While students are getting their A-level results today, others already received their B-Tech grades yesterday.

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL)'s students celebrated their results yesterday.

The college offers a wide range of vocational courses to give students the skills for a specific career or to further their study at a higher level.

Extended Level 3 qualifications in these courses are the equivalent of up to three A-levels and accepted as an alternative by many universities.

Alisa Jastrub. 19, is set to study a BSc (Hons) Psychology at the University of Westminster after completing a Health and Social Care Diploma Extended Level 3.

Alisa, 19, said: “I left sixth form after a year because I felt the course at CONEL was more relevant to what I wanted to do. At college you also have more independence and you’re treated you more like an adult. At sixth form it still feels like you’re in school.

“The whole experience was good for me. The teachers were supportive. They helped me whenever they could and answered my questions, and prepared me well for university.”

Veselin Bakiev, 20, is heading to university to study a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science at Goldsmiths University of London after completing an IT Diploma Extended Level 3.

He said: “My teacher said the course would be the best choice for me to get into university because I did not have any A-levels because I am from Bulgaria.

“The course was great and I learnt a lot about software and programming that I can take to university. I’m really excited to be going to university and meeting new people and learning more about computers.”

Vocational courses are different to A-levels with students choosing various modules to broaden their skills and knowledge with assessment usually undertaken through exams, coursework and work placements.

At the end of the second year of their Level 3 qualification they will have completed more than 100 hours in placement, which combined with their studies better prepares them for their chosen career or higher education.

Call 020 8442 3055 or visit www.conel.ac.uk for more information on enrolling on Higher Education courses at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).