Painting and Drawing Diploma and Children’s Book Illustration 
I just wanted to write and thank you for all the help I received during two courses I did with the London Art College. I successfully completed the Painting and Drawing Diploma and The Children’s Book Illustration course, both passed with a merit grade, which has given me a good base to start with as now I have enrolled on a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at my local college.Doing both of the courses gave me the courage to carry on with my art and perhaps I will be able to make a living out of it 
Please would you pass on my thanks to Linda O’Gorman and Jan Nesbitt for all their help and constructive criticism. I will thoroughly recommend you to anyone who wishes to do this type of course in their own home. I will keep in touch with my progress over the next couple of years. 
Debbie Sheldon, Dorset 
(Student with London Art College) 
 
Instrumentation & Control 
I have just come back from my 2 weeks offshore as an Instruments Technician on an oil rig. I have been working on Differential Transmitters, the Instrumentation Course proved to be a great help. 
Andrew Forde, Scotland 
(Student with NCT) 
 
Plumbing 
I was no longer enjoying my work as a teacher. Now I’m self-employed and running my own business in London, where there’s a huge demand for plumbers. 
Mike Genner (ex school teacher) 
Student with OLCIPT 
 
GCSE & AS Level 
I am writing to thank you for all the support your organisation has given to the junior tennis players who enrolled on your GCSE and AS Level courses. 
 
Given the flexibility the players have required from their academic programmes, distance learning has provided an ideal solution. The players have been very grateful, in particular to the sympathetic but firm guidance they have received from their distance learning tutors. ...The quality and presentation of your course materials are of a very high standard. They encourage players to perceive their independent study programmes as a serious undertaking... There are an increasing number of players looking to enrol onto independent study programmes, and I can confidently recommend them to approach you for advice and guidance. 
 
Thanks again for your support. 
 
Nicky Gupta (Lawn Tennis Association Education Adviser ) 
(Students with Oxford Home Schooling) 
 
GCSE History 
The course material for GCSE History is well presented and easy to follow. I was deployed for three months during the Gulf War. I was, however, able to continue with my study while on operations and was also able to maintain links with my tutor. 
Brian Mannion 
(Student with Oxford Open Learning) 
 
Fashion Design & Dressmaking courses 
“I had always been interested in dress making, having done an A Level in textiles. Having done a Regent Academy course in Interior Design some years ago, I decided to take up another course and started the Fashion Design & Dressmaking Course 1 for personal satisfaction. 
"The course was wonderful! I couldn't wait to get my assignments back to see what marks I got. The tutors were so helpful and always came to the rescue if I got into difficulties and they were very reassuring." 
Lin has taken her skills to new heights. Living close by to a local Shakespeare Company, Lin had always wanted to get involved with the costumes but didn't really have the confidence to volunteer. Now that she has completed the Regent Academy course, she plucked up the courage to offer her services and now volunteers 3 afternoons a week making historical costumes for the 2 plays a year. 
"It's been wonderful to do the Regent courses and I am already in the process of starting Fashion Design & Dressmaking Course 2!" 
Lin Achard, Lincolnshire 
(Student with Regent Academy) 
 
Writing for Children 
“I wish there’d been a course like this at the beginning of my long journey – when I first set out to try and fulfil my dream of becoming a published children’s writer. 
“New writers often find it hard to work out how and where to start. Sometimes, they might not be sure which age group they want to write for – or what genre to write. This course will help you decide and, what’s more, help you tremendously when you’ve made your decision. The well-structured course modules show you everything you need to know in an exciting and sparkling way. 
“You’re not only told how to get to know your reader, you’re shown how to try and see the world through a child’s eyes. You’ll see how to write responsibly, how to reflect modern society – and what to avoid. 
“The sections on Deciding What to Write and Writing for Different Age Groups are extremely helpful for the new writer. The breakdown of what to include in a story is particularly informative; it will serve as a useful checklist when you’ve written your first draft. 
“In this course, you’ll find the answers to the most difficult questions and answers to questions you hadn’t even thought of asking! It’s instructive, constructive and so much fun. I can assure you that you’ll have several ‘light-bulb’ moments whilst working through the course.” 
Pat Posner 
(Student with STT) 
Homeopathy 
I am really excited about finally being able to study Homeopathy and I absolutely love your thorough high-level professional course. I love everything about it – firstly the flexibility of study years, which for my lifestyle is essential, but then the top quality recommended books, the clear, concise study manual, the outstanding audio CDs are so appreciated. I am so impressed by the way you have perfected your correspondence course. I have taken various correspondence courses and not one has ever matched your quality, I really thank you for the service you are providing to humanity through this course. I love my studies, I wish I were able to dedicate my time to them full-time. 
(Student with Alternative Training) 
 
