Laura Miles

When Laura Miles’ mother died when she was a teenager, school work went “out the window”.

Despite her mother’s pleas for her to get a good education, Laura admits that it was not a priority. That was until she reached her 30s and decided it was time to get qualified.

Now Laura has graduated with a 2:1 degree in English Literary Studies from the University of Worcester.

“I left school with just a few GCSEs,” she said. “When my mother died school work went out of the window.

“I spent about eight years as a hairdresser and I also worked abroad for a few years as a holiday rep. Then when I got past 30 I guess I had a bit of a panic and thought I should get some qualifications. I wanted to do it for me as a personal achievement really.”

Laura, who is a support worker for the charity Headway, enrolled on an Access Course at Worcester Sixth Form College and found a love for English.

“I decided to do an English degree and absolutely loved it,” said the 35-year-old, of St John’s, Worcester. “I cannot believe that it’s over now; it went so quick.”

She added: “When I started my degree I just wanted to pass it, but as time went on I really wanted to do well and get a good class degree. I realised the importance of it and the need to work hard.

“I loved the professional writing and writing magazine articles and I was involved in the Ledbury Poetry Festival, which was fantastic.

“I’m really proud of myself for achieving a 2:1; I have done it for my mum.”

Laura is hoping to become a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher in the future.