Postwoman Amanda Johnson is interested in different kinds of letters these days - the sort that come after your name.

"I used to think university was for other, brighter people. I didn't see myself as someone who went to university," said 37-year-old Amanda, who lives in Rogerstone.

"As you get older you realise how important education is. Coming to university has given me a great sense of achievement, and provided me with a huge variety of choices in what I do next in my life."

Currently finishing the second year of her BA Primary QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) course, Amanda's ambition is to be a teacher after being a postie for 13 years.

Amanda took advantage of Royal Mail's career break scheme which saw her employer pay for her to study for a HNC in Business and Law. She then spent a year on the Access course, waiting to start doing her teacher training degree.

"The Access course was very useful. It taught me time-management and gave me the opportunity to meet people like myself who were returning to education. It's a great confidence builder - and the tutors are always there for you. There's always someone to talk to, especially if you're stuck with any of the work. I would recommend it to anybody."