Marie Panes-Everill

I think my biggest accomplishment has to be passing my GCSE Maths! It has opened up so many pathways into other areas that were previously out of bounds or restricted because of missing my GCSEs grades. This has definitely got to be my greatest achievements, and one that I am very proud of! 

Marie's journey to Lancaster & Morecambe College started back in 2022, when she first decided to apply to do the Principles of Business Administration Distance Learning course to study at home in her own time and fit around her family commitments. 

Previously she'd had difficulties trying to find suitable employment, and just seemed to end up in low paid, low skilled roles, and had been unable to develop her career path because of poor attainment at school, due to not passing her GCSEs. After completing the Distance Learning course Marie decided to have another go at her GCSEs and enrolled onto the Maths GCSE part time course.

I really needed to update my qualifications and upskill, particularly after being a stay at home parent for many years. I'd worked on a local project which looked at the implications of people with low skills and those that had come out of the mainstream school system with low attainment. This inspired me to have a look at my local college offered and have another shot at it. I was quite surprised at the variety of courses and the encouragement from the tutors to have another try at GCSE subjects, particularly Maths. I found the staff at LMC very welcoming, supportive and the online learning portal for the Business Administration course really useful and user friendly. 

Marie passed her Maths GCSE having been out of education for many years, and discovered a passion for further learning as she enjoyed being back in the classroom. She finally started on her very own career path after completing a Book Keeping Taster Sessions in 2024, and was inspired to learn more about becoming an Accountant. Following the taster Marie applied to the Accounting (AAT) Level 2 Certificate course, which is ideal for anyone wishing to study accountancy and finance alongside a range of complementary business and personal skills transferable to any sector.

Returning to education has helped shape my enthusiasm with the subjects, increased my grades in exams and steered me eventually towards studying Accounting. I found returning to learning a very socially uplifting experience and it increased my confidence to take on the next level in my studies. It has also connected me with other community learning projects. 

Retaking her Maths GCSE and studying the AAT Accounting Level 2 course has meant that Marie now has a voluntary role locally as a Treasurer for a local club handling their finances and grants. She also now has a pathway in my studies where she can take the next step ono the AAT Accounting Level 3 Diploma, which will prepare her to progress into a career in business, finance or professional accountancy. When asked what her biggest accomplishment has been at the College, Marie says,

I think my biggest accomplishment has to be passing my GCSE Maths! It has opened up so many pathways into other areas that were previously out of bounds or restricted because of missing my GCSEs grades. This has definitely got to be my greatest achievements, and one that I am very proud of! 

Marie has learnt many new skills over her time back in education, despite her fears on returning to College. She now realises that is is possible to study and have a family life.

You get out what you put in! I had to dedicate my time effectively to my studying and had to time manage properly, whilst trying to juggle a large family commitment. This was one of the barriers in the first place for me, and the fear of not being able to handle family commitments whilst studying. This I found to be the biggest learning curve, but there was a lot of support and consideration for students like myself, who were returning to learning who have families.

I would say to anyone thinking of returning to College, 'go for it', there's nothing to lose and everything to gain. Never judge yourself by prior low attainment in subjects. You'll surprise yourself, as there is tutor support, online learning portals and lots of revision support material available.