Braintree College students have scored outstanding academic success this summer, with 29 picking up top distinction grades on GNVQ -- General National Advanced Qualification -- advanced programmes.

A distinction grade at GNVQ is equivalent to two top grade A-levels, and virtually guarantees a university place.

The majority of the 29 went to the college from local schools, although seven are mature students with ages ranging up to 57.

Principal Martin Bates said: "GNVQ programmes can be seen to appeal to all age groups.

"Both those of sixth form age and more mature students can benefit from the vocational content and particular modes of assessment.

"It is good to see so many using this route to go to university."

He added that students securing the qualification's merit grade had also won university places.

Distinctions were won by the following students: Rebecca Copping, Anthony Houghton, Richard Martin, Lee Threadgold, Louise Wedlock, Carl Belgrove, Justina Drury, Sarah Earey, Dannie Macklin, Debbie Painter and Sandra Burch (business); Nikolaus Mallett, Russell Sneezum and Graham Higgins (information technology); Dannie Summers, Lauren Murphy, Lucy Turnell and Jenny Parrett (art and design); Rachel Clark, Helen Poole, Reginald Chant and Susan Murkowski (health and social care); Victoria Parsley, David Cumbers and Victoria Wheeler (hospitality and catering); Charlotte Hill, Wendy Codling and Kerry Franklin (leisure and tourism); and Peter Purnell (media).

To find out more about Braintree College GNVQ programmes, call 01376 321711.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.