How I fund my studies: second-year student Daisy
16 July 2025
Funding is critical when choosing where to study. At Norland, students complete two distinct courses – the Norland BA (Hons) degree and skills-based diploma – which means student fees are higher.
First-year student Daisy (Set 48) shares her experience, highlighting how she manages her finances through a bursary, part-time work, and why she believes the investment is worthwhile.
“Originally from Frome, my family recently moved to Bath. Before Norland, I studied A-levels in Maths, Economics, and Music. Initially I planned to study Economics at a Russell Group university but, after attending a Norland open day, I immediately fell in love and knew this was the place for me.
Why I chose Norland
“As a local student, I often saw Norland students in their uniform on my way to and from school, which sparked my curiosity. In Year 12, I decided to attend an open day with my mum. While I had always loved the idea of working with children, I assumed a career in economics would provide more financial stability. However, after learning more about Norland at the open day, I was amazed by the depth of the course and realised how much I wanted to become a Norland Nanny. It is such a rewarding profession — watching children learn and grow every day is a truly special experience.
“Since starting at Norland, I have loved every second. Before joining I had never sewn before, but through the course I discovered a passion for it. I even bought myself a sewing machine and now enjoy making gifts for my charges and family. Sewing has been one of my biggest highlights so far! I have also loved placements and every aspect of the Norland diploma, along with fascinating topics in the degree such as neuroscience, child development and self-regulation.
How I fund my studies
“Coming from a single-parent, low-income family on benefits, securing financial support for my studies was crucial. I receive the maximum maintenance loan of approximately £10,500 per year, which covers my rent, bills, and food, with some extra room for tuition fees or personal treats. I also receive the maximum tuition loan from the government and a £2,000 Emily Ward Bursary from Norland which I receive annually, leaving me with around £8,500 to self-finance each year.
“To cover this amount, I receive some support from family and work alongside my studies. I also teach piano to young children, using my musical skills to earn money. Recently, I secured a regular nannying job, which provides a consistent income to help fund my studies.
“Since starting my studies at Norland, I’ve had numerous jobs offers through the Student Job Shop in Bath and the surrounding area. Most of my jobs so far have been through the Marvellous Babysitting app which is exclusive to Norland students and graduates. I also secured a nannying job from a Norland graduate, which will generate a regular income for me.
My advice for prospective students
“In terms of advice, I would firstly say to not worry about it. It is always possible to fund your studies; you may just have to make some lifestyle changes to accommodate the funds. My advice would be to use your skills — whether it’s music, crafting, or tutoring — as another way to generate income and can be a great addition to your CV in the future.
“I believe that the benefits of being a fully qualified Norlander mean that the fees are worth it. The starting salary for a Norland Nanny is extremely high, meaning that we can immediately begin repaying student loans. As Norland has its own employment agency, graduates will never be jobless. To me, this is extremely important as it can be very worrying and stressful for university students to find a job after they graduate. However, at Norland, none of the graduates have to worry about this. They can use the agency throughout their careers, so everyone gets lifelong support and job opportunities, making Norland worth every penny.
What I'm excited for in the future
“I believe that the teaching hours justify the cost too. At Norland, you study a degree and a diploma, meaning there is much more contact time compared to other universities which is also very valuable to me.
“In the future, I really cannot wait to graduate and see what opportunities Norland brings. I really want to travel and experience everything about the world and nannying. I love throwing myself into every opportunity, so cannot wait to experience everything Norland has to offer.”
