AWARD-WINNING screenwriter, Sally Wainwright, and the principal of York College are among seven people receiving honorary degrees from the University of York.

There are two days of ceremonies today and tomorrow at the university’s Central Hall and hundreds of students will be collecting their degrees.

Sally Wainwright and college principal Dr Alison Birkinshaw will be honoured as well as chairman of British Rowing, Annamarie Phelps, economist professor Sir Partha Dasgupta, professor Dame Hazel Genn, a leading authority on civil justice and professor Dame Anne Glover, professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of Aberdeen. The list is completed by archaeologist and Time Team regular Dr Francis Pryor.

The university confers the honorary degrees on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society.

Sally Wainwright is best known for creating the BBC’s Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax and ITV’s Scott and Bailey.

Dr Birkinshaw became principal of York College and in 2012 she received the OBE in recognition of her services to further education.  The following year she led York College through an Ofsted inspection to achieve its outstanding grade.

Prof John Robinson from the University of York said: “Part of the reason for Alison’s success is her vision for the role of colleges.  She believes a college should serve its community, meeting the educational needs of those who come through the doors, whoever they are, and she sees the role of principal as a custodian of the college for the next generation. She has also been a key influencer regionally and nationally and is an education leader of whom York can be proud.”

On receiving the honorary degree Dr Birkinshaw said: “I am truly humbled to be thought worthy of an honorary doctorate and I thank the University of York for the privilege bestowed upon me. 

“Working in the FE sector for over 30 years has been a wonderful experience and most of my learning has come from the privilege of working with hundreds of inspirational students and staff.  At York College we teach everything, from vocational courses such as plumbing and stonemasonry, to a wide range of A-Level subjects and the qualifications adult students need to get on in employment, as well as degrees. It is also wonderful to see so many of our students progress to the University of York, and other top universities.

“My own education has been completely liberating and I feel very strongly that graduates have a responsibility to approach life with integrity and a curiosity about what might be possible. Just as I know our students are magnificently supported by their families, local communities and employers, each day I am also reminded that I am personally indebted to the wider community for its support in my role as principal at York College.”