When Michael Ogei-Tulley left school at 16 with just two GCSE passes in art and photography at grade A-C, he could not imagine that five years later he would be studying for a degree.
But by taking vocational courses in subjects he is passionate about, Ogei-Tulley has achieved what he once thought was impossible. He spent three years studying graphic design at Redbridge college in east London before leaving with the qualifications that enabled him to take a degree course. He is now studying graphics at Havering college of further and higher education in Essex.
After leaving school he took a year-long GNVQ course at Redbridge in art and design and progressed on to a BTec national diploma in graphics. This was a two-year course, which he passed with two distinctions and a merit, the equivalent in university-entrance Ucas points of two grade As and one grade C pass at A-level.
Ogei-Tulley, from Stratford, east London, says: "I am surprised I have come this far. I didn't enjoy school much, but going to college has given me the chance to pursue what I am interested in.
"The teachers at college are inspiring and give you a lot of help and support. I have them to thank if I achieve my ambition of becoming an illustrator for books and magazines."
