Sky's the Limit for Carol

Former air stewardess Carol Cooper has swapped business class for front of class after forging a career in education.

Carol, who lives near Holmes Chapel, is now a Teaching Assistant at Goosetrey Primary School and has recently completed a Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning Support at Edge Hill University's Woodford Lodge campus in Winsford, Cheshire.

"The next step is to go on to achieve qualified teacher status," said mother-of-two Carol, who worked at Birmingham Airport after flying for Dan Air and British Midland. "In fact, I?ve already got a place on this September?s course at Edge Hill?s main Ormskirk campus."

Carol opted for a career change to fit around caring for her two young children, and working school hours fitted the bill perfectly.

"Working away for long periods as an air hostess just wouldn?t have suited my new lifestyle. I ended up running a playschool in Sussex and then moved up to Cheshire.

"Eight years on and my ambition has grown and grown which led to me securing higher level teaching assistant status and studying for the Foundation Degree. These qualifications have really extended my knowledge of teaching, particularly the theory behind the practice and also the practical elements of ICT.

"I?ve also had great support from the school which has been really helpful in granting me the time to further my professional development."