Northumberland College students celebrate achievements at their graduations

Northumberland College Higher Education students recently celebrated their achievements at an inspirational graduation ceremony.

The graduands were presented with their diplomas from a wide range of courses at the college’s Kirkley Hall Campus, including honours degrees; foundation degrees; higher apprenticeships; higher national diplomas; higher national certificates; and professional qualifications.

Following the ceremony, they joined their friends and families in the historic 17th century Kirkley Hall for a drinks reception to formally mark the end of their programmes with us and the start of the next chapter in their bright futures.

Deputy CEO Toni Rhodes said: “We were delighted to share this important day with all our Higher Education students and I’m proud of everything they have worked hard to achieve.

“As graduates, I know they will use their higher-level skills and knowledge to positively contribute to the economy and society and foster a better world.

“I would like to thank all of our higher education staff for the support they have given our graduates during their studies, and I wish all those who graduated every success in the future.”

Lee Lister, Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall Campus Principal, added: “It was a brilliant and humbling day and a pleasure to share in the graduation celebration. The students have worked incredibly hard during their HE programmes and it is a huge achievement for them. It is also testament to the support the staff have given them as well as their families and friends, who have been pivotal in creating an environment where success can be achieved.”

Professor Julie Mennell, Vice Chancellor at University of Cumbria, who was the guest speaker at this year’s graduation, also said: “It was an absolute privilege to be part of the graduation ceremony, to recognise the fantastic achievements of students and to share some of my personal reflections on my own journey to date.

“I also had the opportunity to meet with staff and to see and hear first hand just what a tremendous job the college is doing to support students and into employment or further study.”

Among this year’s graduates was BA (Hons) student Ellie Whitfield, who studied Working with Children & Families, gave the Vote of Thanks speech at the end of the ceremony.

Ellie said: “Celebrating my graduation today has been fantastic and to also have the opportunity to give a speech to close off the ceremony – giving thanks to the college, the staff and everyone involved was a real honour.”

“My time at Northumberland College has been an absolute pleasure and to anyone that’s thinking about going to college, I would say go for it.”

Fellow students, Rebecca and Hannah who studied Equine Management, Coaching and Training added: “We loved all parts of this course, from spending time with the horses, meeting new people and just the level of training you get as part of it too was great.”

Education and Training student James Foster also said: “My time at Northumberland College has been great, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and would highly recommend anyone coming to the college to study.”

The college has launched a competitive scholarship scheme that will fund fees for a Higher Education course commencing in September. The scheme has been created to support progressing students’ future career aspirations enabling them to study a Higher Education course of their choice at Northumberland College.

Check our website for updates on 2026 deadline submissions by visiting: https://northumberland.ac.uk/courses/higher-education/principals-scholarship/.

Vice Chair of Governors, Allison Shaw said: ‘It was a source of pride and a great privilege for me to chair Northumberland College’s graduation ceremonies this year. The importance of taking a moment to celebrate the achievement of each graduating student is not to be underestimated – it gives dignity and recognition to their commitment and centres on the importance of individual achievement and contribution to the wider community.

“I will never tire of such events and the care the college takes to get it ‘just right’ is awesome! A joyful, beautiful occasion.”

Northumberland College offers a variety of Higher Education courses and degrees validated and accredited by the University of Cumbria.

For students interested in applying for our HE courses, applications can be made online at, www.northumberland.ac.uk or prospective students can visit our popular open events to find out more.