Almost 90 graduates from Selby College’s University Centre had their academic achievements honoured as part of a Graduation ceremony at Selby Abbey.

Taking place on Friday 10^th November, graduates were joined by their family and friends, as well as their tutors and support staff of the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, as they celebrated their achievements.

The ceremony commenced with a procession of academic staff and special guests including the Chairman of North Yorkshire Council, Councillor David Ireton, who was joined by his Consort, Mrs Sandra Ireton, and Vice Chairman of East Riding Council, Councillor Linda Bayram, who was also joined by her Consort, Mr Charlie Bayram.

Representatives from the University Centre’s Awarding Bodies were also present at the ceremony including Dr. Lynn Senior, Consortium Director at Huddersfield University, and Rebecca Huxley-Binns, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at the University of Hull.

Acknowledging the graduates for their outstanding achievements, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, Sam Wright, started the ceremony by congratulating the graduates.

Graduation is always a momentous occasion as it marks the culmination of our graduates academic and personal achievements. Some of our graduates have completed their degree-level studies during a global pandemic and whilst raising families or working full-time, which makes it even more special being able to celebrate their success alongside their loved ones and tutors in the magnificent setting of Selby Abbey. They have already laid the foundations of what I’m sure will be success futures and I wish them all the best on the next stage of their journey.

This was followed by guest speaker Faye Banks, Global Director of Electrical Transmission & Distribution at Turner & Townsend, who encouraged the graduates to always believe in and challenge themselves as they embark on their next steps.

Faye has won a number of national accolades including UK Young Woman Engineer of the Year, and is in the UK Top 50 female engineers, Open University Alumni of the Year and has received the National Higher Education Gold Award.

Graduands were then invited up to the stage by Jason Pepper, Group Executive Director of Finance and Resources, to be presented with their certificates by Heart of Yorkshire Education Group Chair of Governors, Andrew McConnell OBE.

The graduates were awarded with a range of Higher Education honours, including Foundation Degrees, Full Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Top-Up Degrees and Teacher Training qualifications.

Validated by some of the region's most well-established universities, the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s provision covers a variety of subject areas including Animal Management, Art & Design, Business, Construction, Childhood Studies, Digital Technologies, Education, Engineering, Health & Wellbeing, Music, Performing Arts, Public Services, Social Science, Sport and more.

Husband and wife Craig and Katie Thompson were amongst those who graduated in the presence of their three children, with Craig completing a Higher National Diploma in Business and Katie a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), at the University Centre.

The University Centre recently placed significantly higher than the national average for student experience in the latest National Student Survey, with over 92% of students stating they feel positive about the teaching and support they receive at the University Centre, 8% higher than the sector average.

Applications for the University Centre’s wide range of programmes are now open for September 2024.

Find out more about the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.