News & Events

A congregation of more than 600 people crammed into Wakefield Cathedral last Saturday to see students from Wakefield College receive higher Level qualifications at the annual Graduation Ceremony.

This year’s guest speaker, Terry Hodgkinson CBE, Chair of Yorkshire Forward praised the hard work and commitment of both students and tutors. Speaking to the congregation Terry said, “This is the culmination of many years of hard work, dedication and commitment. Each one of you should be justifiably proud of your achievements.”

Addressing the congregation, College Principal, Sue Griffiths said, “Today is a significant occasion, not just for the College, but for the community of the Wakefield District. Wakefield College has a well established tradition of service to our students and to our local communities. We share a commitment to the economic, social and cultural development of our region, working with partners including the local authority, the high schools, employers, and, of course, universities in our region.”

This year’s event saw the College bestow a posthumous Foundation Degree on former Sports Performance Coaching student Gareth Swift who tragically died earlier this year. Gareth’s mum Tracey received the award on his behalf.

A procession of College staff, Governors, guests and graduates, headed by the Mayor of Wakefield, Councillor Tony Wallis, paraded along Wood Street on one of the most important days in the College Calendar, to the City’s Cathedral.

This year in excess of 400 students achieved a Higher Education qualification at Wakefield College including Higher National Diplomas, Higher National Certificates, Foundation Degrees and Degrees in a wide variety of areas including Education, Computing, Personnel, Childhood Studies, Care, Sports Studies, Music, Engineering, Business & Management, Catering, Web Design, Theatre, Marketing, Art & Design and Accounting. Many have gone on to do top-up degrees at universities across the country.

Amongst this year’s high achievers were 17 members of College staff who completed a range of courses.