JUST under 1,000 students from Blackburn College celebrated the culmination of their degree programmes at Graduation Ceremonies held at King George’s Hall on Thursday 11th October 2018.

Family, friends and Blackburn College staff gathered to celebrate the students’ successes as well as the prospect of exciting and rewarding careers within a variety of subjects and disciplines.

Over 1,700 guests saw their friends and family members graduate across the three Ceremonies which were held at 11am, 2pm and 5pm.

Those graduating took part in a traditional procession, flanked with trumpeters as part of their Graduation Ceremonies.

The procession left the Blackburn College campus and headed to King George’s Hall prior to the start of the Graduation Ceremonies.

The Ceremonies were attended by representatives of Blackburn College’s University partners including Lancaster University, the University of Central Lancashire, the University of South Wales and the University of Cumbria.

The College’s Governors and Leadership Team were also in attendance along with the Deputy Mayor, Councillor James Shorrock.

Guests were treated to a special performance of ‘A Million Dreams’ from The Greatest Showman by Blackburn Children’s University Choir.

Graham Towse, Interim Principal and Chief Executive of Blackburn College said:

“As Interim Principal and Chief Executive at Blackburn College it is a pleasure and a privilege to have the opportunity to attend the Ceremonies and congratulate those students who have achieved a Higher Education qualification with Blackburn College.

“Graduation is a day to share in the celebration of our students’ successes, recognising the supreme effort they have made and celebrating the rewards of all their hard work.

“Whether a graduate is moving on to a new career or staying with us for further study, this is the start of a whole new chapter in their lives, and we take great pleasure in marking this huge milestone in their learning, careers and indeed their lives.”

New statistics show that 93% of graduates from Blackburn College are in work or further study, just six months after Graduation.

The new figures compiled by the national Destinations of Leavers of Higher Education (DLHE) data show that for the sixth year running, record numbers of students are establishing successful career paths following their studies at Blackburn College.