New College Swindon celebrates class of 2023 with graduation

New College Swindon hosted its annual graduation ceremonies for over 130 University Centre and Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology students.

The event was held at the Queens Drive Campus with students graduating from a wide range of degrees, foundation degrees and HND programmes.

Subjects included Education, Health and Social Care, Graphic Design, Engineering, Business, Computing, Performing Arts and Public Services.

The Class of 2023 celebrate in Swindon. (Image: New College)

Leah Palmer, Interim Principal and CEO of New College Swindon said: “New College Swindon University Centre has established itself as an outstanding provider of higher education.

“Many of our graduands have studied their higher education programme alongside the challenges of family and work commitments, which has to be commended.

“Their achievements are due to hard work, commitment and dedication of our graduands and staff.”

This was also the first year that a cohort of IoT students has graduated since its grand opening in 2021.

Darran Marks, managing director of Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology said: “Quite simply, Congratulations!

“To be the first is an accomplishment in itself, coupled with the extreme satisfaction of your own personal achievement; Your determination, commitment and hunger for learning have wowed us to celebrate you as our first-ever IoT graduates.”

The graduates celebrated on Saturday, November 11. (Image: New College)

On a night of celebrations at the college on November 11, several students took to the stage to collect their awards and speak about their experiences in gaining the various qualifications.

Holly Farrow-Moss graduated with a BSc Health and Social Care degree and is currently employed as a SEN Teaching Assistant but now plans to train further as an educational psychologist.

She said: “The tutors were fantastic and it’s been a fantastic college for further education opportunities.”

Alex Gunter graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Computing and while still living at home, he was able to move towards a degree.

Hoping to stay in the field of computing, Alex said: “I could study higher education while still living at home, which has enabled me to progress onto the degree course.

“The college has been very supportive.”

Students were joined by guest speakers which included Professor Donald Rigby, Associate Dean, Strategy and Development, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University.

Swindon Borough Councillor Will Stone also attended the graduation.