Leon Finding My Place in Society: From Learning to Leadership
When I first walked through the doors of Fircroft College, I was looking for something many people seek at different stages of their lives: direction, confidence and a greater understanding
Clare: From Self-Doubt to Success
Courses studied: Short Courses, Pre-Access Programme, Access to HE Diploma (Social Sciences & Health)Year studied: 2020–2021 “Fircroft genuinely changed my life.” When Clare first came to Fircroft College, she was
Dr Kevin: A Year that Changed the Direction of his Life
Course studied: Return to Study – Sociology, Politics, Economics and AnthropologyYear: 1981–1982 “The year that changed the direction of my life.” When Kevin Stelfox came to Fircroft in 1981, he
Dr Lynne: From Returning to Education to Making a Difference
Course studied: Access to Higher EducationYear: 1996–1997Subjects: Politics, Economics, Sociology and Community Organisation “Fircroft gave me belief in myself.” After spending many years raising her eight children, Dr Lynne Baird
Errol: Taking The Opportunity with Both Hands
Course studied: Access Course to Higher Education – Economics, History and PoliticsYear: 1990–1991 “I took the opportunity with both hands.” At the age of 26, Errol Baptiste came to Fircroft
Julie: From Finding Her Confidence to Helping Others
Courses studied: Short courses, Level 2 Certificates, Pre-Access and Access to HE Diploma in Social Sciences and HealthStudied at Fircroft: 2021 onwards “I wanted to achieve something for myself and
Nargis: Building Confidence to Make a Difference
Courses studied: Introduction to Running Training Sessions; Award in Education and TrainingYear completed: 2025 “Go for it. Enjoy it and make the most of the quiet time.” When Nargis Darby
Robert: From Access Student to Inspiring the Next Generation
Course studied: Access to HEYear: 1992–1993 “Fircroft was the springboard I needed for Higher Education.” When Robert Long came to Fircroft in 1992, he had already been working since leaving
Paul: From Fircroft to Professor
Courses studied: Literature, Politics and Sociology, including Literature and Film Projects “Fircroft helped me realise my potential.” When Paul Long came to Fircroft, he was at a crossroads. Having been
Stephen: From a Fresh Start to a Life of Helping Others
Courses studied: History, English Literature and EconomicsYear: 1973–1974 “I needed a fresh start.” When Stephen Lewis arrived at Fircroft in 1973, he was looking for a new direction. After struggling
Simon: “One of the Best Years of my Life”
Courses studied: Foundation to Further Education, Politics, English Social History and other short coursesYear: 1995 “DO IT – you will never regret it.” In 1995, Simon Potter decided that the
Musa
Fircroft Foundations for New Communities to Digital Skills Before joining Fircroft, Musa had little knowledge about the college or the opportunities it offered. He regularly visited the British Red Cross,
Sandy
From the Low Road to the High Road – how Sandy Kilpatrick found his purpose at Fircroft.
Andrew
Free Thinking, Level 2 Certificate in Digital Skills for Work and Level 3 Certificate in ICT Systems and Principles
“I felt it was a great environment for students – friendly, lots of support and encouragement and I felt the college inspired me to do better.”
Lorna
Mother Garden Bootcamp
Read about how Lorna flourished into a passionate and very successful gardener after completing our Mother Garden Bootcamp course at Fircroft College.
Kayum
Access to Higher Education (Social Science and Humanities)
The six acres of gardens along with a calm and mature college have enabled him to go back into education, and enjoy it.
Adam
Award in Independent Advocacy
Adam studied a range of personal and social development courses on their journey to university.
Free Thinking Case Studies
A range of positive experiences from students of Fircroft’s Free Thinking course.
Debbie
ESOL
I received great support to build my confidence and capability in working with students online and it’s very rewarding to see the students progress and achieve.
Fircroft Welcomes Alumni
Access Course, 1970's
“Take full advantage of your time at Fircroft. See it as a foundation in learning how to work with people and identifying what you want out of life.”
Natalie
Level 3 Award in Education and Training
“I now have the confidence to continue to pursue a long-life dream.”
Fiona
Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
“After a challenging time, suffering with depression I decided that I wanted to gain some new skills”
Nichola
Institute of Leadership and Management Level 3 Award
“I studied one of the Institute of Leadership and Management Level 3 Awards at Fircroft in 2022 and will always be grateful.”
Alison
A range of short courses
Alison first came out as transgender publicly in 2016 after hiding her feeling of being a different gender since she was 6 years old.
Ginger-May
The Free Thinking Course
See how the Fircroft Free Thinking course helped Ginger May to start looking to the future.
Anas
Institute of Leadership and Management Level 3 Awards
Anas is an Institute of Leadership and Management Level 3 Award student, living in Birmingham and working at a local charity. Read what he thinks of the Awards and how they are helping him.
Danny
Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
After the COVID-19 lockdown, Danny, like many people, was affected by the impact of isolation. Read about how he thrived at Fircroft and went into employment.