Bedford College is celebrating the success of former Access to Psychology student Katrina Scales, whose journey from returning learner to young mother has now led to an offer to study for a Master’s degree at the University of Cambridge.
Katrina began the Access course in 2023 with a keen interest in social justice, politics and activism. What followed was a year that reshaped her confidence and academic ambitions.
Just months into the course, she discovered she was pregnant, but, supported throughout by her lecturers, she continued her studies and submitted her final assignment only five days before giving birth.
“My lecturers at Bedford College were incredibly supportive of me and had more faith in me than I had in myself,” she said.
“They saw my potential and didn’t put a cap on it, even with my circumstances… The course was only about nine months of my life, but I think I will remember all of their names forever.”
The Access course, she said, gave her far more than subject knowledge. It built the academic skills, resilience and confidence she needed to progress into higher education.
Katrina went on to achieve a First Class Honours degree in Sociology and Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, balancing studies with caring for her newborn son.
She became a Student Representative and later a Curriculum Consultant, and in 2025 was named the School of Creative Arts’ Dean’s Student of the Year.
“The Access course served as the stepping stone I needed,” she said. “When I arrived at university, I already felt familiar with key concepts and confident in my ability to learn. With a newborn baby, that confidence made all the difference.”
Dorota Majcher, Course Manager in Social Studies HE and Lecturer in Psychology at Bedford College, said Katrina’s achievement shows the impact Access courses can have.
“She demonstrated incredible determination, but she also embraced the skills, structure and support available to her. We are immensely proud to see her progressing to Cambridge and continuing to pursue her ambitions.”
Katrina describes education as her “lifeline out of poverty” and hopes her story challenges stereotypes faced by young single mothers.
