Determined Chloe wins Uni place

Chloe, who will start a four year teacher training course in September, was up against fierce competition, and despite leaving school with just four AS levels she's successfully beaten thousands of applicants and gained one of only eighteen places on the course .

Chloe, 24, who works as a waitress at The Mermaid on Bexhill's seafront, said she didn't want to go on to higher education when she left school five years ago, but last year she decided on a change of career. She wanted to be a teacher and did an access course on child psychology at Sussex Downs (Eastbourne college).

Her hard work, determination and time management skills are an inspiration to others who may have left school with little or no qualifications.

Chloe said: "When I left school I didn't want to go to Uni. I worked in a local restaurant and last summer I decided I wanted to be a teacher. Rather than doing 'A' levels to gain a university place I did the access course at Sussex Downs. It was a hard year as I worked three days and was at college for eighteen hours a week. But I was determined to pass the course."

Chloe's hard work paid off and she successfully passed the course with flying colours. She then applied to Brighton Uni and was selected for an interview, subsequently gaining one of only eighteen places available on the teacher training course.

Brighton University has gained a reputation as being a top university for teacher training, and both Chloe and hubby Michael are delighted at her success.

Chloe said: "I'm really happy and was really worried that I wouldn't get in. Brighton University is over-subscribed and is one of the best in the country for teaching. I heard that between three and four thousand people had applied for a place. They interviewed fifty people before selecting the eighteen who would be given a place on the course."

Michael, who also works at The Mermaid as head chef is proud of his wife's success and in awe of her boundless energy.

He said: "I'm really, really proud of Chloe. I come home from work really tired but she will do a full day at work and then come home and do her studying."

The couple have no doubt that the next four years will involve a lot of hard work for both of them but they plan to support each other.

Chloe said: "We've got a mortgage and I plan to work around the course and I'm not planning on taking a day off. It's an hours train journey each way to Brighton so I'll be able to do reading and catch up on course work."

Michael said: " The next four years will be quite difficult at times as I'll be the main breadwinner but it's an investment for our future. I think it will be amazing for Chloe to do this, it will be great for her confidence and self esteem."

On completing her training, which starts in September, Chloe hopes to teach seven to fourteen year olds.