From Sixth Form to First Class Honours at Holy Cross College

As a Sixth Form College and University Centre, we are celebrating the role colleges play within higher education as part of a national awareness week. 

The theme for Colleges Week 2026, which is led by the Association of Colleges (AOC), is ‘Skills for All’.

One focus is on higher education learners gaining academic qualifications at level 4 and above, and the colleges delivering these local, flexible, and career-focused courses.   

Alysia Furey, 23, is the perfect example of how students can go from the sixth form to a First Class Honours degree, all on the same college campus in Bury, and while pregnant in the final year of her degree studies (with baby Joey, born in September 2025). 

Alysia started at Holy Cross College in the sixth form in the summer of 2020. 

Covid was still impacting on everyday life as Alysia started on her study journey, choosing Holy Cross as her next steps after leaving St Monica's RC High School.  

“I was studying A Levels in Chemistry and Biology at Holy Cross College, but it was my third subject of Health and Social Care that opened the door to the University Centre (UC) for me,” explains Alysia.  

“Someone came into our lesson to tell us about the UC and honestly, I didn’t even know it was there – I couldn’t believe there was a chance to study at university level right here in Bury. 

“Even better, it was on the same Holy Cross campus I’d been studying at for two years already.” 

Staying local with university study in Bury 

Alysia enrolled on the Education and Early Childhood degree course with Liverpool Hope University at Holy Cross University Centre (HCUC), starting in 2022 after completing her sixth form studies on the same site.  

“The big seller for me was to stay local and at home, I didn’t want to move away. I’m not a person that seeks the University life and I wanted to work at the same time,” says Alysia. 

“I joined a teaching agency while studying for my degree – I don’t think you get as much flexibility if you go away to university. I feel I’m more employable as I’ve got my qualification and plenty of lived and worked experience in the sector.” 

Support for studying while pregnant 

Alysia discovered she was pregnant in her final year at HCUC – but she didn’t need to worry.   

“I remember as soon as I found out I was pregnant, I panicked – I thought it was game over for my degree,” explains Alysia.   

“But my Support Tutor Louise (Green) was so supportive from the start. I never felt like I was being a pain or demanding any help.” 

Alysia credits Louise for making sure she had all the options of what to do next, how to make her studies manageable and ultimately, complete her degree with First Class Honours.  

“I don’t think I would’ve finished the course without her,” says Alysia.  

“I had no idea that level of support was there – I thought as soon as you were considered a university student, you’d be on your own. This couldn’t be further from the truth. This level of support is unique to HCUC compared to a large university setting. 

“One day, I’d love to do a job like hers because of the difference she made to me and my life. I honestly felt like I had a cheerleader in my corner – I will never forget seeing her waving at me as I left the graduation stage!” 

Alysia at her Liverpool Hope University graduation ceremony in January 2026 

What would Alysia say to someone thinking about joining HCUC? 

“Just do it. Whether you’re 18 or 50+, this is the place you need to be if you’ve got that drive to study and improve your career chances,” says Alysia. 

“You’ll feel so proud of yourself. Being able to work alongside studying is so valuable and I truly believe this boosted my employability. 

“It’s the best feeling ever to walk across the stage at graduation and know you’ve succeeded in something you’ve chosen just for you, and the difference that will make to your career now.” 

Dr Siobhan O’Connor, Assistant Principal (HE & Aspirations), said: “Alysia is the perfect example of how Holy Cross can help students progress from the sixth form straight through to graduating with a university degree, and all from the same campus here in Bury. 

“Our degrees are delivered by Edge Hill and Liverpool Hope Universities, but the unparallelled support provided by our wonderful team of Support Tutors alongside that studying is unique to us. 

“It makes me so proud to know how much of an impact that support made to Alysia – seeing her graduate with a First Class Honours is just incredible and I can’t wait to see where her degree takes her in the future.” 

For more information about studying at HCUC, submit our enquiry form and our friendly team will get back to you at a time that’s right for you.