Age 16-18
“I walked in with a pushchair, and New City College gave me the foundation to redefine my future. Twenty years later, my son is graduating in Mathematics with Finance, and I am leading transformation in local government.”
Ayesha is the Deputy Director of Transformation at the London Borough of Bexley and the founder of RISEilience, a podcast addressing the lack of race representation in senior leadership. A mum of three, Ayesha’s professional success is a testament to the power of adult education.
Twenty years ago, things looked very different. In her early 20s, Ayesha was unemployed, living in a hostel, and raising a six-month-old son with no qualifications beyond her GCSEs. But she refused to accept that this was her destiny. And the day she walked into New City College Tower Hamlets Campus was the day that changed everything.
How did you find out about New City College?
I saw an advert for an Open Day and I walked in with my little one in a pushchair. I was originally hoping to sign up for a course that would lead to teaching but when I found out it was fully booked, the staff pointed me towards the ‘Community Development’ table.
I didn’t even know what that was but the course leader was so engaging and welcoming that I felt safe and comfortable. She explained I’d be working toward a NOCN Level 3 (an A Level equivalent), it was only one day a week, and – crucially – they would support me with childcare. I signed up there and then.
How did the course change your outlook?
It was one of the best decisions I ever made. As a young mum, you can often feel trapped, but this course gave me back my ambition. Building a network of support was incredible. My son, Irfan, was thriving in pre-school. I remember a few stares because I chose to put him in childcare at six months old, but I knew I was doing it for our future. It gave me the drive to keep going.
How did the college support your progression?
My course leader was really proactive and had already researched my next steps, suggesting a Foundation Degree at London Metropolitan University. Because New City College had direct links with the university, the admission process was quick and seamless.
The Foundation Degree led to a BSc in Community Sector Management. The absolute highlight for me was my son, then four years old, cheering for me in the audience as I graduated. That moment made every late-night study session worthwhile. I eventually went on to complete an MSc in Public Leadership and Management at Warwick University.
What advice would you give to someone in your old shoes?
Believe in yourself. If you have that, nothing else matters. You deserve to be the best version of yourself, and education is the key that unlocks that door. There are so many flexible options people don’t know about – just walk in and ask. Don’t delay or find excuses, just do it!
As a Deputy Director of Transformation, is there a link between those early skills you learnt at New City College and your high-level strategy now?
“Absolutely. Community development is fundamentally about understanding people, and that is exactly what Transformation is. My journey allows me to come to the table with zero assumptions. I don’t guess what residents need; I look for the data and the facts to ensure our decisions are evidence-based.
The college taught me the importance of grass-roots community development. I now use those same skills in strengthening local government.
Your son is 21 now – how does he view your success?
“Irfan is in the final year of his Mathematics with Finance degree. He’s been through a lot with me. I see my own resilience and drive in him now as he manages his studies and work. It wasn’t always an easy ride, but it made us both stronger.”
What does the future hold for you?
I have an exciting and busy year ahead with various projects in my job. I’m also starting the CIPFA Accelerated Route – a big commitment, but I’m used to the juggle now! Beyond work, I want to keep giving back to the community, travel with my family, and continue growing as a leader. I also hope to continue driving the RISEilience podcast, because I want to make sure the door I walked through stays open for others.
I started at New City College wanting to have a positive impact on my own life; now, I get to help impact the lives of thousands of others through my work in local government.”
Enquire today about the wide range of adult education courses at New City College.
