Student mum of seven recognised for commitment to Access to Higher Education studies at Wellingborough college

Access to HE Diploma in Healthcare Professions student Stephanie Haycock has been nominated by course tutors for the Keith Fletcher Access to HE Memorial Prize at Higher Education level, part of the LASER Learning Awards after winning their LASER ‘Outstanding Commitment to study’ award.

Both awards celebrate students who demonstrate exceptional dedication, often overcoming significant challenges and honour students who show extraordinary perseverance, extra effort or a transformative learning journey.

In their nomination, tutors at Tresham College recognised her commitment to study for not only embarking on her Access to HE course with six children, but continuing to attend and achieving high grades alongside pregnancy and the arrival of her seventh child.

Stephanie maintained commitment to her studies despite a busy home life, attending classes up to 38 weeks pregnant, returning after birth with a newborn to achieve high grades and never missing a deadline.

Now Stephanie is in the running for the national Keith Fletcher Memorial Prize, an award dedicated to honouring the outstanding achievements of Access to HE students.

The prize is named in memory of Keith Fletcher, a great supporter and enthusiast of adult learning. His family continue to support the award, which culminates in a final presentation event at the House of Commons for winners, with winners and runners up receiving a certificate and prize money to help them with future study.

Kim Laughton, Programme Manager for Access to HE, Counselling and Work-Based Learning at Tresham College led the nomination, adding: “Stephanie has shown such dedication towards her study, continuing to attend and submit work right up to 38 weeks pregnant, then returning study and breastfeeding her baby during the college day.

"We could not be more in awe of her determination and ability to juggle her studies and her home life.”

Access to HE Courses are a one-year intensive course for learners aged 19 or over, to build knowledge, skills and confidence required to move into Higher Education. They are recognised by universities to provide a pathway to accessing undergraduate courses and bypassing the more traditional route of A-Levels.

The Bedford College Group are the largest provider of Access to HE Diplomas in the South Midlands region, with each year an average of 85% of students progressing onto Higher Education. All pathways include compulsory English and Maths and well as units in research skills and IT skills.

Reflecting on her college journey, Stephanie said: “I began to develop a keen interest in midwifery after having my own children. As one does, I made excuses for not starting my training due to life commitments and work pressures. One day, I decided no more excuses and applied for the Access course.

“I believe I am the perfect example to encourage anyone to follow their dream, with six children and a new baby at home, as well as everyday struggles and pressures. With the right support, if you set your mind to something, then you absolutely can achieve it!

Stephanie has now been accepted on a Bachelor of Science Degree in Midwifery at The University of Northampton which started in January 2026 and will lead to industry placements later this year.

She added: “I’m still in shock that I’m actually on the course with all the obstacles that I’ve had to overcome to get here. It’s not ideal to be starting a degree with seven children and a house to run, but if I’d have waited for the perfect time I would never be here so I’m just going to keep pushing through and give it everything I’ve got to achieve my dream.”

Find out more about the courses in healthcare at Tresham College here: Healthcare Professions Access to Higher Education Diploma Advanced (Level 3) – K187 | The Bedford College Group