How I fund my studies: Holly’s story
25 September 2025
In this blog, third-year student Holly (Set 147) discusses her journey to Norland from working in a nursery, a school, and as a nanny. She shares her self-funding journey and how she has found working alongside studying.
“I am a mature(ish) student who enjoys a nice café and a natter. I joined Norland in 2023 and have never looked back.
“One of my college tutors, who taught the Level 3 childcare course I studied, is a Norlander and told us if we ever get the opportunity to join Norland, that we should go for it! Originally, I did not think Norland was for me. However, after a few years in the sector, I decided it was the natural next step in my career — and I am so glad I made the decision to apply. It has been an incredible experience and has opened so many doors for me.
“I’ve loved every minute of my Norland journey so far. From learning about babies’ brain development to sewing a comforter from reclaimed fabric, it has been a wonderful whirlwind. I would highly recommend Norland to anyone who is truly passionate about working with children – you will learn everything you could ever want to know.
Finances before I started Norland
“I have part-funded my studies and living costs through savings without financial support from family, or elsewhere. I accumulated around £17,000 in savings before Norland during the three years I spent working in the early years sector, in schools, nurseries and as a nanny. The remainder of my tuition fees and the cost of living in Bath, I fund through weekend and holiday nannying roles, which I consider well worth it.
Finances while at Norland
“Norland provides a free budgeting template, which is incredibly helpful in managing rent, bills and living costs. I receive around £6,000 per year from Student Finance for tuition fees, and I cover the rest from work and savings.
“I am employed on weekends during term-time as a live-in nanny for a wonderful family in London, usually four weekends on and two weekends off, depending on the academic calendar. I earn around £500 per weekend, which roughly equates to a £22,000 salary (net). I also sometimes travel with them during the holidays.
“Last summer, I worked for around six weeks with a foreign royal family who holiday in London. This was a daily live-out role with a gross salary of around £8,000 for the six weeks. I also worked with them again this summer, and intend to do one more before I embark on my Newly Qualified Nanny role.
“I also receive the minimum maintenance loan from Student Finance, which is around £4,000 per year and goes entirely towards my living costs. I live with one other person in an apartment close to the main Norland campus in Oldfield Park. We rent out our driveway (with landlord approval), which brings in around £200 (gross) per month, and helps with our rent.
“During my second year, I received a one-off payment of £500 from the Norland benevolent fund as part of their crisis hardship fund, which supported me through some accommodation issues. This was an absolute lifeline, and I’m so grateful that Norland offers this support for students facing challenging times.
Advice for others
“If you’re considering attending Norland, I’d encourage you to take the leap and work incredibly hard while you’re here.
“Norland will open doors to opportunities you don’t even realise exist, even before you graduate. My current job alongside my studies provides accommodation and meals for two days a week which reduces my outgoings whilst being paid.
“Since starting at Norland, I have never doubted my decision – the quality and detail of training is unmatched, and the benefits once qualified far outweigh the course costs.
Looking to the future
“I’m looking forward to an enjoyable and rewarding career with children — one where I’ll be educated, well-paid and have the chance to travel the world, which is my ultimate dream.
“This has already begun. I travelled with a family to Miami in my first year and, I am travelling to Paris with the same family this September.”
