With 30 years of experience working in Access to HE provision, 24 of which have been with Certa Access, Rita specialises in Maths, Science and Engineering, and supports other curriculum strands such as Psychology and English. Rita values the opportunities her job gives her not only to work with aspiring students and committed tutors, but also to continue to learn for herself.

Noting an apparent increase in women studying STEM subjects, Rita is especially happy when female students pursue and achieve diplomas in these areas. She believes that the Access to HE Diploma builds self-esteem and self-management skills, and credits Certa Access for bringing together external moderators from diverse backgrounds and providing them the tools they need to best support learners.

Dave began working with Certa Access in 2012, seeking to continue to use and develop his managerial and subject expertise. With a focus on Computing, Health Science and Science Diplomas, he has seen first-hand how the Access to HE Diploma changes people’s lives.

Previously, when working full-time in a large provider, Dave saw Certa Access learners capitalise on study skills expertise and easily customisable diplomas to achieve their employment goals, from the Wolverhampton bus driver who is now a podiatrist in the NHS to the learner who took a Psychology degree and went on to coach the Olympic gold medal winning athlete, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill DBE.

Prior to joining Certa Access in the 1990s, Pauline was teaching courses in a further education college and saw that the awarding body wasn’t meeting the needs of many of the students. At Certa Access, specialising in Art and Design, Fashion and Textiles, and working with Combined Studies and Education and Training Diplomas, Pauline sees students gaining confidence in themselves and realising just how much they are capable of.

Pauline attributes learners’ success to their hard work and determination, as demonstrated by one student who, having stood outside a classroom window wishing to be inside, took on numerous jobs to help her take an Access to HE Diploma. Over the course of her learner-centred, customised studies, the student’s achievements were outstanding.

John joined Certa Access in 2007 and specialises in Humanities (esp. History), Social Science, Business and Education. He believes that an Access to HE Diploma is the best means of further education, providing a second chance for adult learners who missed out on opportunities when at school.

John highlights Certa Access for its friendly nature and the fact that it is locally based and developed by local practitioners. Recalling a former student who transitioned from being made redundant at a glass bulb factory to becoming a successful primary school teacher, John knows that an Access to HE Diploma gives learners the knowledge and skills that will help them to get to and succeed at university.

Alison became an external moderator over 10 years ago, seeking to improve the quality of diplomas that she oversaw at the college where she worked. Specialising in all Humanities and Social Sciences, and in Study Skills, Alison believes the Access to HE Diplomas build learner confidence, support independent study, and provide opportunities for economic stability and prosperity.

In working with Certa Access, Alison finds the staff to be friendly, approachable, and democratic in their willingness to listen and respond to all stakeholders. One of the countless Access to HE Diploma success stories that stands out to Alison is that of a student who was a former convict. Over the course of his Diploma, he became fully engaged in his classes and with his peers. Through his hard work, he achieved a place in university, the position of captain of the University Challenge team, and the completion of his degree.