Freya Ollason
From Foundation Learning, to University. Freya is an alumna on her way to University studying journalism and English Literature after starting with the college in our Foundation Learning department.
Freya Ollason joined Suffolk New College at 16, arriving with just two GCSEs after time away from mainstream education. She began with Level 1 Art and Design, where she flourished under the support of an inspiring tutor and achieved a distinction. A milestone that opened the door to the Level 3 Media course that would shape her future.
College was a big step at first, but Freya found the environment welcoming and supportive. With guidance from her tutors and dedicated help from the Learning Support team, she grew from a shy, uncertain student into a confident, outgoing young person ready to take on new challenges. Being back in a classroom, rediscovering academic learning, and feeling excited to study again became a turning point in her journey.
Her media course helped her find her voice. From creative projects to the live event show, where she stepped out of her comfort zone to present, Freya developed the communication skills, teamwork, and confidence that now underpin her ambitions. The course also helped her understand the career path she wanted to pursue, giving her clarity and direction.
Freya has continued to push herself academically, taking an A‑level alongside her course to secure her university place. She also completed a journalism programme with Ipswich.co.uk, learning directly from working journalists and discovering a passion for local reporting.
She is now heading to the University of Manchester to study English Literature and Journalism, with the goal of becoming a journalist who gives others a voice, something she has always felt driven to do.