Studying for a degree can be hard work, and combining it with a job and a family can make it even more challenging.

Mature students and mothers of two, Annette Metcalfe and Beverley Wright, have achieved their degrees at the University of Teesside through a different route.

The Negotiated Learning Scheme takes previous experience and current employment into account, resulting in a course of study uniquely tailored to the individual's needs.

Both Annette and Beverley work as teaching assistants. They have both successfully completed the BA (Hons) Professional Studies in Education and now aim to qualify as primary school teachers by studying in Ambleside.

Although both are employed by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's education department, the two had never met before beginning the course. Now they are best friends.

Annette, 39, from Yarm, said: "Negotiated Learning is more than just a title - everything is negotiated from the actual modules you do to when you do them and how you are assessed.

"It's great to be able to use your work-based skills and experience and have it count towards your degree.

"I've been a teaching assistant at Yarm Primary School for nine years so I've got a lot of experience and it all counted toward getting the degree.

"This course has given me a sense of achievement. I have never had the support of an extended family and have relied heavily on my husband, Andrew, so I feel very proud to be the first in the family to get a degree."

Beverley, 44, from Stockton, said: "Annette and I are both employed by the council's Raising Achievement and Performance team. They have raised our achievement as well as the kids', so we're very happy with that!

"Unlike Annette, I'm based in our HQ in Wrensfield House and work with children within several schools who are referred to us.

"Our employers, the university staff and families have been very supportive and encouraging. That makes all the difference when you're returning to education, as both our partners and children have had to make sacrifices for us to be able to study.

"Going through the course with Annette meant we could swap ideas, comment on each others work and also give moral support for the times when we found it difficult to juggle home, work and study. It was good for both of us to know there was someone else at the end of the phone who understood everything we had to deal with."

Both Annette and Beverley will graduate in November before going on to study their teacher-training course.