Stourport Mum Awarded £1,000 Scholarship After Returning to University

A Stourport mum who returned to education as a mature learner has spoken of her pride after being awarded a £1,000 scholarship for outstanding academic achievement at university.

Natalie Carter, 42, from Stourport, who is studying Professional Policing at the University of Worcester, said she was stunned to receive the prestigious Academic Scholarship award, which is reserved for the University's highest-performing students.

“It means so much to me and has been a real confidence boost,” she said. “Coming back as a mature student, I didn’t even know if I was capable of doing a degree, so it feels like such a huge achievement to have done so well and received this award.”

Natalie added: “I’m looking forward to choosing something special with my son to spend the money on.”

She said she had initially worried about making the transition back into education later in life.

“I’d never considered myself academic, so I was concerned I wouldn’t be capable of doing the work required,” she said. “However, the lecturers have been amazing. They’ve encouraged and supported me throughout and helped me understand what was expected. I can’t thank them enough.”

Natalie added that balancing study with family life and fostering responsibilities had required a great deal of commitment.

“It has taken a lot of hard work, especially making sure I’m the best mum I can be to my son while also giving my all as a foster carer,” she said.

The University of Worcester was recently named University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2027 in the Daily Mail University Guide. Judges praised the institution’s performance, saying it “leaves many of the Russell Group in the shade”.

Looking ahead to life after graduation, Natalie hopes to build a career supporting vulnerable people.

“When I graduate, I’d like to work in a role where I can support women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse,” she said.

The University of Worcester is this year shortlisted for the Outstanding Support for Students in the Times Higher Education Awards for the efforts of staff to raise money for student scholarships and hardship funds.

Professor David Green CBE, DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said: “Every year, thanks to the generosity of alumni, philanthropists and friends of the University, we are able to award academic scholarships to students who perform outstandingly well – typically gaining straight As across their studies. Achieving such excellent results consistently requires dedication, ability and sheer hard work.”

“All of us at the University are very proud of all our scholarship winners who come from across the range of our courses and from many backgrounds,” he added. “Every year this includes scholarship winners who are students who did not particularly excel at school but find that the intellectual and professional challenge of university combined with the expert education provided at Worcester brings out the very best in them.”