With caps neatly arranged and gowns pressed and straightened, Truro Cathedral was bursting with excitement as it saw hundreds of graduating University level students from Truro and Penwith College take to the stage to receive their well-deserved awards.

Full to capacity, the Cathedral hosted almost 1,000 supportive friends, family and fellow classmates who gathered to give each and every one of the graduating students a celebration to remember.

The TEF Gold-rated College’s 21st Graduation ceremony recognised the achievements of 362 students who have worked hard to obtain Higher Education certificates this year.

Professor Jerry Roberts, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Plymouth, represented the College’s accrediting body and welcomed guests and students alike to the grand ceremony.

In his speech, he congratulated the College on its excellent performance: “The College is creating a brighter future for people living and working in Cornwall, providing a high-quality academic experience for those who wish to study in Cornwall and creating links with industry, maximising employment opportunities.”

Professor Roberts added: “The partnership [between the University of Plymouth and Truro and Penwith College] has flourished and the degree level programmes at the College continue to have a major impact on students’ life chances and upon the local economy.

“The graduates before us add to the rich mixture of talent, ideals, and understanding that flows from the strong partnership between our institutions.”

David Walrond, Principal at Truro and Penwith College, was thrilled with the successes of Higher Education students who have completed their studies with the college.

He said: “Education can alter people themselves; new knowledge, new ideas, skills and attitudes. Who we are is so closely linked to what we know and what we can do.”

Among those receiving their awards on the evening was a selection of students who were recognised as being particularly successful in their achievements.

FdA Computer Games Design and Production graduate, Jed Dorean-Mitchell from St Ives, was awarded with the Academic Partnerships Prize for his outstanding creative skills and enthusiastic approach to every task set.

This was presented by Mark Glasson, the Faculty Partnerships Manager at the University of Plymouth.

Mark said: “Jed has impressed classmates, lecturers and external examiners with his positive attitude, which often resulted in the most original pieces of work that has ever been seen in the Games Design and Media department.”

FdA Childhood Education graduate, Molly Cotton from Par, received the Bianca Trew Award for her creative approach to education.

She said: “I want to go back to my old primary school and teach – I’ve done all my placements there for five years, and it’s the perfect place. I had no idea I’d win the award. It makes it all worthwhile and was an added bonus.”

Andrew Smart, Higher Education Team Leader at Truro and Penwith College, thoroughly enjoyed the evening, watching many hard-working students graduate.

He said: “It was fantastic to see our students graduating and celebrating with their friends and families. So many of our students have come through the College either as Access Course students returning to education, mature learners changing careers, or A Level and Diploma students who wanted a friendly, supportive Higher Education experience here in Cornwall.”

“With over 65 per cent of our learners achieving either a first-class or 2:1 degree, we really did have something to celebrate here today. I know that I speak on behalf of all the staff involved in Higher Education when I say how proud we are of our students’ achievements and we wish them all the best in the future,” he added.

The college has information evenings running every Monday from October 28 to December 9, visit www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/events to register.