Returning to learning: Supporting Mature Students at NTU Mansfield
At NTU Mansfield, supporting learners at every stage of life is central to what we do. Cheryl Hibbard and Vicky Wright, both studying the Foundation Degree in Education at NTU’s Mansfield Hub, are two mature students whose experiences reflect the determination and commitment often seen among those returning to study later in life.
Published on 27 March 2026
Balancing life and study
Returning to learning after time away can feel daunting. For many mature students, study must fit alongside work, volunteering, caring responsibilities and family life, and the idea of stepping back into a classroom can feel overwhelming. But with the right support, returning to study can be a positive and rewarding experience.
Supporting families at Little Miracles
Cheryl and Vicky first connected with Little Miracles as parents seeking inclusive activities and peer support for their families. Cheryl’s son was born with a serious congenital heart condition, autism and complex needs, while Vicky’s son is autistic with additional needs. Like many parents of children with SEND, they found that mainstream activities often did not meet their children’s needs.
Through Little Miracles, they accessed inclusive opportunities such as swimming, soft play, forest walks, pantomimes and community events. Crucially, they also found a network of families who understood the realities of navigating education, health services and everyday challenges.
Returning to education
Cheryl and Vicky hadn’t initially planned to progress to higher education. But after attending an NTU Mansfield open event, they discovered the Foundation Degree in Education along with flexible study routes and tailored support for mature students.
Finding a university-level course that fits around family responsibilities, work and other commitments is often key for those considering a career change. Cheryl had not studied formally since leaving school, while Vicky had completed a Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification at West Nottinghamshire College.
NTU offers a range of dedicated services to help mature students transition back into learning. The Learning and Teaching Team provides academic skills support in areas including writing, referencing, study skills, research, maths and statistics, with one-to-one appointments available for personalised guidance.
Students can also access support from Mature Student Ambassadors, who offer practical advice on balancing study with other responsibilities and opportunities to connect with others returning to education. Through welcome events and activities throughout the year, these ambassadors help students settle in, build confidence and feel part of the wider university community.
Learning that fits around real life
Alongside her role at Little Miracles, Cheryl also supports Dance Warriors, an inclusive dance group for young people with learning disabilities, and runs a small craft business. Being a student has not meant putting life on hold – instead, study has enhanced everything else she does.
Through their studies and ongoing work with Little Miracles, Cheryl and Vicky are transforming their first-hand experience into informed practice, helping to strengthen inclusive provision now and shape more equitable support for children and families in the future.
It comes from a determination to improve outcomes for children – both our own and others who are too often overlooked.
Their story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to return to education. With flexible study options, specialist support and a strong sense of community, taking that step can open doors you may not have thought possible. If you’re considering returning to learning, Cheryl and Vicky’s message is simple: it may feel daunting, but with the right support, you can do it.
For further information about courses delivered at NTU Mansfield, visit: ntu.ac.uk/mansfield
Community Engagement and Volunteering
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Childhood, Education and Teacher Training
Designed and delivered to prepare you for your future career, our Childhood, Education and Teacher Training courses are hands-on, contemporary and innovative.
Mature students
We welcome students of all ages to join our inclusive community. Find out more about university life and the support available for mature students.
NTU Mansfield
Our dedicated university hub in Mansfield, based at West Nottinghamshire College, provides career-focused professional higher education and university-level qualifications that are designed to develop knowledge, training and vocational skills.
Notes for Editors
About Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has been named UK ‘University of the Year’ five times in six years, (Times Higher Education Awards 2017, The Guardian University Awards 2019, The Times and Sunday Times 2018 and 2023, Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023) and is consistently one of the top performing modern universities in the UK.
It is the 3rd best modern university in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023). Students have voted NTU 1st in the UK for student employability (Uni Compare 2025)
NTU is the 5th largest UK institution by student numbers, with over 40,000 students and more than 4,400 staff located across six campuses. It has an international student population of almost 7,000 and an NTU community representing over 160 countries.
NTU owns two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for outstanding achievements in research (2015, 2021). The first recognises NTU’s research on the safety and security of global citizens. The second was awarded for research in science, engineering, arts and humanities to investigate and restore cultural objects, buildings and heritage. The Research Excellence Framework (2021) classed 83% of NTU’s research activity as either world-leading or internationally excellent.
NTU was awarded GOLD in the national 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment, as it was in 2017.