STUDENTS celebrated marking the end of their studies late last month with a graduation ceremony to remember.
Glitz, glamour, gowns an' all was had in town when University Centre Weston (UCW) graduates saw the end of their hard work.
On September 30, St John the Baptist’s Church hosted the special event where hundreds of guests cheered on the jazz quartet-led procession as the graduates and academics walked up Lower Church Road for their ceremonies.
Guests also watched live via a large screen placed in the Italian Gardens.
“We're very proud of everybody graduating this year," Weston College principal, Sir Paul Phillips, said.
"Our learners have produced exceptional work and are now progressing onto brilliant careers because of their terrific talents and perseverance.
“This graduating year, more than 30 per cent of honours students achieved a first-class degree, which is of course, the highest grade possible. And more than 80 per cent secured either a first or 2:1 class."
Two ceremonies saw each student collect their certificate and take part in a traditional mortarboard toss. They also heard a performance from learners currently studying musical theatre.
Graduating student Jack Kimmins, who achieved first-class honours in applied computing, and achieved gold at the national WorldSkills Web Design finals, said: “UCW isn't just a university, it's an idea, a belief that no matter what the challenges and obstacles are in our lives, we can overcome them.
“As graduates, we will now embark on perhaps an even more exciting and unpredictable journey that will lead us into the next chapter of our lives.
“Our lecturers inspired us to think beyond the classroom, to accept the different and embrace the unknown.”
This year's cohort also saw first-year students graduate from programmes such as digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship as well as business and sustainability.
UCW has expanded since its previous graduation and now runs a range of 'short courses' in special educational needs and disability (SEND) as well as software engineering higher technical qualifications.
Graduation was postponed from a date set earlier in the month due to the Queen's death and subsequent national mourning period.
A spokesperson added: "Massive congratulations to the graduates of 2022."
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