A YOUNG woman who left school at 15 is starting a new life at university. Laura Dorling, 18, of Stanley, is studying at Bradford University to become a teacher.
Her move follows a successful NVQ course in childcare at Derwentside College, which included placements at Oxhill Nursery and Leadgate Primary School.
Miss Dorling, the first member of her family to undertake a degree course, said: "I never ever expected to be able to go to university or to be able to take up teaching."
Her brother Philip, 15, has special needs, and she hopes to work in this field.
Tutor Hilary Carr-Ward said: "Laura worked so hard and she reached the highest standards in both her academic and practical work. She didn't have a great deal of self-confidence when she started but she is a natural teacher so we encouraged her to apply for university. I am so proud of her and the others on this course."
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