SIR Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, the bringer of the Tour de France Grand Depart to Yorkshire and creator of its successor the Tour De Yorkshire, was the guest of honour at Craven College graduation ceremony at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton.

Around 110 students were awarded a Higher Education qualification during the last college year.

More than 80 per cent of those taking degree courses passed with a 2:1 or first class honours, while 54 per cent of those doing foundation degrees achieved a merit or a distinction.

Others were awarded level five diplomas in education and training and Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualifications.

Principal Robert Bellfield, who is due to retire next month, said the students success was also the college’s success.

“Like many further education colleges, we provide higher education courses. We are happy to be able to offer a very vocational approach which helps our students in their chosen career. We are proud of the range of higher education programmes we are able to offer both here and at Leeds Bradford Airport. We are proud of the standards of teaching at the college and are proud of the feedback we receive from our university partners and our external examiners, and we are especially proud of our students and their achievements,” he said.

“Our students are part of a nationwide movement in that they study degree level courses at a college. More than 160,000 students across the UK complete higher education qualifications in further education colleges. I think it is important that a viable network of local further education colleges is maintained that serve local needs and therefore I would like to enlist the support of you all in supporting your local college and advocating its value.”

Sir Gary, inspired the students in his speech with a resume of his successes and accolades highlighting his respect for the students’ academic achievements, particularly as they were awarded in Yorkshire.

Retiring Dean of Higher Education, Jane Rogers added: It’s been such a joy to see so many students achieving their goals year on year. HE students from the college have gone on to work in local and national businesses or to set up their own business. More importantly they’ve made themselves and their families proud.”

Rachel Carpenter, from Skipton, won the Award for Academic Excellence and gave the student vote of thanks. Rachel joined Craven College as a level two student progressing to level three and has just achieved a first class Young Children’s Learning and Development BA (Hons) degree. During her studies she had three children, worked four days a week and supported her wider family, other students in her tutor group and the children in her class during challenging times.

She said: “I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the tutors. Having taken a seven year gap from education, with a marriage and three children in between, I returned to find many of the same tutors welcome me with kind reassurance that I had the capability to succeed.”

New developments due to take place at the college this year include a new Higher National Certificate (HNC) in animal management which will be enhanced by the new animal management centre at the Aireville Campus. In 2019 to 2020, there will also be a new range of HNCs in art practice, graphic design and photography.For more information about any degree courses visit: craven-college.ac.uk/qualifications/degrees.

All pictures by Stephen Garnett.