Gail Scobbie

OU graduate Gail Scobbie, in a gown and holding a scroll on her degree ceremony dayThe flexibility offered by the Open University (OU) in Scotland has made it possible for carer Gail Scobbie to gain a First-class Honours degree, giving her a sense of purpose and security for her future.  

Gail Scobbie has been a carer for all her life, with her dad diagnosed with the lifelong neurological condition Multiple Sclerosis (MS) the same year she was born, followed by her mum receiving the same diagnosis in 2012.  

Caring for both parents made it challenging to continue studying to pursue her aspirations of becoming a teacher. 

Gail was studying for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Early Education and Childcare when her dad’s health deteriorated, and she had to leave college to become a full-time carer.

In 2018, she returned to studying and began a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours Education Studies (Primary) degree with the OU in Scotland “so I would have something for just me, and it was the best thing I have ever done”.

Gail comments: “Being a carer, you don’t get a lot of time or things to yourself. By choosing to earn a degree, it was something that my caring role had little to do with, and I was just ‘Gail’.

Earning my degree has given me purpose and security for my life in the future.”

“I also wanted to have some security for my future. Being a carer for both parents, you can’t have a job as I’m required to be here 24/7 in case anything happens. 

“So, by earning my degree it has given me purpose and security for my life in the future.”

She adds that access to the Part-Time Fee Grant was “absolutely essential” in supporting her to undertake a degree while a carer.

“There’s no way I would have my First-class Honours degree right now if it weren’t for the Part-Time Fee Grant. I simply would not have been able to afford to study without it.”

Flexible studies

Now aged 28 and living in Falkirk, Gail says her university studies would not have been possible without the flexibility offered by the OU in Scotland.

The tutors were always helpful and understanding in regard to my caring role.”

She explains: “I couldn’t go to a ‘traditional’ university that all my friends were going to because of my caring responsibilities. 

“My dad had to have 24/7 care, so the flexibility of being able to study any time day or night really appealed to me. 

“My dad spent long periods of time in hospital so being able to study at the hospital but still be with him was priceless.”

“The tutors were always helpful and understanding in regard to my caring role,” she adds.

In her final year of studying, Gail was able to use her experience of being a carer to inform her studies.

She explains: “It gave me the opportunity to research young carers and how children’s education is impacted. Some of the figures are astounding. 

“Through this research, I’ve realised I would love to combine my education degree with working with young carers, as I’d have unique first-hand experience being able to relate to them.”

There is a wide range of support available to carers who are studying with The Open University. 

To other carers thinking about studying with the OU, Gail says: “Do it. It is without a doubt the best thing I have ever done for myself. I have gained confidence, security for the future and pride.

“The OU is very refreshing in its approach by supporting carers and making sure they’re supported in their studies at every point,” she comments. 

“I cannot speak highly enough of my experience as a carer studying with the OU.”

First-class Honours degree

To earn a First-class Honours degree and be a carer at the same time is extremely hard work, but it is unbelievably worth it walking across that stage and hearing everybody clap your achievement.”

Gail moves on to conclude: “When I started with the OU, I never once thought I would achieve an Honours degree, never mind it being a First. 

“To earn a First-class Honours degree and be a carer at the same time is extremely hard work, but it is unbelievably worth it walking across that stage and hearing everybody clap your achievement.

“To have my mum and dad there with me and watching me cross the stage was everything I could have dreamed and more. 

“Sadly, my dad passed away five days after my degree ceremony, but I liked to believe he held on to watch his daughter graduate with a First-class Honours degree.”