How does one go about getting back to education as an adult?

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I feel I want to pursue a proper career, and a degree is something that I'm probably going to need. But I feel totally clueless about how to go about doing this, and overwhelmed and nonplussed by the information that I've looked at. I'm in the UK if it helps to know, and I have a smattering of very mediocre GCSEs and some non relevant City and Guild qualifications. I'm in the UK if it helps. The money side rather frightens me, being very poor (on JSA right now) and terrified of debt.

Anything appreciated. Thanks. Personal stories, positive and negative are welcome.

I can't help with details because I'm in the States and the process is all different here but I just wanted to offer encouragement to you. Going back to school as an adult is marvelous in many ways. There is so much of the social BS that I don't even have to deal with because I am twice the age of most students on campus so in a way I'm just invisible to them. I'm more emotionally stable than I was twenty years ago so some of the aspects of school are easier for me than they used to be (although I do tire more quickly than when I was younger.) Definitely go back to school and work toward a qualification for a better job. It's such a great opportunity and I wish you the best!

Thanks Sparrowrose, I really appreciate it

I’m also not much help ( being outside the UK), but I am around your age and am currently studying for a degree. I actually went to uni in my late teens, but it proved too overwhelming and stressful for me. Returning as a mature age student has been something of a godsend in that respect. As Sparrowrose states, being a mature age students means that you don’t have to put up with the social crap that younger students are often subjected to. No-one will give a damn if you rarely ever communicate with any of your classmates, and spend your entire time studying.

Having said that, it hasn’t always been easy, particularly in terms of trying to manage doing multiple subjects, and the anxiety associated with studying. Almost all institutions have disability units set up to assist you, if you require accommodations.

I would definitely encourage you to give it a go.

I could well be wrong, but I would be very surprised if UK universities didn't have foundation courses for adults seeking to enter tertiary education (like they do here in Oz). They often involve you taking a limited number of uni subjects over six months or a year, basically so you can prove you are capable of undertaking an entire degree. The subjects you do are often then credited towards the degree. The good thing about these programs, is that they also give you the opportunity to decide whether study is what you wish to do, before handing over big sums of $$$.

Thanks Jumla. That's very encouraging and useful to me.

If you apply as a mature student, your poor grades won't necessarily count against you. Admission is usually based on a combination of factors including life experience, personal essay, and interview.

A foundation course is a good idea though. When you enter university, you'll be grouped with students who are for the most part straight out of school and their study skills will be way better than yours. It's amazing how rusty you get (I speak from experience).

In the UK, you might also think about doing a course through the OU (Open University). The degrees are the same but it's easier to pace yourself, especially if you have a job, family or other commitments, which older students often do.

Go for it. I'm 37 and in the uk. I returned to Education last sep 09. Starting an access course to HE/uni this sep, its not been easy but rewarding!