Teenager Amy Grant is getting ready to take up a place at university, with the exception that she is only 17 and has overcome severe dyslexia to achieve her dream.
Amy says it wouldn’t have been possible without the support she has received at Norton Radstock College where she has studied as an apprentice for the last year.
She will be studying for a BA in Event Management at Greenwich University from September after receiving an unconditional offer when she was only part way through her Level 3 Business Administration course at College.
The inspirational student, who completed the College course a year early, says: “The College has been amazing. The support I’ve had has been brilliant – if I’d gone down the route of A levels there is no way I would have achieved this.”
Amy, from Midsomer Norton, praises the one-to-one support from learning tutor Roger Mears and the assistance from colleagues in the student support service where she works.
“It is down to Roger that I have improved, he took my reading back to basics and my spelling and reading has improved. I have had wonderful support from colleagues too.”
Amy has always been determined that dyslexia would not stop her and left Writhlington School with a clutch of A-C GCSEs a year ago.
“I was diagnosed when I was in year two as having severe dyslexia and before I went to Writhlington School I was on D grades but I got support there and I passed my GCSES with A-C grades.
“I struggle with reading quite badly and writing; my spelling was really poor but I’ve always been determined that it wouldn’t stop me. It’s not something that means you’re dumb; it’s just that with dyslexia you learn in different ways.
“I was offered a sixth form place at the same time as being offered the place on the College course which I accepted. I have loved every minute.
“It’s a two year course but I’ve completed it in a year and I’m going to university a year early; I never thought I would get to university – I didn’t think I was academically good enough.”
Amy was inspired as to her choice of course by being involved in the organisation of the official opening of the College’s new multi-million pound building which houses engineering and motor vehicle courses, general teaching spaces, student social space and a café.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet that I’m going in just a few weeks,” says Amy.
Shirley Arayan, College Principal, said: “Amy has been an asset to the College. We are delighted Amy has gained her University place and she will be missed. Amy has already organised some events with outstanding success, which is why the University has accepted her.”
