STUDENTS have celebrated the end of their studies with a graduation ceremony in Selby Abbey.

The fourth annual Higher Education Awards Ceremony recognised the achievements of graduates at Selby College and marked another successful year for the college.

The 2016/17 academic year saw Higher Education recruitment reach a record number of 221 students, and in June, the college was awarded a Silver Award, following the publication of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for its expanding and highly regarded Higher Education course provision.

Special guest Professor Julie Jomeen, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor of Midwifery at the University of Hull addressed the audience of students, families and VIPs at the event, which included the Chair of North Yorkshire County Council, Chair of Selby District Council and the Deputy Mayor of Selby Town Council.

Professor Jomeen then presented certificates to graduates, including five special award winners who were commended for exceptional achievements in their studies.

Amanda Aitchison and Monica Shaw were praised for In-Service Certificate in Education/PGCE (Lifelong Learning), Thomas Martin Fletcher Somers for the Higher National Diploma in Computing and Systems Development, Marcus Foster for the Higher National Diploma in Business and William Thorne for the BSc in Sports Coaching and Exercise Science.

Entertainment for the afternoon was provided by Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production student Fiona Lee.

Allan Stewart OBE, Principal and Chief Executive, said the college, which now also provides courses in Art & Design and Business, was proud of its students and their progress.

He said: “Since we first introduced Higher Education courses at Selby College, working with our partners, The University of Hull and Huddersfield University, we have never lost sight of the main aim, which was to ensure the local communities we serve in Selby, Goole and the surrounding area had access to high-quality and affordable Higher Education courses on their doorstep.”