Our annual Higher Education graduation ceremony was held on Thursday 12th October in the iconic ballroom of Stockport Town Hall. 125 graduates from University Centre Stockport College and Trafford College were honoured for their academic achievements and contributions to their respective fields of study.
The Ceremony commenced with a procession of academic staff and honoured guests, including the Mayor of both Stockport and Trafford, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, as well as Guest Speaker Bassit Siddiqui.
Principal and Chief Executive James Scott addressed the gathering, emphasising the significance of the occasion and congratulating the graduates on their remarkable achievements. He particularly highlighted the importance of higher education in shaping individuals into well-rounded professionals and contributing members of society.
Founder of Siddiqui Education, Bassit Siddiqui then gave a keynote address for the ceremony. He passionately conveyed the importance of education, curiosity, and lifelong learning, emphasising their role as guiding lights towards one’s true purpose. To him, education is not merely a qualification but a tapestry of lessons and reflections that cultivate curiosity. He implored the audience to embrace this curiosity and confidence as they navigate the ever-changing world of exploration, learning, and growth, guided by the curiosity and knowledge they’ve acquired.
Students were then presented with their formal qualifications, with awards including BA Honours and Foundation degrees, HNDs, HNCs and a wide variety of higher professional qualifications across a number of disciplines.
A highlight of the ceremony was an address led by Jane Nickisson, Assistant Principal for Higher Education who presented the Higher Education Student of the Year Awards to outstanding graduates. These graduates had demonstrated exceptional academic excellence and contributions to their respective fields. The recipients of this year’s awards were:
Grace Taylor, Higher Education Student of the Year 2023 for Creative Arts
Estelle Read-Hoyle, Higher Education Student of the Year 2023 for Computing
Kaine Latif, Higher Education Student of the Year 2023 for Construction
Christian Chalfont, Higher Education Student of the Year 2023 for Counselling
Kerry Sargeant, Higher Education Student of the Year 2023 for Early Years
Luke Winstanley, Higher Education Student of the Year 2023 for Education and Training
Conor Mills, Higher Education Student of the Year 2023 for Engineering
Daryll Abrahams, Higher Education Student of the Year 2023 for Sport
Luke Winstanley, Outstanding Achievement for Higher Education Student of the Year 2023
“I was delighted and honoured to host the Trafford College Group and University Centre, Stockport College Graduation 2023. We welcomed over 600 attendees; Graduates and their families, distinguished guests and our amazing Academic Staff, to Stockport Town Hall, to be part of this memorable celebration of personal and academic achievements.” Jane Nickisson
This year we had a special ‘vote of thanks’ to curriculum staff from Susanna Vosper, who recently graduated in BA (Hons) in Contemporary Creative Practice. Her inspirational speech about the welcoming learning environment as a mature student at University Centre Stockport College received a rapturous applause.
Our Commitment to Learning
Along with excellent industry links, the University Level provision we have at Trafford College and University Centre Stockport College, boasts a successful partnership with validating university Sheffield Hallam. Those who graduated on Thursday placed Trafford College Group above the national average for overall student satisfaction in the 2023 National Student Survey (NSS).
With overall student satisfaction rates of 90% and progression into employment and student pass rates both at an all time high of 97% – we are now leading the way in Higher Education across Greater Manchester – meaning there’s no better time to join us.
