A MOTHER who went back to 'school' after a gap of 20 years, did so well in her exams she has been named Return to Learn Student of the Year.

Julie Freeth, of Malvern, studied modern office technology at Malvern Hills College. She not only completed her course but passed all the exams, 13 in total, and received distinctions in several.

For Julie, going back to college was a big step and sitting exams was one of her worst nightmares.

She lacked confidence in her own ability and admitted to tutors that at school she had always regarded herself as 'thick'.

What she did not know was that she had dyslexia, a fact she discovered after diagnostic testing at the college.

"It helped me understand why I'd had problems with things at school," explained Julie, who said the help and support she had received from her tutors at Malvern Hills College had been fantastic.

"I've just persevered and I'll keep on persevering. I won't let the dyslexia stop me," she said.

Julie said she had gone back to college to get some up-to-date qualifications, so that she could go back to work after years at home with her children.

Her course tutor, Gill Griffiths, praised her progress, effort and achievement.

"Julie has always persevered. At times giving up would have been an easier option but she is a highly capable student and now has the qualifications to prove it," she said.

l Julie Freeth. 46205401