She now works as a senior member of the University’s Access Programmes Team supporting people who, like herself, might not think they are qualified for higher education.
But Ann’s journey into higher education was far from straightforward. As a teenager, she struggled to maintain focus at school and left with poor GCSE grades. Like many young people at the time, she joined a Youth Training Scheme, similar to today’s apprenticeships, first studying child and vulnerable adult care before moving into retail.
In 2000, at the age of 29 and with two young children, Ann left retail with dreams of a new challenge with long-term prospects. Fastrack proved to be the ideal opportunity as a mature student.
“I was searching for something more meaningful, a role with challenge, purpose and longterm prospects. I knew I had to change my future, I needed to go to university.
“Enrolling on Fastrack was one of the hardest but best things I have ever done.
“I never imagined that a free, short-term programme would lead to a fulfilling career in higher education, a degree, a postgraduate qualification and a leadership role within a university.”
After completing Fastrack, Ann, from St Helens, went on to graduate in English with Creative Writing and has since achieved a PGCE in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
A dyspraxia diagnosis did not prevent Ann from pursuing and achieving her career goals. While working at Edge Hill, she was awarded a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and became a member of the University’s Board of Governors.
She added: “Edge Hill gave me an opportunity that changed my life and I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved.
“Now I get to help others in the same position I was in realise that their background doesn’t define their potential.”
Edge Hill University’s Fastrack programme offers adults aged 21 and over the chance to access higher education, even if they don’t currently hold the qualifications required.
The free full-time course begins with a oneweek induction, followed by six weeks of oncampus study designed to develop academic skills, subject knowledge and most importantly, confidence to succeed University level education.
Find out more at the Fastrack Information Evening on Wednesday 4 March at 5:30pm.
February 27, 2026
