“We went to primary school together, secondary school together, and then we ended up doing almost the same course, just different pathways.”
Subjects studied:
T Level in Education and Early Years – Early Years Educator pathway (Maddie)
T Level in Education and Early Years – Assisting Teaching pathway (Paige)
Maddie and Paige have been best friends since nursery, where their mums first became friends. After going through primary school and Redruth School together, they’ve continued their journey at Truro and Penwith College, studying T Levels in Education and Early Years on different pathways.
For Maddie, work experience helped her discover her passion for working with children. She’s now gaining practical experience in a nursery, where she enjoys helping young children communicate and develop. Looking ahead, she’s considering a career in play therapy, but wants to build her experience working with children first.
Paige is studying the Assisting Teaching pathway and gaining experience in a Year 1 classroom. From supporting children with their reading to helping them develop their independence, she finds it rewarding to see the difference she can make. She’s also exploring her future options, including the possibility of studying speech and language therapy at university.
Both students value the balance between College learning and practical experience. Their placements allow them to put theory into practice, develop their skills and discover more about the careers available to them.
Starting somewhere new can feel daunting, but Maddie and Paige’s experience shows how College can bring people together. Maddie was initially worried about making friends, but soon found her place in a sociable community of students with a shared interest in working with children. Paige describes the close bonds formed with classmates, saying, “You become like a family with your group.”
Although they’re following different pathways, Maddie and Paige are building the knowledge, confidence and experience to take their next steps towards careers supporting children and young people.
The T Level in Education and Early Years combines learning at College with real-world industry placements, helping students develop practical skills and explore a range of future opportunities.
Truro and Penwith College has 30 years of excellence behind it. In 2026, 80% of T Level exam entries achieved Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. This summer, 2,367 Level 3 students received their results, with high-grade performance significantly above national averages when compared with all further education colleges in England.
To find out more about T Levels at Truro and Penwith College, visit T Levels – Truro & Penwith College
