New College students celebrate Higher Education graduation success

New College Swindon saw scenes of joy and celebration as it hosted graduation ceremonies for over 80 Higher Education students at its Queens Drive Campus on Saturday 12 November 2022.

The class of 2022 attended one of three graduation ceremonies, with friends and family, to have their fantastic achievements recognised. The guest speaker was Professor Linda King Pro Vice Chancellor Research and Global Partnerships at Oxford Brookes University.

Students graduated from a wide range of degree, foundation degree, and Higher National Certificate and Diploma programmes offered by the College and partner universities such as Oxford Brookes University. Subjects included Education, Health and Social Care, Graphic Design, Creative Media, Engineering, Business, Counselling, Computing, Performing Arts and Public Services.

Henry Bowdidge graduated with an HND in Creative Media Production (Film) and is now working as a freelance videographer. He said:

“I feel so very proud of myself and am looking forward to my future prospects. The lecturers here were very supportive and friendly. I would say to anyone considering studying HE, that the effort you put in you will receive back tenfold; work hard and be inquisitive.”

Hilton Jones graduated with a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care and is now running a care company, Purity Care Limited, with his wife. He said:

“I chose a degree programme at New College Swindon because of the availability of the programme and its proximity to my home. I really enjoyed the challenges that the programme provided and meeting new and diverse people. My advice to someone considering studying HE would be to just do it and stick to it. I feel overjoyed and elated about my achievement in graduating.”

Eva Florekova graduated with an HNC in Electronic and Electrical Engineering and is employed as a Project Leader in quality control and engineering. She said:

“I chose to do a higher education course at New College because I wanted to gain new knowledge and learn new skills.”

Carole Kitching, Principal and CEO of New College Swindon said:

“This is a fantastic day for our Higher Education graduates as they celebrate their achievement, and we have no doubt that they will go on to experience exciting and fulfilling careers. It’s an honour to be able to share this day with them and their families, and we wish them every future success.

It’s great to see so many students graduate who have been with us since studying at Level 2. We’re proud to offer such robust progression routes and opportunities for people to advance their skills and develop their careers.”

New College is holding its University-Level Open Evening on Thursday 17 November, from 5-7pm at the Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology at its North Star campus. Find out more at www.newcollege.ac.uk.