Good lesson for teacher trainee

Teacher trainee Jennifer Eardley was saved from taking a year out of higher education after successfully applying for a last minute place at Edge Hill University through Clearing.

The 21-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent had initially started a Psychology degree at Stafford University but half-way through her second year she realised she wanted to go into teaching instead.

She had already been told about Edge Hill University's enviable reputation for quality teacher training but thought it was too late to apply for a place until she heard about Clearing. "I was planning to take a year out of education because I thought it was too late to apply for a University place in June for that same September. But then a friend told me about Clearing and so I decided I had nothing to lose by trying to get a place earlier instead of taking a year's break from studying."

Jennifer has just completed her first year of the Secondary Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Science course and is delighted that she chose Edge Hill University. "I'd heard that Edge Hill was one of the top in the country for teacher training and had a brilliant reputation and I'm so glad I was able to get a place through Clearing. I love the course and can't wait to come back for my second year. The variety means that you never get bored and I really enjoy the work placements too, plus the tutors are fabulous."

She found the Clearing process very supportive and advises anyone in the same position to seek advice and support. "The Clearing Team were so helpful, I literally spoke to somebody on the morning that Clearing started and by that same afternoon they had organised an interview for me. I was surprised how quickly everything happened; and it wasn't rushed, it was co-ordinated brilliantly. My advice to anyone on A Level results day is not to worry, if you don't get the grades you need or you have had a change of heart regarding your chosen subject, get in touch with the Clearing Team because they will go through all your options with you."

Edge Hill University still has a small number of places available in certain subjects for exceptional candidates. Some of these places are in newly developed courses and as a result of the University being awarded additional places in successful areas.

To find out more, students can call the Clearing Team on 0800 028 66 77, which is open from 8.30am on Thursday 19^th August to 5pm on Friday 27^th August.