Degree for woman who combined study with start-up

 15/07/2013

Vicky Wilson, who is mum to two boys aged 10 & 12, was working at her local preschool as Deputy Manager when she enrolled on the Foundation Degree in Children's Services (Early Childhood) course at BGU in 2010.

"I worked at the preschool for the first year of my foundation degree but felt that I could progress further than my current position would allow me to do," said Vicky. "I had an extension built onto the back of my home and registered as a childminder."

After completing her foundation degree and graduating with a first, Vicky then continued her studies by topping up her foundation degree into a BA (Hons) degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood), from which she will graduate with another first this summer.

Vicky now employs three members of staff at her thriving childcare business, The Home Nursery, and is now planning an expansion.

"We are currently awaiting planning permission before we begin working on the beautiful, grade-two listed property that we have found and plan to restore. The new business will be established and ready to provide care for children by October this year," she said.

On completing her degree while looking after a family and building a business, Vicky gave some advice to anyone looking to do the same: "If anyone is at a crossroads in their life, I would strongly recommend academic learning to find yourself. Carrying out studies while working full-time and having a family and home to look after is really hard work but worthwhile in the end.

"If I had not attended Bishop Grosseteste University, and achieved well beyond my own expectations, I would never have been in the position to own and manage my own nursery. It has been life changing for me.

"I owe so much to my tutors for the support and encouragement that they have given me, they really helped me to find myself and realise my own potential. The support that I have had from fellow students has also been amazing. I have made friends that I will keep for life. Being at BGU has given me the support of an extended family."

The Bishop Grosseteste University graduation ceremonies will run in three separate sessions at 10.15am, 2.30pm and 7.15pm on 17th July at Lincoln Cathedral. Ceremonies will include professional photography, a celebration lunch and tea and a special graduation service in the university's chapel.

Vicky Wilson will graduate at 7.15pm.

More information about Bishop Grosseteste University's foundation degree routes is available in the university's prospectus, http://www.bishopg.ac.uk/prospectus, or at www.bishopg.ac.uk/courses.

15 July 2013