While the focus was on A-level results yesterday, thousands of other students were celebrating the results of their vocational exams across the county.

Across the EKC Group's colleges in Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Sheppey, some 5,421 qualifications have been achieved by students.

The BTEC qualifications have rarely been celebrated in the same way traditional academic qualifications are, but this year there’s a greater emphasis on the delivery of technical and vocational skills than ever before, with the Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, saying "technical education had played second fiddle" for too long.

He said: “As the first education secretary to personally take charge of further education and skills, I’m going to make sure that those people who opt to take a technical or vocational qualification are given the proper recognition for their hard work. Technical and vocational educational has played second fiddle to traditional academic options for too long."

Jake Miles studied applied science at Canterbury College and achieved three starred distinctions. He will now be taking up a place at the University of Kent to study a foundation degree in physics and astronomy.

He said: “I have loved my time here. I’m excited for university where I’m looking to progress into astrophysics and space science.”

Group principal and chief executive for EKC Group, Graham Razey, added: “It’s always amazing to see our students succeed in their aspirations to develop the skills they need to move into their chosen career pathways. All of the work we do at EKC Group’s colleges is centred on helping get our students work ready, so they’re able to get the skills they need to move seamlessly into employment.

“I’d like to say a huge congratulations to all of the students picking up results today, and wish them the best of luck as they move onto their next step, whether that’s their career or further education.”

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