More than 125 students from Selby College’s University Centre graduated as part of a prestigious Graduation Ceremony at Selby Abbey, on Friday 15th November 2024.

Marking their special day, the graduates were joined by family and friends, as well as their tutors and support staff from the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.

Special guests including Councillor Linda Bayram, Chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council and her Consort, Charlie Bayram and Gareth Morton, Headteacher at the Rubicon Centre, also joined the celebrations.

Representatives from the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s University Centre’s awarding bodies were also in attendance, including Gwyneth Allatt from the University of Huddersfield and Lynne Braham from the University of Hull.

Keynote speaker and Member of Parliament for Selby, Keir Mather MP, delivered an inspirational speech to graduates, acknowledging the hard work and resilience they’ve shown throughout their studies.

Sharing his experience of becoming the UK’s youngest Member of Parliament when he was appointed at the age of 25, Keir encouraged them always to be ambitious and take control of their destinies as they embark on their next steps.

Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, also praised the graduates for their outstanding achievements, saying:

“Our graduates have invested considerable time and energy into gaining their degree-level qualifications, with many carrying out their studies alongside their careers or raising a family. This is no mean feat, which is why it’s so special to be able to celebrate these remarkable achievements alongside graduates’ loved ones and special guests in the spectacular backdrop of Selby Abbey. I hope they feel incredibly proud of themselves.”

Following this, Performing Arts students from the University Centre delivered breath taking performances of a range of songs from West End musicals.

The graduates were then invited up to the stage by Stephen Mulligan, Head of Higher Education at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group to be presented with their certificates by Vice Chair of Governors, Martyn Shaw.

Amongst those graduating were mother and daughter Gemma and Ellie Anstee, with Gemma achieving a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Top-Up) degree and Ellie graduating with a Higher National Certificate in Business.

Validated by some of the region's most well-established universities, the graduates were awarded a range of Foundation Degrees, Full Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Top-Up Degrees, Professional Qualifications and Teacher Training Qualifications.

These degree-level programmes are delivered through the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s University Centre and cover a range of subjects, 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.

Results of the latest National Student Survey revealed that the University Centre placed significantly higher than the national average in a range of areas, including quality of teaching, learning opportunities, academic support and assessments.

This comes as Selby College celebrates 40 years of educating the local community, which has seen it provide learning and training opportunities for learners aged 15 right up to 70+.