Bex’s journey with EEG started in 1997, when she started a Computer Studies course. Owing to personal difficulties, she was not able to continue. However, the Access to HE Humanities and Social Science course in 2002 changed her life. This course was aimed at adults who wished to return to education, opening a world of opportunities. As a result, she undertook the English and History degree at West Suffolk College (as it was called then). Through many twists and turns, she now works again at EEG. Her story demonstrates the transformational power of education.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
Back in 1997, I initially joined the College at 16, just out of school. During the first year of my course, I became a resident of the YMCA and, due to significant personal difficulties, I was unable to continue my course on the BTEC National Diploma in Computer Studies and Adult Literacy and Numeracy. Although I didn’t complete this course, I did complete Adult Literacy & Numeracy at Level 2.
In 2002, I joined the College again and completed an Access to HE Humanities and Social Science course. I was working for Suffolk County Council at the time. Shortly after the Access course, I undertook an NVQ level 3 in childcare as a work-based learning qualification.
In 2011, having been made redundant from my role with Suffolk County Council, I returned to the College to undertake a degree in English & History and study my GCSE Maths alongside. I achieved my degree in 2014 with a 2:1. In September 2014 I began studying my PGCE at Otley College with a teaching placement at a local PRU. Unfortunately, due to the outcome of their Ofsted inspection (they were put into special measures) they were unable to support a trainee teacher, and I was without a placement mid-course.
In March 2015, a friend of mine put me in touch with Debbie Barton, who offered me a teaching placement within English GCSE adult class, and from that date I have been at the College (apart from a brief work break). In summer 2015, I was offered the opportunity to teach two English summer schools – one in Thetford and one in Bury St Edmunds – and was taken on as a permanent member of the team in September.
I taught English and Maths at the College for several years, teaching on the Adult provision, Traineeships, EHE and Apprenticeships.
In 2018, I was given the opportunity to become Programme Lead for Elective Home Education, which had seven learners enrolled. Over the following years, and with support from a fantastic management team, the provision grew from two subjects with seven learners, to 13 subjects with 126 learners, and proved incredibly popular in the eastern region, with learners traveling from Essex and Cambridgeshire to join our courses. I added History to my taught subjects when this became part of the growing EHE curriculum.
In 2022, I took a career break from the College and embarked on a career teaching secondary education at a local High School until January 2024, when I found myself in a ‘right role, right time’ situation. I chanced upon the Programme Lead – Skills for Employment role back at the College as part of the Adult Learning team. I applied, was successful, and have been in post since Feb 2024
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
So many, I could go on for years! But probably most recently, when we received our Ofsted Outstanding grading late last year. It was a hard slog with two deep dives in my curriculum in one day. One in Essex and one in Suffolk. The support and collaboration within the team to make this happen was fantastic, and hearing Debbie – who took a chance on me all those years ago – tell me how proud she was of me was something that will stay with me for a very long time.
I am Programme Lead – Skills for Employment at (University and Professional Development Centre) UPDC and I owe my career to the opportunities the College has given me and the support I received throughout my educational and professional journey.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
It’s been a blast, from student to staff – what an incredible organisation filled with incredible humans.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
If you ever wonder ‘can I?’, I would say yes, you can. Talk to the right people, get the right guidance and choose your new path.
