Higher Education students take part in annual graduation ceremony in St Chad’s

Led by the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Ioan Jones, a line of mortar boards and graduation gowns made its way from Shrewsbury Market Square to St Chad’s Church in the annual Shrewsbury College graduation parade and awards ceremony today.

The College has seen an increase in Higher Education student numbers with over 140 graduating from its university-level courses this year. Approximately 100 students and tutors took part in the annual parade and awards ceremony.

Professor Liz Barnes, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Staffordshire University, one of the College’s affiliate universities, was the special guest speaker at the graduation ceremony in St Chad’s Church.

Professor Barnes said: “Staffordshire University very much values the strong partnership with Shrewsbury College in relation to the Higher Education (HE) provision for numerous HNCs, HNDs and Foundation Degrees. It is a pleasure to be able to attend today and recognise the commitment these students have made towards furthering their education and career ambitions. We are so proud of their achievements.”

Steve Wain, Principal of Shrewsbury College, said: “We have been offering HE courses at the College for nearly 20 years. It’s a fantastic achievement for these students to be graduating and the parade is a real rite of passage before they go on into their future careers.”

“There are many benefits of studying HE with us, including smaller class sizes, taught by lecturers with industry experience who have the opportunity to influence the development of programmes, excellent facilities and the ability to study around work and family commitments.”

One graduating student, Anna Carlyle, commented: “I’ve been studying on the PGCE at the College as a part-time student for two years. The course has been outstanding and it has been fantastic being able to fit it in around my job as a tutor in the Fashion Department at Shrewsbury College. It’s a very proud moment when all of the hard work comes together and you step up to receive your certificate.”