Case study: Andrew’s Journey

Overcoming Early Challenges

Andrew Cotton-Bailey’s journey with education didn’t have the best start. Leaving school with no qualifications, he was often told he wouldn’t amount to anything.

“I was told quite regularly that I’d never come to anything,” he recalls. Despite this, he went on to serve 24 years in the police force, working on major crime investigations. However, deep down, he felt that his lack of formal education had always held him back. “I felt hamstringed by a lack of education all the way through.”

A New Beginning

After leaving the police, Andrew sought counselling, which proved to be a turning point. A counsellor recognised his natural understanding of the subject and encouraged him to consider studying it formally.

Inspired, Andrew approached the College, where he learned he needed to complete his Level 2 English to begin counselling training. With some apprehension, he took the plunge. “Suddenly, I was thrown into this environment where I didn’t want to be.”

Thriving in a Supportive Environment

Andrew had expected education to be as daunting as his past experiences, but instead, he found a welcoming and encouraging learning environment. “My expectations were it would be bad, but it was totally the opposite.”

He successfully completed his Level 1 and 2 English Functional Skills qualifications, alongside his counselling studies and began working towards Maths as well. The support from his tutors played a huge role in his success. He particularly credits his tutor, Michael Forrest, for helping to change his outlook on learning. “All I can say is I was with Michael Forrest on Level 2, I went through with him, an amazing person.”

A Passion for Mental Health

Andrew is now progressing through his Level 3 studies and has signed up for Level 4 and 5, leading to a degree in Counselling and Psychology. His ultimate goal is to work in mental health, inspired by personal experiences and the tragic loss of two former police colleagues to mental health struggles. “I’ve lost two friends who were in the police to mental health, they both took their own lives.”

He has also found that his own studies have helped him process his experiences and develop personally. “By coming and doing this, it’s actually helping me – especially with the counselling, I’m looking at myself a lot more.”

Encouraging Others

Andrew is passionate about inspiring others to embrace education, regardless of age or background. He has already encouraged his daughter’s boyfriend to enrol in an English course at the College. “I said to him, ‘Go to college,’ so he’s just signed up, and he’s doing his English now.” His message to anyone hesitant about returning to education is clear: challenge yourself, seek support, and take the first step—because it’s never too late. “If you’ve got a dream of getting somewhere, I would encourage you all the way through.”

A Future Filled with Learning

Reflecting on his journey, Andrew now sees education as an essential and fulfilling part of his life. He plans to continue learning and growing, proving that lifelong education is not just a possibility—it’s a reality. “I can see it now to a stage where I will continue to the end, and I’ll continue going to the College. Because I love it so much.”

If you’re thinking about returning to education, take Andrew’s advice and give it a go. The support at the College is here to help you succeed, whatever your goals may be.