Bridgwater College saw 184 higher education and professional studies students celebrate their Graduation at St. Mary’s Church, Bridgwater, with over 600 guests in attendance to witness the achievements made.

In order to accommodate all the students wishing to celebrate their success, the College held two ceremonies. St Marys Church was filled to capacity at both 1pm and 5pm with excited graduates, supported by their friends, families, college staff, governors and invited guests. Those graduating had studied a range of courses from Nuclear Engineering to Public Services and Media Practice, to Accounting.

View photos from our 2015 Graduation Ceremony

The ceremonies’ Guest Speaker was Professor Paul Inman, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Technology, Design and Environment at Oxford Brookes University. He spoke about how hard work, dedication and optimism are factors of success and how learning should never end.

The College once again saw some outstanding results, with 16 students being awarded First Class Honour Degrees, 17 students receiving Distinctions and 19 members of staff graduating with higher education qualifications themselves.

Julie Merrett, of Wells studied the Foundation Degree in Countryside Management validated by Oxford Brookes University and was awarded a Distinction said,

“After completing a work experience placement with Natural England at the Avalon Marshes Centre as part of my course, I now have the job as Reserve Warden there. It came at the perfect time, as I was completing my degree.”

Ruth Burrows, of Weston and Lecturer for Public Services, achieved her Diploma in Teaching said,

“I am the first member of my family to achieve a higher education qualification and I am over the moon with my achievement. It has been hard studying for a qualification alongside caring for my disabled mother and supporting my four children, but it was worth every minute.”

Jenny Ashworth, Director of Academic Partnerships and Marketing said,

“Bridgwater College's Graduation ceremony is a fantastic occasion where not only the graduates, but also their families and friends can celebrate the level of achievement accomplished. We are delighted that so many of our higher education students were able to celebrate this momentous occasion with us and as the number of students we have on degree-level courses continues to grow, this event goes from strength to strength. To be able to use local venues as part of the ceremony provides a great sense of community spirit, which is often commented upon by students, families and guests.”

Mike Robbins, College Principal, closed proceedings by congratulating all those who were awarded with higher education qualifications from partner universities including Oxford Brookes University, the University of the West of England, the University of Lancashire and Plymouth University along with a number of providers for professional qualifications. Mr Robbins also made reference to the huge role friends, families and College staff have to play in the graduate’s success.