Why Go Back?

Though there are many reasons and incentives for returning to study it is important that you give the idea plenty of thought and consideration so that you can be sure of your motives for doing it as well as what you hope to achieve.

Set yourself clear aims and take time deciding on a nightcourse that you feel is right for you - it is important that you feel interested in and challenged by what you are studying. For example, you may wish to improve your basic skills in literacy, numeracy and computers, or maybe you wish to enhance your personal development with a vocational course.
It is advisable to research the nature of the nightcourse and the impact you can expect it to have on your life as thoroughly as possible before you commit to taking the course - for example, there may be entry requirements that you need to meet, or you may need to consider whether your personal circumstances allow for the pressures that you may experience over the duration of your studies. You need to be sure that you are ready and willing to commit to a programme of study and see it through to completion, which means being prepared to put in the effort - whether that be in the form of classes, homework-based assignments, training or other projects.
Once you have decided that it is the right choice for you, go forward with confidence.

Remember it is your passion to acquire more knowledge and skills that has urged you to return to education and these skills will put you in a better position to gain suitable employment in the future.
Lifelong learning promotes personal development and encourages students to focus on their aspirations and aim to fulfill their goals. The decision to return to education is not, however, always an easy one.

The task of having to manage all your family duties as well as your studies can seem a daunting prospect.
You may worry you won't be able to keep up or think you're simply too old.
Wrong! You're never too old to learn anything - in fact, sometimes it can be easier to learn when you're older as you may have more interest and a clearer vision of what you hope to achieve. Learning in an nightcourse environment where there are many other people just like you who are also returning to education may actually make the whole process much easier and less frightening too. No matter what your initial fears - whether they be lack of time, keeping up with the work, or affording the cost of childcare, fees or books - there is help at hand. There are many government initiatives designed to help you with the costs of going back to education so it is worthwhile seeing if you qualify for any of these schemes, grants, and other forms of financial assistance.