Almost 1,000 fill Truro Cathedral for Cornwall College graduates

Some fitted their studies around full-time jobs. Others did it while raising families. And judging by the photos, at least one four-legged guest got the full gown and mortarboard treatment.

Almost 1,000 people packed into Truro Cathedral last Friday (6 November) for Cornwall College Group’s annual Higher Education graduation, held across two ceremonies.

252 graduates from across Cornwall and Devon

Among the crowd were 252 graduates from the Group’s university centres in Camborne, St Austell, Falmouth, Stoke Climsland, Newquay, St Mellion and the Eden Project, all marking years of hard work.

Family, friends, college staff and invited guests filled the cathedral to celebrate alongside them.

The courses they completed were a varied bunch. Agriculture, superyacht engineering, business, golf and counselling were all represented, along with plenty more.

“Every graduate has their own story”

Rob Bosworth, CEO of Cornwall College Group, congratulated the graduates on reaching the milestone.

“Graduation is one of the most rewarding occasions in the college calendar, and it is a privilege to celebrate the achievements of our students,” said Rob.

“Every graduate has their own story of hard work, commitment and perseverance. Whether they have balanced their studies with work, family life or other responsibilities, they should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”

He added: “Our mission is to transform lives, power skills and enrich communities and our graduates are a fantastic example of this in action. The skills, experience and qualifications they have gained will open doors to new opportunities, strengthen businesses and communities, and help shape the future of Cornwall and Devon. We look forward to seeing what they go on to achieve.”

Keynote speeches from Jayne Kirkham MP and Justin Olosundé

This year’s keynote speakers were Jayne Kirkham, MP for Truro and Falmouth, and Justin Olosundé. Both spoke about education, ambition and the opportunities that come from taking on new challenges.

Justin said: “I was born just outside Penzance, in the village of Heamoor, and Cornwall College has always been part of the community. Without Cornwall College, young people and adults would be hugely disadvantaged. It provides opportunities that might otherwise not be available to them, and that’s something we should celebrate.”

“We have Cornwall College University Centre right here in Cornwall, and we should be proud to have such an important anchor institution at the heart of our community.”

Speaking about access to higher education, Jayne said: “Cornwall College Group plays a vital role in giving young people opportunities they might not otherwise have. Cornwall has real strengths in emerging sectors such as critical minerals, renewables and digital marine, as well as hospitality, care and health.”

“What makes Cornwall College so special is the accessibility of its education pathways. Whatever your starting point or ambitions, there is a route to help you get there, without having to leave Cornwall. It opens up opportunities to people who may never have considered higher education before.”

Guests from across the region

The Group’s academic partners, the University of Plymouth, Falmouth University and Plymouth Marjon University, were among the invited guests.

Representatives from Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, Cornish Lithium, St Austell Brewery and RNAS Culdrose also attended, along with civic representatives from across the region.

Cornwall College Group now offers more than 60 specialist higher education courses, designed around industry needs and regional skills priorities. Details are on the Cornwall College University Centre website.