In this third instalment of her learning story, Izzy brings us up-to-date with how studying for an A level alongside her full-time musical theatre studies is going.

 

Studying for an A level while pursuing a career in musical theatre isn’t exactly easy — but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve always believed that my love for dance and my academic ambitions don’t have to be separate. So, alongside long days of rehearsals, performances, and training, I’ve taken on the challenge of distance learning. It’s been tough at times, but having the flexibility to study on my own terms, with great tutor support along the way, has made all the difference.

Finding Time to Study

With such a packed schedule, I’ve had to be smart about fitting in my study sessions. I’ve learned that I don’t need to spend hours at a time buried in textbooks — sometimes, just revising key concepts on the train or running through notes in between rehearsals is enough to keep me on track. The best part of studying this way is the freedom to plan my learning around my life, rather than the other way around.

Staying Motivated When It Gets Hard

There have been moments when I’ve questioned why I’m putting myself through this. Some days, I feel like I’m making real progress, and others, it’s a struggle to focus after an exhausting day of dance. But I remind myself that every bit of effort counts. I’ve also had the reassurance of knowing that whenever I get stuck, there’s tutor support available to help me through it. Knowing I’m not entirely on my own has helped me push past the harder days.

Getting Past Self-Doubt

I won’t lie — studying an A level alongside an already demanding career path has made me doubt myself more than once. I’ve wondered if I’m capable of managing it all, if I’ve taken on too much. But each time I work through a tough topic or finally grasp something I’ve been struggling with, I prove to myself that I can do it. Having a tutor to guide me when I need help has been a huge confidence boost, and it’s made the whole process far less overwhelming.

Preparing for Exams

With exams coming up, I’m focusing more on revision and past papers, making sure I’m as prepared as possible. I’ve also found it really helpful to have support with exam booking — one less thing to stress about! While I know the pressure will build, I’m trying to stay balanced, reminding myself that rest is just as important as study. Burning out won’t help me perform at my best, so I’m making time to recharge when I need it.

Advice for Anyone Thinking of Studying This Way

If you’re juggling an A level with a busy life, my biggest piece of advice is this: believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s from a tutor, a friend, or family, having a support system makes all the difference. And remember, flexibility is your greatest advantage — use it to make studying work for you.

Taking on this extra subject hasn’t been easy, but I don’t regret it for a second. Every challenge has pushed me to be more organised, more determined, and more confident in what I can achieve. Whatever happens next, I know that balancing my studies with my passion has only made me stronger.

Izzy A.

 

Hear more about Izzy’s distance learning journey in Part 1 and Part 2 of her story. 

If like Izzy you are looking to balance your academic study alongside your passion or other commitments, check out NEC’s full range of courses. 

Want to find out more? This blog post looks at the advantages and disadvantages of studying an online distance learning course. If you’re still not sure, our Course Advice Team can talk you through your options, so feel free to get in touch with NEC.