Graduates celebrate achievements at Bath College’s higher education graduation ceremony

Hard-working students from all walks of life gathered to celebrate their achievements at Bath College’s higher education graduation ceremony.

There were plenty of smiles and proud faces as students gathered at the college to collect their caps and gowns before heading to Bath Abbey for the ceremony.

More than 70 students won the right to graduate after completing courses at Level 4 or higher in subjects such as construction, computing, music, fashion and sport.

They graduated from a range of college higher education programmes, including programmes validated by the University of Bath and Bath Spa University.

Charlotte Wise, 20, from Radstock, has spent two years studying at Bath College and graduated with an HND in sport and exercise science.

In September, she will start a year-long course at Gloucestershire University to convert her qualifications into an honours degree.

Miss Wise said: “I did my A-levels and then came straight to college, it was the best decision for me. I couldn’t imagine sitting in a lecture hall with hundreds of people.

“Being at college we got a lot more support from staff. I have put in a lot of hard work so it’s nice to be rewarded at the end.”

Graduate Sarah-Jane Doman attended the ceremony as a newly qualified teacher and a new member of staff at Bath College.

Sarah-Jane, from Frome, has just completed a Level 5 diploma in education and training, and has been offered a job teaching hairdressing.

The 35-year-old, who begins at the college in August, decided on a new career after developing RSI.

She said: “This is the first time I have graduated and I am really excited. I want to make my parents proud and throw my hat in the air!

“I was cutting down my work load in the salon due to RSI. Becoming a teacher in the industry seemed like the next best step for my career.

“Completing a Level 5 course is quite an accomplishment for me. My tutor Clive has been nothing but an inspiration and extremely supportive through the entire course.

“I have met some fantastic characters in the group, most of which work in the college, so I look forward to our paths crossing in the future.”

Bath College Principal Matt Atkinson said: “At Bath College we are the place where people come to enter the world of work,

“We are the place where people come to improve their place in the world of work and we are the place where communities come together to keep learning.

“Our graduates today have made the decision to undertake a higher education programme at their local college, knowing that the learning and skills they develop will prepare them well for their futures.

“Many of them will have had to overcome challenges – we should not underestimate how difficult it is to complete a higher education programme while holding down a job and managing home and family commitments.

“We have the utmost respect for our higher education students – they certainly add to the richness and diversity of our college.”