supported my transition to university before my student finance came through. It made the move much smoother and helped me buy the materials I needed for my course. It removed barriers to education and took pressure off having to overwork myself, allowing me to put my all into my learning. 

“Going forward, the bursary will allow me to prioritise my degree above everything else. I love working alongside my studies; however, it makes such a difference receiving extra help from such an incredible organisation.” 

Q: Why did you choose Leeds Trinity University and your degree, and how did your T Level prepare you for it? 

A: “I initially chose primary education, but after researching I learned there are far fewer experts in SEND, mental health, and safeguarding – all deep interests of mine. My degree continues on almost perfectly from the T Level and covers everything I’m passionate about, from social justice to trauma‑informed approaches.  

“Every module reminds me why I chose this sector, and all I want to do is provide the same knowledge and guidance to the next generation, because education truly is life changing. 

“The T Level set me up for university beyond what anyone else on my degree had. The knowledge and experience you gain puts you ahead. We learned about educational theorists in the T Level, and I’ve been able to share that knowledge with my peers.  

“My degree includes a SEND module that almost exactly follows on from the T Level content – everything is related. One of my recent assignments was very similar to part of the T Level exam, and linking the two helped me achieve a first. Having that prior knowledge has built my confidence when starting university.” 

Q: What are your goals for the future, and how will your T Level experiences help you get there? 

A: “I want to pursue a career in primary education, prioritising early intervention in safeguarding. I’m passionate about recognising and reporting concerns to protect children and young people. The T Level taught me so much about recognising concerns, and I’ve applied that learning in my jobs. 

“Since finishing my further education, I’ve been offered a job at Shipley College as an academic coach. I’m also continuing to work as a swim teacher and support worker for a child with SEND – staying busy and gaining new experiences keeps me focused. 

“I’d also like to study a master’s degree after my undergraduate course. Education is a lifelong learning path, and I still have so much to learn to make the difference I want to make.” 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your T Level journey? 

A: “I just want to highlight the incredible impact the T Level in Education and Early Years has had not on my academic journey, but my whole life. It gave me a pathway and changed everything.  

“Achieving a distinction for the first time in my life gave me the confidence that I am more than capable of becoming a primary school teacher, like I once dreamed. The T Level is an amazing alternative for school leavers who may struggle with the likes of traditional A Levels, and I cannot recommend it enough.  

“It helped me become the best version of myself – one that I didn’t even realise was there.” 

Learn more about T Levels and the range of qualifications available by visiting our T Levels homepage.

Pictured: Leah Maughan, former T Level student