A former Bury College Access student has landed a place on a prestigious legal scheme to further help him achieve his dream career.  

Hadi Rachrach, a former Access to Higher Education (Social Science Pathway) student has recently been selected to join the highly prestigious Honourable Society of the Middle Temple Access to Bar Awards scheme, which is designed to provide aspiring barristers with vital experience to assist their future career.

The 21-year-old, who moved to Bury to live with his father at 18, dreams of working in a fair judicial system.

Hadi saw off stiff competition from hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate law students from UK universities to secure one of only 30 places on the programme.

He completed the Higher Education course at Bury College, focusing his studies on Psychology, Sociology and Criminology, to ensure he achieved the grades to study Law.

Saira Ashiq, Lecturer in Access and Education for Social Sciences, said: “Hadi began the Access to HE Diploma at Bury College in September 2021. He was an excellent student who demonstrated a high level of motivation and produced excellent quality course work which always went above and beyond. Coming from Lebanon, he expressed how his country suffered political tension, economic crises, poverty and injustice. Witnessing this suffering, he felt he had to do something about this and that’s what led him to volunteer in many local organisations and charities to help support those in need in Lebanon. His journey of wanting to make a difference allowed him to gain real-life experience and also have meaningful input into what it means to be involved in supporting others, working under challenging conditions whilst remaining focused.

"It’s an extremely proud moment for the Access team to see Hadi achieve so well and progress further. His resilience and strong sense of justice make him a deserving candidate for this opportunity. The Access to HE Diploma ensured Hadi gained the academic knowledge and study skills to smoothly progress on his desired course of interest at university level. We are so proud of Hadi and wish him all the success in the world. Keep doing us proud.”

Our Access to Higher Education Diploma has been designed for individuals who may not have achieved qualifications at school and want to boost their opportunities. This QAA accredited course provides adult learners with an essential qualification, subject specific knowledge and the skills to progress directly to university. Click here for more information