Mary-Kate’s Story
From home-schooled to budding florist: Mary-Kate's journey.
When Mary-Kate first started looking for a job in floristry, she had no experience – only a strong desire to learn and a growing love for flowers. It was a local florist who first suggested she investigate college training, and after doing some research online, Mary-Kate discovered Capel Manor College. “I came across the fact that the College accepts learners who have been home-schooled,” she explained. “It was really reassuring that the tutors didn’t seem fazed by this.”
Mary-Kate joined a foundation course and quickly found her place at the College’s Enfield Campus. “After finding the course that I was interested in on the website I came to Enfield, where the staff helped me with my application. I then attended Get Ready for Capel Manor College which gave me a chance to get familiar with the campus before starting.”
Before joining Capel Manor College, Mary-Kate was home-educated, while also studying maths and English with private tutors. “I came to college with some solid life skills, but I didn’t have many academic qualifications, so a hands-on course was perfect for me.” Now studying the Advanced Technical Diploma in Floristry (Level 3), Mary-Kate is thriving. She’s passionate about the creative and practical aspects of her course and enjoys learning about the business side too, from legislation and health and safety, to how wholesalers operate. “I’m really enjoying arranging flowers and discovering all the different varieties available. The way I’m studying is setting me up to succeed in my chosen career.”
Her dream is to gain experience in a busy London flower shop, learning from experienced florists before opening her own business one day. “I want to pick the brains of shop owners and learn as much as I can about successfully running a floristry business.”
Her time at Capel Manor College hasn’t been without challenges, but with encouragement from her tutors, she’s achieved far more than she expected. “When I first started on my foundation course, I hated English and had no confidence in my abilities. My tutors helped me realise that I’m actually good at creative writing and capable of succeeding in other areas too.” Now, Mary-Kate is proud to have reached Level 3 and achieved her English and maths GCSEs, milestones she once thought were out of reach. “I thought that because I was home-schooled, I wouldn’t be able to go to college. But Capel Manor College is such an inclusive place, and I felt welcome from my very first enquiry.”
Mary-Kate’s advice for future students
“The teachers here care about their students and really want us to succeed. If you’re unsure of your own capabilities, know that the support and guidance you need is here – if you’re willing to listen and learn. Capel Manor College is so different to other colleges I looked at. It’s so refreshing to study on a beautiful campus with such easy access to the outdoors.”
