“Newbattle made my heart change, made my soul change, made everything inside me light up.”
Suzanne, 35, has faced many challenges in her life. Growing up in the care system, becoming a mum aged 14, managing dyslexia, ADHD, and a physical disability meant education was never easy. But with the support of Newbattle Abbey College (NAC) and by using Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), Suzanne found her path.

Suzanne’s journey
Suzanne had previously tried to enrol in an SCQF level 7 HNC Working in Communities course, but lacked the necessary qualifications. She also explored youth work, but quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit.
It wasn’t until she reached out to the Hub for Success, an organisation dedicated to supporting care-experienced individuals in higher education, that she was signposted to NAC.
She accepted a place on the SWAP Access to Higher Education course at SCQF level 6. This marked the beginning of Suzanne’s educational transformation.
Support for care-experienced students
At NAC, Suzanne found a strong community of care-experienced students.
She became a proud member of the Care Leavers group, where she found others with similar experiences.
She said: “I am a care leaver, and I am a proud care leaver. I am proud to tell the world where I came from.
“At the group, we all opened up and started speaking about it. Being in a supportive environment meant people were able to be honest.”
Overcoming challenges
Dyslexia had always been a barrier for Suzanne, but at NAC, she was given the help she needed. “Once I got the support, everything changed,” she shared.
Receiving the ADHD diagnosis played a key role in Suzanne’s success as it helped her better understand herself and approach learning with confidence.
Jessie Crawford, from the Hub, explained: “People come to Newbattle without any formal diagnoses, and Newbattle supported Suzanne to get an assessment done.
“This early intervention helped her get the necessary adjustments for university in a timely manner, ensuring a smooth transition.”
Next steps at SCQF level 10
Now, Suzanne is a first-year student at Edinburgh University, studying for an MA in Learning in Communities at SCQF level 10.
Her journey through the SCQF shows how the framework can provide a clear path for learners.
For Suzanne, Newbattle Abbey College has been more than just a stepping stone in her education. It has been a life-changing experience. “I wouldn’t have been able to get to university if it wasn’t for Newbattle. The environment is life-changing and incredible,” she explained.
Suzanne feels equipped to face the challenges ahead, thanks to the skills and support she gained at NAC. “I’ve learned skills to take forward – I can now deal with the challenges that I’m facing at uni.”
‘Everyone can achieve’
For Suzanne, returning to education wasn’t just about overcoming academic challenges. It was about proving to herself and society that care-experienced people can succeed.
She said: “I want to prove to society that everybody can achieve, no matter your background. It doesn’t matter what age you are.
“I want to help other young people. That’s why this case study is important to me. I want to tell the world that if you get the right support, like I did at Newbattle, then care experience shouldn’t be a barrier to anybody.”
What is the SCQF?
The SCQF is the qualifications framework for Scotland. You can use it to compare and understand our country’s wide range of qualifications. If you’re unsure what SCQF level you’re working or studying at, try our Know your SCQF Level tool.
Useful links
- The Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) supports access to higher education for adult learners. The courses are specifically developed for adults who have no or few qualifications and who have been out of education for some time. SWAP access programmes at SCQF level 6 run at colleges across Scotland and are a proven route into hundreds of degree courses at partner universities. Explore what’s available with SWAP.
- Find out more about the courses offered at Newbattle Abbey College.
- The HUB for SUCCESS works alongside people with care experience to get in, stay in and return to college and university.