Pet Bereavement Counselling 
I completed the course this year and received a certificate plus National Open College Network (NOCN) Accreditation. This qualification has given me the confidence to extend the range of support that I can offer. Even after ten years experience of voluntary counselling for human loss I found the Diploma in Animal Bereavement Counselling richly rewarding. I am greatly indebted to my tutor for her wonderful support and I can see myself enrolling for further courses with the Animal Care College. 
Dawn Wakeman 
(Student with the Animal Care College) 
 
Nutrition and Vegetarian & Vegan Nutritional Therapy 
I thoroughly enjoyed working through the [Nutrition] course, I found the experience of home study very beneficial at this time in my life – giving me a focus outside motherhood, and a reason to exercise my mental capabilities! 
 
My lessons were always marked and returned promptly and I began to look forward to each new assignment arriving and finding a quiet evening to dedicate to it! I was very pleased to pass the Final Examination and subsequently went on to study the Vegetarian and Vegan Nutritional Therapy course – which is my own particular area of interest. 
 
My intention was to set up a small local practice, working primarily from home. I am very keen to help others improve their lives – and with the knowledge I have gained through my BSY courses, I have been able to provide a valuable and effective service. 
 
I try to make each client feel that I was really interested in them and this has had a bearing on the good reputation I have built up as a caring therapist. As time goes on I find that I am getting busier and so I say – here’s to the future! 
Alex Johnson 
(Student with BSY) 
 
Chartered Institute of Marketing 
"A" enrolled on a CIM course with us. He works as a manager for an established Maltese conglomerate with which he wants to build a career through professional competence. He is extremely time-pressured, with a demanding job and young family, lives outside the conventional network of CIM colleges, and so is a classic example of a person who needs to study by distance learning. 
 
Journalism 
Chris Warren did a week´s work experience at the Streatham Guardian, London – and had 15 articles published. And he had plenty of opportunities to experience real-life journalism. 
 
He went out with another reporter to interview residents about a murder in Mitcham. Then a week later he covered the memorial service. There was a one minute silence and a chance to interview the victim´s friends and relatives one week on. 
 
He also covered a protest at Merton Civic Centre over a council tax rise, and interviewed a Lib Dem councillor about a scheme to give every resident in the borough £91 rebate. 
(Student with CTJT) 
 
Criminal Investigation 
Study material: Excellent – easy to understand. Interesting reading. Helpful and useful for the assignments 
 
Tuition service: Excellent – very speedy return service, easy to understand answers and comments. Very helpful. Sent extra reading for interest. 
 
Starting a Masters in Forensic Science at the University of Strathclyde in September. Thanks for the Introductory Course. 
JW, Craigavon (Student with the Distance Learning Partnership) 
 
Proofreading 
“Please will you pass my thanks to Graham Smith. I think it is a great course and thoroughly enjoyable. I have been particularly impressed with the feedback from Graham, which has been very helpful and instructive. I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone.” 
A Williams, Wiltshire 
(Student with Editorial Training) 
 
ICB Small Business Financial Control 
“ I have now completed my second distance learning course provided by Ideal Schools – Small Business Financial Control - and I have been very pleased with the service offered and value for money. I have previously studied with another distance learning provider and unfortunately did not receive this level of service. 
 
I would not hesitate to study again through Ideal schools, and would gladly recommend Ideal Schools to anyone interested in distance learning – particularly for the ICB qualifications. The study materials are clear and concise, and any further queries have been dealt with quickly and efficiently by the tutors. Also, the assignments have all been marked and returned quickly, with helpful learning points and advice where appropriate. 
 
Thank you for all your help and guidance! 
Karen Monkman 
(Student with Ideal Schools) 
 
RHS Level 2 
This was my first time studying since I left school and I really enjoyed it. I took the course just to get my brain working again but it's opened up a whole new career for me. I'm now working with a landscape gardening firm and plan on going on to student for a Garden Design Diploma. My tutor was really supportive which was just what I needed. I would really recommend this course. 
Jacqui Peel, Stockport. 
(Student with Learning Curve) 
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