Full-time carer celebrates A Level success

A Bradford College student who has been a full-time carer for her disabled mother since she was eight says she is 'over the moon' at scooping two Bs and a C in her A-level results despite battling health problems herself.
Abigail Woods at Bradford CollegeAbigail Woods at Bradford College
Abigail Woods at Bradford College

Abigail Woods, 21, from Dudley Hill, struggled at school and was eventually diagnosed with dyspraxia and dyscalculia, which explained why she had particular difficulty achieving her maths GCSE.

However, the determined student will now study at the University of Bradford after passing her exams at the college, which she says has been a huge support.

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She said: “I didn’t do very well at school. I didn’t get my GCSEs so I went on to Bradford College to do them and eventually A-levels.

“I couldn’t get my maths GCSE and I have always struggled with it, but last October I was diagnosed with dyspraxia and dyscalculia so I finally knew why I couldn’t get it.

“That boosted my confidence and after that I had a lot of support from the college and my media tutor.

“I got a B in film, a B in media and a C in English literature. I’m over the moon. They are the grades I needed for my university course.”

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But it wasn’t just her own health that Ms Woods had to think about.

Since the age of eight, she has cared for her mother, who uses a wheelchair due to hip problems - she has had 17 hip replacements - and a fractured spine.

Ms Woods said: “It’s part of the reason I didn’t do well at school. A lot of stress comes from being a carer and it impacted my education. As I have grown older, I have found ways of coping better. It’s easier to manage now.”

Ms Woods picked up her results today with her proud mother.

“She cried when I opened them,” she said.

“We are going to celebrate by going out for a nice meal tonight.”

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In a message to others who face tough challenges at school or college, she added: “I would encourage people to keep going and to never give up. So many people said I couldn’t do it because I was too old and my time had passed, but I have done it.

“It’s worth it, all the stress pays off.”