21/10/2026
T Levels Week: From Darlington College to a career in play therapy! 💙💚
When Paris joined Darlington College as one of our first T Level students, she was taking the first steps towards a future working with children. This year, she qualifies as a play therapist, putting the knowledge and experience gained through her studies into practice.
Looking back on her time at College, Paris says her T Level in Education and Childcare gave her the opportunity to grow both personally and academically, with supportive tutors, creative learning experiences and opportunities to make a difference.
From trips to the beach and farm to fundraising for Children in Need, volunteering in a hospital and developing professional interview skills, Paris gained experiences that helped prepare her for the next step: university.
Her T Level also helped her develop the independent learning, teamwork and confidence needed to progress onto a Level 6 course in Child Development and Playwork at university.
Her university studies have since opened up opportunities to explore how play can support children in a range of settings, including hospitals and early years environments.
Reflecting on her time at Darlington College, Paris said:
“I look back at my time in college and remember the fun and creativity that went into our education!”
We're incredibly proud to see how far Paris has come and wish her every success as she takes the next steps in her career.
