With the increasing need for qualifications in the workplace, more and more people are going back to college, or starting university courses in their 30s, 40s and beyond. In fact, in the UK about 20% of new graduates are over the age of 25. And it’s even higher in the US, with around 39% of students in the older age range. As with most things, there are advantages and disadvantages and it’s important to consider these before making a decision.

While 18 year olds are at university to improve their chances in the job market, they have many other reasons for being there. They wish to enjoy the student experience, often living away from home for the first time, with access to cheap alcohol and entertainment, new friends and a whole new environment. All of this is an important part of growing up and finding their way in the world, but gives older students a clear advantage, as they are usually much more focused on education as a means to a better job and an improved quality of life. Lecturers therefore welcome mature students, knowing that they are likely to take their studies more seriously than school leavers.

As an older student you might also have to adjust to having less money, especially if you had a well-paid job before. Alternatively, you may have to continue working in order to support a family. This can create additional stress and so you should plan your schedule before starting your course. If you feel that full-time work will not be possible, it is essential that you plan your finances accordingly, either by saving, taking out a loan and of course, checking to see if any financial aid is available in the form of study grants or bursaries.

It’s never too late to decide you want to change your career, there are so many options available to help assist you with your new venture.

The education system has made it easy for mature adults to jump back into education should they wish to change their career or just want to broaden their knowledge.

Colleges hold evening courses making it easy to attend lessons out of work hours, this means you don’t have to worry about quitting your current job to go back to college. Have a steady income will help fund your course and allow you to purchase any materials recommended for the course.

Following college, you may wish to continue into higher education and attend university to obtain a degree. This may seem like a daunting aspect and many are put off by the fear of attending a university, but attending university as a mature student is not uncommon.

The Department for Education has published results for year 6 tests, showing that just 53% of students are meeting standards. The tests involved reading, writing and mathematics, and as a rule of thumb, the expected standard equates to the previous 4B level. In 2015 69% of pupils aged 11 and 12 reached level 4B in the subjects that were tested, so this is seen as a huge drop. A DfE source said: “These results show that our children and teachers are capable of achieving the higher standards we expect of them and vindicate the reforms introduced by Michael Gove and continued by Nicky Morgan. The biggest drops worryingly come in mathematics and reading, and it piles pressure on teachers to meet higher standards.