From school struggles to culinary success: Bury man secures university place to become professional chef

A young man from Bury who once thought he would never even sit his GCSEs is now on his way to university to pursue his dream of becoming a professional chef—thanks to the transformational support of EdStart Schools in Bury.

Ben Cain, who struggled in mainstream school due to ADHD and frequent suspensions, has secured a place on a Professional Chef foundation degree course at University College Birmingham. His journey from disengagement to academic success demonstrates the power of finding the right support at the right time.

Before joining EdStart, a provider of SEND and alternative provision schools in the North West, Ben’s education was marked by frustration and exclusion. “I didn’t think when he started high school that he’d even sit his GCSEs,” said his mum, Helen Tynan. “He just couldn’t cope in mainstream school.”

That all changed when he joined EdStart. “As soon as he started at EdStart, that was it,” Helen said. “I never got weekly phone calls to say you need to come pick him up. He was engaged, he was learning, and for the first time, he was thriving.”

For Ben, the difference was clear: “In high school, it was like 30-35 people in a class, and you just got given a piece of paper to do whatever it said on it. But at EdStart, it was more one-on-one, with fewer people. That made a huge difference.”

Ben’s path to professional cookery wasn’t something he had planned. Struggling with exams and needing to resit maths and English, he explored catering as an alternative—and discovered his talent. “Well, I always liked cooking, but I didn’t know I was good at cooking until I started,” he said. Now, he’s excelling in his culinary studies and working towards his dream of one day owning his own restaurant.

Seeing Ben’s transformation firsthand, Helen realised how crucial the right environment is for students who struggle in mainstream settings. Inspired by EdStart’s impact, she joined the school as an attendance officer. “Because of how well Ben has done at EdStart, it made me want to work there. I understand where the parents are coming from. I understand where the kids are coming from because I’ve been through it all myself,” she said.

Helen’s lived experience gives her a unique ability to support families facing similar struggles. “It helps knowing what the parents are going through,” she said. Now, she plays a key role in ensuring students, like Ben, receive the support they need to succeed.

Ben’s story proves that there are many paths to success. “There’s lots of different routes to get to where you need to be, aren’t there?” Helen said. “As long as you get there in the end, and he’s got there in the end.”

James Lowe, CEO of EdStart Schools, praised Ben’s determination and success: “Ben is a fantastic example of how alternative education can unlock a student’s potential. His story is a reminder that with the right support, every young person can thrive.”

As Ben continues on his culinary journey, and Helen supports other families at EdStart, their story stands as a brilliant example of the life-changing impact of education outside of mainstream school settings.