A mum diagnosed with dyslexia has defied all odds by successfully launching her own business after she left school with no GCSEs.

Lauren Baker, 33, of Tockholes, struggled throughout school due to her learning difficulty and says she left the education system when she was advised to quit school in year 10.

Lauren carried out veterinary work experience but her lack of GCSEs meant she couldn’t apply for the subject she wanted to do at Myerscough College and was placed on a course for disabled students despite dyslexia not being classed as disability.

The 33-year-old says she felt unmotivated after constantly being rejected by schools and colleges but continued working various jobs throughout her life until she found a passion in baking.

Lancashire Telegraph: Baked goods made by LaurenBaked goods made by Lauren (Image: Facebook)

The Baker’s Bake owner said: “It’s taken me a long time to build confidence because I’ve felt inadequate my whole life and because dyslexia is not classed as a disability, you just get brushed under the carpet.

“I masked all the way through school and made jokes about me not being able to read to cope with how it was affecting my self-esteem. I don’t want children to feel like who I did and I just want to show support for kids who struggle in school just because they have different learning styles.”

Lauren prefers a more hands on, practical approach to learning which is why she believes she fell behind in school.

She said: “Schools just focus on exams but not everyone learns that way. My brain didn’t absorb information just by a teacher talking a me, I needed to see it. That’s how I was able to teach myself how to bake through YouTube videos. I’m self-taught and it just shows that there isn’t only one way to learn.”

Lauren started baking during lockdown and has since grown a popular business running stalls at markets across East Lancashire and stocks weekly at 1617 Coffeehouse, Maria's Deli, and Godfather Pizza House in Darwen.

She said: “It is a crazy job with stupid hours and it’s hard work but I love it. My dad is amazing, he helps with the bookkeeping and admin side of it, but I bake alone. I bake the majority the night before but I’m up at 3am, bake any last-minute bits and I leave to go to the stall at 6am.

“I’m lucky because I have an amazing husband and family who have helped me a lot but there are children out there who won’t have the support network I had.

“If you’re being treated like you’re not good enough then you’ll start to believe that so the education needs to change.

“I’m proof it can happen but I know I’m not going to change the world but I want to bring a bit of light to the issue and show even just one person that you don’t need to have a piece of paper to be good at what you do.

“Anyone struggling with their mental health or dyslexia please remember not to be ashamed or worry if you do not fit in with what society tells us is ‘normal’ because we’re all different.”

You can visit Lauren’s business Baker’s Bake on Facebook or Instagram at @bakersbake21.