It’s never too late to achieve your dreams.

This was the mantra used by Tina, 43, from Moorsholm, who decided that it was now or never to pursue her ideal career.

Currently a carer for her grandad, Tina experimented with different types of work before deciding a career working with children was where she wanted to be.

Tina said: “I really didn’t enjoy school, I spent most of my time trying to get away from it. After raising my two children and trying other different roles I wanted to do something for me and prove to myself I could achieve my goals. If I wanted to teach others about English and maths I needed to know it all myself first.”

Despite having the determination, Tina struggled with confidence and self-belief which led her to think about quitting several times.

She added: “Without the support from the tutors I would have really struggled. It was scary being out of my comfort zone but when I started getting things right, my mindset changed. I put so much work in, attended every class available and all of that hard work really paid off, now I’m helping my daughter with her homework rather than the other way around! I really thought I was too old to learn anything new, especially English and maths but I really surprised myself.”

Tina has achieved her level 2 in English and level 1 in maths and she is currently working towards her level 2 in maths. Tina is looking forward to the opportunities it will bring and hopes to start a career working in a primary school.