In this episode, we meet two inspiring young people who were home educated and have since begun their journey into higher education with the support of OpenLearn and The Open University. (Request a prospectus here.)
Together, they share their honest reflections on home education – from the flexibility and creativity it offers, to the challenges of learning independently and preparing for formal study. Through their personal stories, we explore how open educational resources and flexible learning opportunities helped them build confidence, develop study skills, and take their first steps into university life.
Whether you’re a home-educating parent, a student thinking about university, or simply curious about alternative pathways into higher education, this conversation offers valuable insight into how learning can be accessible, inclusive, and empowering for everyone.
Tune in, be inspired, and discover how OpenLearn and The Open University can help make your own higher education journey possible.
Alternative pathways into higher education - A follow up
In this episode, we return to the lived experiences of two home-educated students, both of whom have spent the past year studying with The Open University. Through their stories, we explore how their backgrounds in home education have shaped their perspectives on higher level learning, including any surprises encountered along the way. The students share candid reflections about the ups and downs of their first year in higher education, providing valuable insight into how home education prepared them to take on university-level study earlier than many of their peers.
Both students have engaged with Open Learn, and we’ll hear about the ways in which they applied skills and knowledge gained from these modules during their year at The Open University. They also offer recommendations for other home-educated young people considering Open Learn as a stepping stone to university-level education.
By sharing their personal experiences, these two students give young people and their families an authentic look at the challenges, triumphs, aspirations, and future educational decisions influenced by their time with The Open University.
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