Well this seemed to get out of hand! but thanks for all the genuine replies. Like I said previously, I am looking to go into a career working with young people (11-19) I didn't make the best decisions after school and came from a fairly poor background but that life and now I want to carve a better future. ANY advice on what you might think is the best route for me would be much appreciated. I have applied for a few volunteering positions and am looking into access courses via the Open University, has anyone used them?? its sooo confusing when you have some people saying you need a degree to get anywhere, then you have some people saying that most degrees are useless and a waste of time! thanks again