Returning to education after a gap — whether five years or twenty-five — is one of the most significant decisions a person can make. It requires a different kind of support: understanding of mature student entry routes, realistic funding advice, and practical planning around work, family, and commitments.
15+
Years supporting returners
600+
Mature students placed
91%
Programme completion rate
200+
Flexible study options found
How we work with you
Initial Consultation
We discuss your background, goals, and any barriers to study — with no judgement and no assumptions about your starting point.
Gap & Profile Analysis
We assess your previous qualifications and work experience to identify what you have, what you need, and the fastest credible route forward.
Route Planning
We identify the right programme type — Access course, direct mature entry, part-time degree, or distance learning — and explain each option clearly.
Application & Funding
We manage your application and sort out your funding simultaneously, so you are enrolled and funded before term starts.
Ongoing Support
We stay available throughout the transition — answering questions, helping with admin, and ensuring you settle into study successfully.
Re-entry Routes for Adult Learners
Universities increasingly welcome mature students — but the routes in are different. Access to HE Diplomas are specifically designed for adults without traditional qualifications, and successful completion almost always leads to a degree place.
Flexible Study Options
Returning to study does not have to mean five days a week on campus. Many programmes are available part-time, with evening or weekend sessions, or fully online.
Finance & Funding for Returners
Returning students are often eligible for more support than they realise. Student Finance England funds many Access courses and degree programmes for mature students, including maintenance loans for those studying full-time.
“After a five-year gap in my education, I thought no university would consider me. Glenville Heights identified an Access course, guided my application, and I am now in my second year of a degree I never thought possible.”
Kwame A.
Year 2, BSc Health Sciences, University of Bradford
Frequently asked questions
Am I too old to go to university?
No. UK universities actively recruit mature students, and many programmes are designed with adult learners in mind. There is no upper age limit.
Do I need formal qualifications to apply?
Not necessarily. Access to HE Diplomas and mature entry routes exist specifically for applicants without traditional qualifications.
Can I study part-time while working?
Yes. Many programmes are available part-time, including evening and weekend options.
Will my employer help fund my study?
Many employers offer education support, particularly for career-relevant programmes. We advise on how to approach this conversation.