Learning Stories
We know that learning has the power to change lives.
Our learning stories feature Bristol citizens who share how learning has made a difference to their lives and the many ways and places that they have learnt – through friends, activities, formal education and work.
We want to gather as many learning stories as possible from across the city and we would like to hear from you! Click here to submit your learning story.
Featured Learning Stories
Ella’s Learning Story

I’ve always viewed myself as someone who was incapable of reaching a high level of achievement. I was never naturally top of the class and often wondered how others found it so easy.
I assumed that you were either good or bad at something and I would just have to accept my grades would never be the same as some of my peers. As a shy and introverted person, this mindset often caused me to hold myself back, avoiding anything out of my comfort zone.
Lucy’s Learning Story

Hi, I’m Lucy. I work in the Employment Support team at Bristol City Council. My job is to maintain a network of contacts across Bristol and the West of England who can help residents improve their skills and get jobs.
I’ve always enjoyed learning and have completed various courses online, at the Folk House and City of Bristol College – ranging from cyber security, marketing and even silversmithing! I think it’s important to pursue courses in and outside of work, as sometimes I just want to learn something new for myself.
Jack’s Learning Story

I have been fortunate enough to have had a largely positive experience of formal education. I completed my GCSEs in 2016 and I am currently studying for my A-levels, hoping to go onto university.
In the February of my final year of GCSEs, I decided to apply for the Bristol City Youth Council. I was elected by my peers to represent North Bristol and in 2018 I was elected by my fellow Youth Councillors to become a Youth Mayor.
Jaya’s Learning Story

My story begins in the middle of my third year at college. I decided it was time to leave my family, as we were going through some issues, and move in with my boyfriend. I had a lot of stress on my shoulders, but I did my best dealing with it and continuing to attend college. I also juggled a part time job to pay for things like my bus pass, clothes and food.
A few months on and I had successfully finished college. I was starting to find my way through life, but I was still struggling. I felt like a stranger in my boyfriend’s home, with no support from my family, and was slowly losing so-called friends. I was struggling with money, as I was only working part time, and I then found out that the sports store I was working at was closing down. I just felt like everything was going wrong. I was at a crossroads and I didn’t know what to do.