An inspirational woman who was unable to read or write at 16 has earned a first-class honours university degree. Chloe McRoberts, who left school with no qualifications, is now using her experience to encourage others.
The 26-year-old, from Ayr, struggled in primary school and was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder. She lost her dad to cancer when she was just eight and had one-to-one care at primary school as she was considered a flight or suicide risk.
Before she started secondary school she had an eating disorder and on her first day there she ran away. Mum Rosina, 54, was so concerned she quit her job to homeschool her daughter.
Chloe was removed from the school system and didn’t sit exams but still dreamt of a proper education. She went to the Learning Shop, in Ayr, where retired teachers help children and by 15 was their Learner of the Year winner.
It was just the spur she needed. From being unable to do the alphabet, she caught up enough to go to college. Over five years she gained enough Standard Grades, then Highers – including an A in English – to enrol for an NHC in social services and a course in sign language.
She was then diagnosed with dyscalculia. Passing her HNC gave her a path to Glasgow Caledonian University and an honours degree in social work.
She said: “I always knew I wanted an education, I just didn’t get the support I needed. I was just written off as a bad kid. It doesn’t matter when you get to the end of the race so long as you run it.”
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