How was school for you?
I really enjoyed school and did well in my GCSEs. In A Levels I lost a lot of drive and motivation when I fell pregnant over the Summer of my first year.
From Access to Biomed: Q&A with Hannah Gallimore
11 September 2026
Access to Higher Education
Adult Learning
After having my son last April, I had such a drive to go to university to make a life for us. The Access to HE Diploma has helped me to be organised and to be really focused on my studies.
Hannah Gallimore (Access to HE Diploma - Health Professions)
What attracted you to the Access to HE Diploma?
After having my son last April which was a life-changing moment, I decided that I wanted to go to university and make a life for us, and after having a chat with the Access team, I knew this was the course to help me to get to university.
I chose to study at NSCG as I began my A Levels here and it's easy to get here from my home. The facilities always stood out for me and I felt comfortable here to start again.
What has been your biggest motivation to succeed?
Definitely my little boy! When you have a baby, it puts everything into perspective. I had such a drive to aim higher in my life.
How did the Access team support you during the course?
Balancing college and family life was a huge aspect for quite a few of us on the course and the team are really experienced in knowing how to support you. Your wellbeing is a priority and once I settled into the routine of college and knowing I could ask for help whenever I needed it made studying so much easier.
This course is life-changing for many of our learners. What was the best memory for you?
Meeting new people on the course made it so enjoyable and was a factor in everyone doing so well. The support and bond on the Access course makes a real difference and that's something I will take away with me. Stepping into college and knowing I could do this has been a special memory.
Did you need to overcome any major hurdles on the course?
Getting my assignments completed whilst balancing my son and my job was difficult but I could see what was on the other side, so I put my head down and got the work done.
Were you eligible for any financial support? If so, how much of a difference did this make to your studies?
An Advanced Learner Loan is really worth looking into as it makes covering the costs of studying much easier and takes away the financial burden. I was able to apply for the travel bursary which too away the stress of finding a way to college and back.
What's next for you?
I'm about to start a degree in Biomedical Science at Keele University.
Looking ahead, what are your future career goals?
I would like to work as a Laboratory Analytical Scientist and then look to train as a midwife once my son is older.
Do you have any advice for other adults currently looking at the Access to HE Diploma as a possible option for them?
The course has been really positive for me and it's the best thing I've ever done for my career. Head over to the website and take a look at the different Access diplomas as there are a few to choose from and investigate the Advanced Learner Loan and other bursaries to see what you're entitled to.
If you choose to enrol on the course, be organised from the very start. Designate time to do your assignments and chip away at them if you can as this will take away the stress further into the modules.