What It’s Like to Study at Banbury Academy
- by Kirsty A
As a former student of Banbury Academy and now a counsellor at the therapy centre, I wanted to share an honest and personal reflection of my experience studying here.
Before joining the Academy, I completed my CPCAB Level 2 at Abingdon College. Although the tutor there was wonderful, I found the course to be more of a traditional classroom experience—an academic introduction to counselling rather than a deeply experiential one. It provided insight into the profession from a lecturer’s perspective but lacked the emotional depth and empathic understanding I felt were essential when working directly with clients.
I began my Level 3 at Banbury Academy in September 2022. Returning to study in my mid-forties, after many years away from formal education, was a significant adjustment. As a single parent with one income, balancing work, parenting, and study was daunting. I worked at a cancer support centre during the day and ran my own holistic therapy business, often seeing clients until 9 p.m. I questioned whether I could manage it all—studying, working, and being a mum—but I had reached a turning point in my life. The personal growth and self-understanding that the course promised felt vital, particularly after experiencing the loss of a parent two years earlier.
From the very first day, our tutors outlined the CPCAB qualification requirements and guided us through the learning outcomes, including demonstrating our understanding of the BACP Ethical Framework, working safely and ethically, and recognising diversity. We were encouraged to explore our self-awareness and connect this with the counselling theories introduced throughout the course. Each week, we engaged in in-depth discussions, group work, and practical exercises that brought the theory to life. Our triad sessions—where we practiced the counselling role—helped us develop a more professional, person-centred approach and a broader understanding of different therapeutic modalities.
Throughout my year at Banbury Academy, I felt genuinely supported, understood, and held in a safe learning environment. This sense of safety became even more meaningful as I deepened my self-awareness and confronted personal vulnerabilities. The tutors’ consistent support allowed me to process these experiences, an invaluable part of my growth as a counsellor.
The transition to Level 4 was a new challenge. Spanning two years, the course required us to complete a counselling placement within an agency setting, undertake regular supervision, and record our personal counselling hours. The workload increased, with more essays, practical assessments, and reflective writing. Balancing all of this alongside work, parenting, and personal life was demanding, yet I continued to feel supported and encouraged by the tutors. Their guidance and reassurance were crucial in helping me manage the academic and emotional challenges of the qualification.
Regular tutorials and check-ins ensured that we could discuss any difficulties openly. As someone who does not consider herself naturally academic, one of my biggest hurdles was learning how to write and evidence my criteria appropriately. With the tutors’ patient support and clear guidance, my confidence grew, and I found myself stretching intellectually in ways I hadn’t since my teenage years.
I discovered that participating in a study group with my peers, supported by a skilled facilitator, provided me with a valuable new perspective on how individuals interact, respond, and relate in various settings. Engaging more deeply with theoretical frameworks across different modalities and exploring the dynamics of ego states and relational patterns, enhanced my understanding of interpersonal interactions and my own role within them.
Studying at Banbury Academy has been a truly transformative experience—both personally and professionally. The combination of academic structure, experiential learning, and genuine care from the tutors has shaped me not only into a more competent counsellor but also into a more self-aware and grounded individual.