Rex Colquhoun-Lynn’s journey to Reaseheath College and University Centre was anything but conventional.
Home-educated before joining the college, Rex developed much of his knowledge through practical exploration and became a highly independent learner. Living on a canal boat also made finding the right college more complicated, as the family had to keep moving in line with the terms of their boating licence.
“We have to keep moving, so transport was difficult and that made our options quite limited,” Rex explained. “My parents also wanted to make sure I had practical opportunities because I had never been a fan of sit-down learning.”
Then, during a visit to Nantwich, Rex and his family discovered Reaseheath. It was a decision that would change the direction of Rex’s life.
“We went in to ask some questions and ended up having an interview that resulted in an unconditional offer for Foundation.”
Rex joined the Foundation programme – now known as Foundation Pathways – without formal qualifications, attracted by the chance to gain practical experience while working towards core GCSEs.
“I was particularly drawn in by Reaseheath Mini Zoo as well as the fact I could do core GCSEs alongside my course. It allowed me to work towards multiple qualifications at once and gain hands-on experience.”
Starting college was nevertheless a huge step. Having never experienced a school environment, Rex was initially worried about making friends and finding his feet.
“It was quite difficult at first. I was worried about making friends and everything was quite new to me.”
That soon changed.
Rex made close friends, met his partner and, with the support of tutors Sean McIntyre and Megan McArdle, began to build confidence.
“Having Sean and Megan as tutors helped immensely as I felt safe enough to reach out to them if I had any problems.”
Rex describes the pair as “absolutely perfect Foundation tutors”, praising their ability to create a classroom where students could have fun while still feeling supported and respected.
“They earn respect by giving it, treating all students fairly and understanding individual needs. This helps anyone to feel settled and calm, especially people who are new to college.”
That first year proved to Rex that Foundation was exactly where he needed to be.
“I still would have gone into the Foundation course given the chance, even if I could go back in time with all the qualifications in the world.”
Rex had previously struggled with the feeling of being “behind” educationally. Having been offered a college place around the beginning of lockdown, health difficulties and changes in his living circumstances meant the timing wasn’t right. By the time Rex arrived at Reaseheath, things had changed.
“I was starting to enter a good period of my life when I joined Reaseheath, something I’d fought for after years of struggling with my health and the fear of being ‘behind’ educationally.”
The independent learning skills developed through home education also proved invaluable.
“Independently revising and finishing assignments came naturally. If I ever had any struggles there was support waiting for me, but luckily I’m efficient at dealing with problems on my own.”
That combination of independence and support helped Rex achieve some impressive GCSE results in 2024. An English Grade 8 initially felt like a disappointment after Rex had achieved a 9 in the mock.
“I felt as though I had failed, but the absolute astonishment from my friends and tutors made me realise how impressive an eight actually was.”
The GCSEs were just the beginning. Over three years at Reaseheath, Rex developed a passion for entomology – the scientific study of insects – while building knowledge and practical skills across animal management, biology, ecology and conservation. And the change wasn’t only academic, it was personal.
“I think I’ve changed fundamentally as a person since coming to Reaseheath. I used to be rather shy and pessimistic, but now I am confident and determined.”
Rex’s friends have even described him as “the colour yellow” – a reflection of the confidence and positivity he has developed.
That transformation has been backed up by some impressive achievements.
Rex was named Student of the Term and Best Overall Student at the 2026 Presentation of Awards celebrations, awards that came as a surprise but provided extra motivation.
“I wasn’t expecting to win either award, but I remember feeling over the moon both times. It motivated me to strive for more and consistently put 110% into everything I do.”
Rex is also particularly proud of achieving 100% attendance across all three years.
“I enjoyed being in college so much that sometimes I needed to be told to stay home when I was terribly ill. I didn’t want to miss a single lesson.”
The biggest surprise came with the results from Rex’s Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Animal Management course.
After being predicted a distinction-merit, Rex achieved a double distinction star, a result once considered completely out of reach.
“I had thought such a grade was entirely unobtainable. It came as a huge surprise and I was jumping around in my living room for hours. I honestly thought I was dreaming or misreading it.”
Rex credits the people around him for helping make those achievements possible.
As well as Sean and Megan, tutor Joe Thraves provided invaluable support during Level 3, continuing to advocate for Rex even after no longer teaching him.
“Joe will always do everything he is capable of to make sure a student is properly supported and listened to. He has a relaxed and fun classroom environment and has considerable knowledge and love for his subject.”
Rex also wanted to acknowledge the many other tutors and staff who made a difference, including Rob Whitehouse, Sarah Fletcher, Katie Jones, Sophia Michaels, Tom Briggs, Stuart Lloyd, Mike Dobson, Justine Cassidy and the library team.
“They had a huge impact on my experience and are wonderful people that you can tell truly enjoy their career and want the best for students at Reaseheath.”
Now, Rex is preparing to take the next step, having secured a place at Bangor University, where he will study Zoology with Conservation.
The ultimate ambition is to become an entomologist, with potential careers in education, conservation or laboratory work.
“I picked this course because I wanted to become an entomologist in the future. I’d love to work in education, conservation or lab work; as long as I can be surrounded by roaches, I’m happy.”
Rex’s passion for insects also comes from a wider interest in conservation.
“All conservation relies on the diversity of insects and conservation is more important to understand than ever right now.”
The practical experience gained at Reaseheath will provide a strong foundation for university study, particularly the fieldwork that will form a major part of the course.
“Few colleges offer mini zoos as large and diverse as Reaseheath. Those skills, among the many outdoor lessons we did, provided me with experience for field work in university, which is going to be a huge part of my course.”
For Rex, Reaseheath has provided much more than a route to qualifications. It has been where confidence grew, friendships were made and a lifelong passion was discovered. And perhaps most importantly, it has shown Rex what is possible.
“I gained confidence, self-belief and so many other skills as well as tons of knowledge.”
