A SOLIHULL student who left school with no GCSEs after being bullied for being a carer and being gay has been nominated for a top award.
Cameron Bagley is in line for a Learner of the Year at the NCFE Aspiration Awards to highlight the challenges he has overcome to complete his Supporting Teaching and Learning level 3 Diploma in Schools course at Solihull College and University Centre.
Cameron said: “I’m in disbelief! I had no confidence, no self-esteem and to be put forward for this award is incredible.
“I’m so grateful to my tutors for believing in me and for letting me have this safe space at college, where I was able to be Cam the student. I’ve loved my time here and excited about what the future holds.”
After leaving school he worked nights in a supermarket and it was there he decided to improve his chances and get into education.
He enrolled at Woodlands and completed his Functional Skills Maths and English courses which enabled him to progress on to Level 2.
Cam says it was important to keep aiming high.
The 26-year-old said: “I wasn’t fulfilled stacking shelves and wanted to do something more with my life. You must keep moving the goalposts and keep aiming high otherwise you will be stuck.”
However, in November, Cameron was struggling. He loved the course, but with a 2-day placement at a school, study time, being a full-time carer, and helping to take his six nieces and nephews to school, it was taking its toll.
Course leader Lucy Upton stepped in and signposted Cameron to support groups which could help with his home life where he found he was being encouraged, there was no judgement.
Lucy said: “We were delighted to hear Cam had been shortlisted for this award. We think the world of him. He’s our only male learner in class and he has a natural gift to bring everyone together, he brings out the best in them.
“His peers have been incredibly supportive too and we know they rally around him. Being a full-time carer, and juggling studies is incredibly difficult.”
Cameron is set to continue his studies at the Open University with a BA Hons Degree in Education Studies.
