Hugh Baird’s ‘ray of sunshine’ Erin overcomes disability and bullying to pursue NHS dream

Anyone who’s seen the video of Erin Anderson discovering she’s got the top grade for her GCSE English exam can’t fail to have been moved – and there’s every chance her squeals of delight might have even caused tears to be shed.

But the joy and success of the Hugh Baird College student are even more inspirational when you learn that 19-year-old Erin Anderson has overcome bullying and huge physical, and mental, obstacles to get where she is now.

Erin, from Crosby, struggled to learn after missing lengthy periods of schooling because of operations and physio to treat her crippling cerebral palsy.

And she was ‘relentlessly bullied’ throughout her secondary education when she was shifted from mainstream to a special educational needs school, and then back again to mainstream.

“The mental and emotional toll from these early school years could have deterred many, but Erin’s determination remained unbroken,” says Tina Blease, Curriculum Manager at the Bootle college.

“She is a remarkable young woman whose journey is one of resilience and ambition, and which shows the power of inclusive learning.

“Erin’s optimism and commitment set her apart as a true source of inspiration.  That’s why she’s known as our ray of sunshine!”

Erin’s achievements have won her praise and a number of awards last year, including the Taylor Prize Award presented by Hugh Baird to the student who has excelled both inside and outside of college, and the Federation of Awarding Bodies’ Learner of the Year Award.

She was also shortlisted for the Association of Colleges’ Adult Student of the Year Award, and in January this year she secured that ‘9’ grade in her GCSE English exam – taking it from previous 2 and 3 grades – and she is now studying for her biology GCSE.

“Her work and dedication have made her a role model,” adds Tina. “We are extremely proud of her.”

 Erin joined Hugh Baird College – one of only a small number of colleges to be given an outstanding rating in the whole of the UK – in 2021 at the age of 16.

“I had struggled in school because my cerebral palsy affects how I learn, and mainstream school wasn’t nice for me. I didn’t get on.

“I was bullied and that was difficult, and although I learned to ignore it because people just wanted a reaction, by the end of year 11 I was really struggling,” she says.

When Erin went to Hugh Baird she first completed a childcare Level 1 extended diploma and moved on to a Level 2, but she began to flounder because of the heavy writing load. 

Erin says: “My cerebral palsy means I have mobility and dexterity issues, and I started to have problems.  But instead of saying ‘if you can’t do it that’s it’, the college transferred me onto a Level 2 Health and Social Care qualification with Gateway Qualifications which was more flexible and project based.

“It helped because of how I learned.

“They knew I really wanted to succeed on the course and within weeks I was doing really well. There was so much support because they knew I was capable, and that helped me to know they believed in me.”

As part of the course Erin and a classmate spent time in a local care home which specialises in caring for patients with dementia to create a range of new activities that could engage people with mobility issues as well as physical and cognitive needs.

“I have also volunteered at Alder Hey where I spent much of my childhood,” says Erin.

“I wanted to give something back and help inspire young patients to not give up, and I have been working with the King’s Trust there who have been supportive in coming up with career and jobs advice.

“I eventually want to be a healthcare assistant for the NHS, ideally in somewhere like Alder Hey, and that’s why I did the English GCSE (and was delighted to get a ‘9’) because most jobs ask for that, and am now doing biology.

“More than anything I want to say to people like me that if you have a goal, and you know you want to get there and you’re determined, then go for it. 

“Don’t look at something and think I’m never going to be able to do that. If you really want something, it’s achievable.

“I had a major operation about seven years ago on my legs because my condition was causing my walking to deteriorate to the point where I was told I could end up in a wheelchair, and I didn’t want that. 

“There were concerns that I might not have been able to cope with the work I needed to put in to recover, but I asked them to give me a chance.”

Erin adds: “I think the resolve I have is who I am, maybe because of everything I went through as a child in hospital or in school, and because I don’t want my disability to be a barrier; I don’t want to let it get in the way.

“Everything I have been through has made me more determined and is why I always want to try to push myself.

“I am grateful to Hugh Baird that they believed in me too, and to my tutor Tina Blease as without her help none of this would have happened.”

Tina smiles: “With true grit, Erin has transformed from a student who previously felt marginalised to a leader who is able to empower others.

“She has turned adversities into a springboard for advocacy, aiming to support others with similar experiences.

“We are immensely proud of her.”

You can watch the video of Erin Anderson receiving her results here.

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