Young Adult Learner Award Winner

Sophie Dey is “ready to take on the world” and achieve her dream of becoming a nurse, having experienced a very challenging childhood.  

Fostered at the age of three, she was adopted two years later. She was home schooled, without formal exams, from the age of 10 by her adoptive parents.  

“Whilst I was able to learn at home, there were barriers to my social and emotional development which left me both socially anxious and greatly lacking in confidence,” explained Sophie, 19, who lives near Llandrindod Wells.  

Following the involvement of social services, Sophie enrolled at NPTC Group’s Brecon Campus in January 2023, which she described as “the start of my exciting educational journey.”  

Soon after her 18th birthday, she left her adoptive family and moved in with a previous respite foster carer, supported by social services and college tutors.  

“Life has drastically changed for the better and I am now ready to take on the world!” she said.  

Sophie has completed a series of Maths and English qualifications, including GCSEs, and a Level 2 Combined Health, Social and Childcare course.  

She is progressing to the Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification alongside an advanced Welsh Baccalaureate, with the aim of doing an Apprenticeship in Nursing. She has an ambition to become either a mental health or children’s nurse.  

“If I were to give advice to any other young person who has experienced trauma in their lives, I would say just because you have had a rough start, it doesn’t define you as a person,” added Sophie.  

“Have the confidence to pursue your hobbies, beliefs and passions in order to become the best version of yourself and prove that you can do it, that you are successful and now the world is your oyster.”  

Claire Bumford, Sophie’s lecturer, said: “In over 25 years of teaching, I don’t think I have ever come across such an inspirational young lady. She wants to become a nurse because, in her own words, ‘it would be nice to help other people’. That understatement sums up Sophie.  

“She’s studying at college to hopefully make her dream a reality, despite having had several major upheavals in her life. I have no doubt that Sophie will succeed and gain the qualifications she needs to achieve her dream.”

Nominated by:
NPTC Group of Colleges

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