“I found my GCSE exams so stressful but could do coursework to the best of my ability,” says Daisy Scott. “I knew that I didn’t want to do A levels and enjoyed textiles the most at GCSE level so, as more of a creative person, I decided that fashion was my strong suit.”

Daisy heard about the Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Fashion and Footwear course at Leicester College from a friend and was keen to apply.

Experience and freedom to create

Daisy continues: “There have been quite a few highlights of my time on the course, from the George at Asda project to my work experience in marketing at Next head office. While I was there, I got involved in buying, pattern cutting and other functions. It was really good experience.

“I’ve developed so many skills during the course – CAD, pattern cutting and other technical skills – everything that you need to go further in the fashion industry. There was also a range of equipment for us to use including sewing and knitting machines, the footwear workshop, and software such as CAD, Photoshop and Illustrator.

“You can be as free as you want on this course, nothing is wrong!

“For our end of year fashion show, I picked a theme inspired by Greek mythology – the Goddess of the Wilderness. I picked out inspiration from her and applied it to my garment.”

Moving on to university

Talking about the future, Daisy adds: “I’m planning to study contour fashion at De Montfort University in Leicester. This will enable me to continue to develop my technical and creative side, with a view to becoming a designer or manufacturer for contour fashion.”