Beauty Therapy student Maria Georgiou believes college is a better option than school.
At the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) we know that school isn’t for everyone.
That’s why we offer a wide range of vocational skills courses and apprenticeships as a real alternative to getting into work or university than traditional A-levels at sixth form.
Many of our students say they prefer college life to school – because it is less formal, they have more independence and that they’re able to gain actual work-related skills and experience.
CONEL’s Level 3 courses are equivalent to three A-levels and each year more than 60% of our students are either in further education or employment within six months of leaving college and hundreds more gain places at university.
Maria Georgiou, 19, completed a Beauty Therapy Diploma Level 2 this summer after leaving school during her A-levels and studying business for a year at another college.
“I don’t think the options were right for me at school,” said Maria, who is returning to CONEL to study a Level 3 course this September.
“I’m more practical and learn better doing something more hands on. At CONEL I’ve worked with actual clients, which has really built up more confidence.
“At school I felt everything had to be done a certain way, but at college I get more of a chance to express myself. I’m also treated more like an adult at college.
“I get to work more as an individual and there’s less pressure.”
Maria Georgiou, fourth from left, with other Beauty Therapy students and their models after winning a competition at CONEL.
Maria excelled on her Level 2 course and was praised for her “excellent professional and technical ability” when she won a college competition against other students in June.
She hopes to become a make-up artist, and believes that being able to learn from tutors with such a wealth of expertise has been invaluable in contributing to her success.
“I find the teachers excellent here and very supportive and motivational. They also have more experience and know what they’re talking about, which inspires me to learn more.
“Coming to CONEL has given me a much clearer idea of where I’m heading, and that I can achieve my goals.”
Even if you don’t get the grades you hoped for, we have courses available to get you back on track, including resits for GCSE English and Maths.
If you want to progress from Level 3 we offer a number of Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HNC) qualifications at Levels 4 and 5
HNDs can be topped up to an honours degree with just one year’s further study at university, meaning the overall cost if considerably lower than spending £9,000 a year at university.