Adult learning courses provide pathway to career change

Lei Zhao approached adult learning from an unusual direction. As the holder of an impressive array of qualifications including an undergraduate and a Master’s degree, and a PhD from Brunel University, Lei worked in the education industry for a while in an educational consulting and tutoring role, helping international students to find the right schools.

He then looked at a possible career change and a move into teaching as a profession. After initially registering for a PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education) course to train to be a teacher, Lei realised that he was missing a crucial requirement – GCSEs in English and maths.

Lei says: “I searched for GCSE courses around my home in Rugby. The majority of courses available were over the course of a year, but I was particularly interested in the intensive six-month courses at Leicester College.”

Qualifications gained enable new job

Lei successfully applied for and completed GCSE English and maths at Leicester College, gaining a Grade 6 in English and a Grade 9 in Maths.

These qualifications enabled Lei to move on to a PGCE which he finished in July 2024. He now works as a secondary school teacher in Coventry, specialising in maths.

A solid foundation

Lei continues: “I was really happy with the Leicester College courses. Although they were intensive, they were focused, efficient and saved me valuable time in my career plans. I had a good connection with the teachers and they’ve provided me with a solid foundation.

“My background is more based on academic training and English is my second language, so I really benefitted from the English course, particularly with regards to punctuation, language and creative writing. I still find it helpful in my teaching career, working with my own students.

“The way that the adult learning courses have helped my career is all I dreamed they would. It’s opened up a new window for me and I would strongly recommend them for different types of students.”