Many adults believe that they leave their days of studying behind them when they step into the workplace.

But for those who, years down the line, may regret not having gained qualifications or followed certain career paths, Oxford Brookes University has partnered Abingdon and Witney College, in Northcourt Road, Abingdon, to tell them it is never too late to return to the classroom through foundation degrees.

The scheme being promoted by the two institutions offers a host of different foundation degrees, from animal care to public sector management, either part- or full- time.

Foundation degrees are degree level qualifications designed with employers in mind, and combine academic study with workplace learning.

Serinne Curtis, of Ambrosden, near Bicester, is in her second year of an early years foundation course.

She goes to college once a week and works the rest of the time as manager at Tiddlywinks Nursery in the village.

Ms Curtis, 41, said: “It is hard, going but I am very lucky in that I have a really good group of girls on my course and we all support each other.

“I didn’t think I could do this course at all, but it makes me realise I should have done better at school.”

Ms Curtis left school at 16 and worked in telecommunications for the RAF for 13 years. When her two children were born – Matthew, 11, and Chloe, nine — divorcee Ms Curtis began working at the nursery.She said: “It has opened my eyes up to a lot of different ways we can do things through what I have found out on the course.”

Lorna Haywood, of Pease Place, Didcot, hopes that a foundation degree in communications in organisations will help her get back on the career ladder.

The single mum previously trained as a policewoman but gave that up when her son William was born three years ago. She now works part-time as an administrator and goes to college one day a week.

Mrs Haywood, who is separated from her husband, said: “I was looking for something to do, some training or educational course. I recently moved back to the area and found the evenings quite empty and I just looked at the prospectus and really liked the sound of this course.

“I needed something to get myself back on to the work ladder basically.”

The 26-year-old added: “It really develops your confidence.”

For details log on to the website abingdon-witney.ac.uk.

abingdon@oxfordmail.co.uk