Paula graduated from Charlotte Mason College in 1987, after achieving her ambition to become a teacher and a successful 32-year career where she reached Deputy Head level, she has gone back to study to become an author... Paula is now about to publish her third novel.
Known name as a student?
Paula Exley
Which institution did you attend?
Charlotte Mason College
Which campus did you study at?
Ambleside
What years did you study with us?
1982 to 1987
What did you study and why did you pick this course?
I studied for a BEd as I wanted to become a teacher.
Do you remember any tutors? Did you have any favourites, if so, what made them special?
Dotty Harrison was my personal tutor, Don Norwood for science, David Trembath for English, Jack Parker for psychology, Dr Carne was pastoral lead, Phil Heggarty was my favourite tutor and school studies lead.
What did you do in your spare time as a student?
Had a boyfriend who was not at the college! Also keen motorcyclist, cyclist and walker.
Do you have any amusing stories you are willing to share?
I lived in Gregory, the upstairs girls were important second, third and fourth years when we were only freshers, they didn't like us. Trailing up to Kelsick for maths and computer lectures; teaching practices were the best, especially scouting for resources in the resource centre; I loved the whole Lake District feel of the campus.
What is your fondest memory of your time as a student?
Teaching practice, it made the whole thing worthwhile. I took a year out in the middle of the 4-year BEd degree and got married and had a baby! Then I lived at home for the final two years. Being a student with a baby took some getting used to but my fellow students were so supportive, as were the tutors.
Job title
Ex Deputy Head Teacher and now Author
Current Employer
was with Cumbria County Council
Briefly explain what your job entails
I have left teaching now, after 32 years, taken an MA in creative writing with Lancaster University and I am about to have my third novel published.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
The best part of teaching was working with children.
What were your career ambitions when you started studying and do you think that you have achieved them?
I wanted to be a teacher and I became one, anything else was a bonus.
How did going to university influence your life?
Getting a BEd made a huge difference to my life... I secured a good job that was rewarding and financially secure. Teaching gave me a lot of confidence and skills.
What are you most proud of?
Me, the terribly shy introvert becoming a deputy head and leading school assemblies without even giving it a thought. I know I made a difference to the lives of countless kids as I see lots of them and they tell me.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I had to leave teaching in the end because it became a destroyer of my mental health... I wanted to write and become a published author and that is what I have achieved in the three years since I left.
I have also just completed a PGCert in regional history with Lancaster (it's helped me immensely with writing novel number five-a historical one). All my novels are set in Cumbria, in and around Barrow, where I live.
Being a teacher for all those years gave me a ton of confidence and some highly developed organisational skills, which have stood me in good stead in the four years of study since I left!
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for students today?
Put heart and soul into the job but do not let the bureaucracy of it destroy your mental and physical health.
Anything else you wish to add?
I visit the CMC campus a lot and it brings back such good memories.
Paula’s debut novel, Seaview House
The unearthing of a long-hidden body stirs up a woman’s memories of a troubled relationship—and teenage trauma—in this suspenseful, emotional novel.
Find out more and order Seaview House HERE.
Paula’s second novel, The Cottage
A scandalous accusation sends a woman fleeing to the countryside, where she meets an enigmatic man who also has something to hide…
Find out more and order The Cottage HERE.
Follow Paula’s career and find out more about her work here: paulahillmanauthor.co.uk
If you would like to share your own memories, find our profile form here.