Maths and English – Magdalena Marnowska
Magdalena always dreamed of studying Maths and English when she came to the UK from Poland 18 years ago; but at the time she wasn’t able to fit in studying around working.
Two years ago, aged 37, she decided it was time to pursue her goals and she signed up to study Functional Skills Maths and English at Rotherham College. We caught up with Magdalena to find out why she decided to take a leap, and what’s next:
“When I came to England I applied to study at the local college in Manchester, but unfortunately my employer wouldn’t allow me time off work to attend college, so I continued working. It was a poor decision and after that… life happened.
“And then two years ago there were big changes in my life. I got divorced, I got sick and so I decided to chase my dream and that’s why I decided to come to Rotherham College.
“I’m currently working at Aldi where I’ve been for the last five years as a Logistics Assistant and I’ve been studying Maths and English part-time. It was a completely new experience for me; the learning and teaching system really surprised me in the way there’s a real personal touch and everyone is treated as an individual.
Magdalena Marnowska, Functional Skills in Maths and English“I’m doing this for myself, to improve my skills and so I have better opportunities. To anyone who thinks they’re too old to study I would say: it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”
“I can’t thank my tutors Summeera and Nicola enough, they have treated me like a friend, rather than a student and thanks to them I picked things up quite quickly and started to progress.
“For my next step I applied to study Level 3 Business and Management at Rotherham College, but after my interview, they decided I was ready to study at degree level, which I start in September and I can’t wait! I am so proud of myself. I have already sent my tutors an email to say a big, big thank you because they are both amazing women and their support has been amazing, I’m so grateful.
“I’m doing this for myself, to improve my skills and so I have better opportunities. To anyone who thinks they’re too old to study I would say: it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”
Rotherham College recognises that adult education is a powerful tool for personal growth, economic resilience, and social cohesion. Across the region and UK, adults are gaining the skills to progress in their careers, build confidence, and connect with others. The impact reaches far beyond the classroom as employers’ benefit from a more adaptable workforce, communities grow stronger, and society becomes more inclusive.
With the right support, course and training, adults through adult learning can address multiple challenges at once-from closing skills gaps and tackling social isolation to reducing inequality and strengthening communities.
Rotherham College – working to transform lives, empower communities, and drive sustainable growth.
