New Roundhouse project helps Keighley discover her potential

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A 17-year-old who left school after poor attendance is now a strong student and mentor to others. Keighley Gardner gained confidence through the New Roundhouse Project, an initiative of The Manchester College.

The New Roundhouse project aims to help people aged 16-19 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).

Keighley, from Openshaw, says: ‘I ended up leaving school because my attendance wasn’t good, I was not doing well academically and was getting annoyed.’ Things are very different for Keighley now - she is studying for a BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Health and Social Care at The Manchester College, and is a student representative and student mentor.

I got to mix with lots of different people and find out who I really am. They also diagnosed my dyslexia and have provided me with learning help and support.

‘My friend told me about the New Roundhouse Project and I decided to give it a go. I liked it there, they helped me build my confidence, I got to mix with lots of different people and find out who I really am. They also diagnosed my dyslexia and have provided me with learning help and support.

‘I’m now studying on a Health and Social Care course. I have always wanted to work with kids and I really want to be a youth worker. After I have done my Health and Social Care courses here at college I want to go to university.’

Keighley is more academic than she thought

Keighley’s tutor for Health and Social Care, Tina Bird, said: ‘Keighley is a strong, confident student who is more academic than she thought. She doesn’t judge anyone and is supportive in the classroom both of other students and me. She is always ahead of her work, sometimes it is hard for me to keep up!’

What next? Do you want to work or study but lack confidence? Find out more about the New Roundhouse project.

Find out more about courses in Health and Social Care