A MOTHER who was given a second chance in education has vowed to save the English department that helped turn her life around.

Ruskin College, in Dunstan Road, gives adults with few or no qualifications the chance to study on higher education or university-standard courses.

But after fears it could cut its English department and make its staff redundant, former student Zoe Southcott launched an online petition to try to save the department that changed her life.

Ruskin College principal Chris Wilkes confirmed cuts to courses would take place, but said he was unable to comment at this stage on how many jobs were at risk.

Dr Wilkes added: “English studies will continue to be offered at Ruskin College. However, the college has taken the decision to discontinue courses that are no longer viable because of small class sizes.

“The English studies degree will no longer be offered, although the college will continue to offer the Certificate in Higher Education in English studies.

“The college continues to offer educational opportunities to adults and has reviewed its curriculum offer in order to achieve this. The college is discussing any staffing implications with the unions.”

Within just 48 hours, more than 200 people had pledged to support Miss Southcott’s campaign.

The mother-of-one said at 16 she left home and school with no qualifications but was accepted on the college’s three-year creative writing and critical practice course in 2006.

Now she is currently writing a PhD proposal about philosopher Plato and psychology, with hopes of returning to studying next year.

Miss Southcott, of Kennington, said: “When I was a young person, I had quite a lot of issues, so Ruskin gave me a second chance of having a career and education. It’s amazing how it changes your life .”

But she said she credits her former tutors Helen Kidd and Tom Sherry for “going out of their way” and guiding her through the course.

She added: “I thought university, especially university in Oxford, was just for the privileged few who had got lots of money and family backing.

“I think it would be such a loss for the college and all of the future students. I feel sad and angry about it.”

Former student Hannah Johnson said she was forced to take her A-Level exams three times after struggling with depression and anxiety as a teenager.

But she said she was given a “second chance” after getting a place on the college’s English and creative writing course nine years ago.

The 28-year-old, who is currently setting up her own martial arts-based business, said she could not have completed the Ruskin course without the two tutors by her side.

She added: “They deserve much better than this. Their passion is to help people like me to succeed. It’s not fair.

To sign the petition see tinyurl.com/nlj2stk.