The academic achievements of more than 270 University Centre graduates were acknowledged as part of a prestigious Graduation Ceremony at Wakefield Cathedral, on Wednesday 7th November 2024.
Graduates marked the momentous occasion alongside their family and friends, as well as their tutors and support staff from the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.
They were also joined by special guests including the Mayor of Wakefield, Councillor Darren Byford; Chris Nicholls, Area Director for the North East and Yorkshire & Humber at the Association of Colleges; and the Revd Canon Dr Philip Hobday of Wakefield Cathedral.
Representatives from the University Centre’s awarding bodies were also present at the ceremony including Professor James Woodall from Leeds Beckett University, Nichola Cooper from the University of Hull and Sarah Ahmed from the University of Huddersfield.
Entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Claire Young, who was born and raised in Wakefield and is best known for her appearance on the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, delivered an inspirational speech to graduates – advising them to be kind and ambitious as they embark on their next steps.
Sharing her experience as a runner up on The Apprentice, which was watched by over 11 million people at the time, Claire encouraged the graduates to always work hard and believe in themselves.
Entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Claire Young, speaking to graduates
Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, also congratulated the graduates for their outstanding achievements, saying:
“Graduation is always an incredibly special day as it’s the culmination of our students’ educational journey, acknowledging the hard work, commitment and resilience they have demonstrated whilst gaining their qualification. It’s an honour to be able to celebrate these remarkable achievements in the spectacular backdrop of Wakefield Cathedral, alongside our graduates’ loved ones, tutors and special guests.”
Claire’s motivational speech was followed by a breathtaking performance of two songs from West End musicals by BA (Hons) Performance Industries student, Natasha Deal.
Graduands 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 Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s Chair of Governors, Andrew McConnell OBE.
FdA Young Children’s Learning & Development graduate Chloe Beaumont collecting her certificate from Andrew McConnell OBE
Amongst those graduating were twin sisters Linda and Maria Donnelly, who were both celebrating achieving a BA (Hons) Business Management qualification after completing their course together.
Twin sisters Linda and Maria Donnelly graduating from the BA (Hons) Business Management programme
The graduates were awarded with a range of Foundation Degrees, Full Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Top-Up Degrees, Professional Qualifications and Teacher Training Qualifications.
Validated by some of the region's most well-established universities, the programmes cover a wide range of subject areas 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.
Applications for the University Centre’s wide range of programmes are now open for September 2025.