Bradford College Graduation Celebrates Over 400 Degree Graduates

Today, over 400 Bradford College students celebrated their achievements as they graduated at Bradford’s ‘Life Centre’. 

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The day was split across two ceremonies for our newest success stories to don their cap and gown in front of family, friends and VIP guests.

Speaking proudly to a capacity audience, Chris Webb (Principal, Bradford College), said: “Graduation ceremonies are such a wonderful highlight in the academic calendar. I am proud to be the Principal of Bradford College and I want to take this opportunity to say congratulations to all our graduands on this incredible achievement. You should all be very proud of yourselves.

“I hope that graduating today will give you the confidence to be brave and go out and change the world; to use your learning and education for the betterment of society. I’ll end by wishing you all the very best in everything you do. I know you will achieve great things.”

The first ceremony (11am) welcomed graduates from the Bradford School of Art, School of Engineering & Construction, Science, Health & Meditech and Business, Accounting & Law. 

Guest speaker, Shanaz Gulzar (Creative Director, Bradford UK City of Culture 2025), inspired students and families with her speech around the exciting things that await Bradford and what ‘City of Culture’ will bring for the city and its residents: “You are all pioneers – some of you will be the first person in your family to graduate. This is a huge achievement.”

As well as the awarding of degrees, the day also saw the introduction of some new special awards recognising the exceptional achievements of certain graduates. These awards were given under the titles of ‘Principal Outstanding Resilience Award’ and ‘Principals Award for Excellence’, with one of each handed out at both respective ceremonies.

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In the first ceremony, Chelsea Brown received the ‘Principal Outstanding Resilience Award’ for staying-power and fortitude in the face of adversity.  Chelsea overcame many challenges in her personal life over her three years with us but still delivered her work independently and to a very high standard on her BA (Hons) Business Management & Entrepreneurship, improving and developing herself academically, professionally, and personally in the process.
 
“She is a great team player – responsible, helpful and an organic leader. She didn’t realise her own strengths when she started the course, but over the last two years, she really took off and became confident and strived for excellence.” 

 
In Chelsea’s final year, she participated in work experience, volunteered far more hours than were required and engaged with colleagues on the placement. She’s demonstrated exceptional values, being inclusive and showing integrity in everything she does.  

“This student is an example of what perseverance means and a deserving winner of this title.”

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In the same ceremony, the ‘Principals Award for Excellence’ went to BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing graduate Mahmuda Islam, who achieved the highest grades against all peers graduating. 

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The second and final ceremony of the day celebrated students from the Margaret McMillan School of Education and School of Social Care & Community Practice. This ceremony welcomed Gerry Baker (Lord Mayor of Bradford) and Susan Hinchcliffe (Leader of Bradford Council) as guest speaker. 

The Principal Outstanding Resilience Award was awarded to Olivia Shaw, a student from BA (Hons) Youth Work & Community Development, who took the plunge into full-time study while juggling the demands of parenting, study and work placements.

“The academic story of this individual is one of determination and grit. She returned to education at Bradford College, studying part time and completing her Level 2 and 3 in Youth Work, while also working full-time and being a single parent. Despite being severely dyslexic, she spent a lot of time trying to get through her studies by herself, never asking for help or support. She is a role model for how to keep going when things are tough.”

Olivia has now secured a full-time position at her final-year placement.

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The afternoon ‘Principals Award for Excellence’ went to Frazer Ormondroyd, a BA (Hons) Counselling & Psychology in Community Settings student, who achieved the highest grades against all his peers graduating.  

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Bradford College is one of the biggest education and training providers in the region and teaches Higher National Qualifications, Degrees, Higher Level Apprenticeships, and Postgraduate courses. 

We are passionate about making our campuses some of the best sites available for higher education students and will continue to enhance our facilities over the next few years with transformational multi-million-pound funding.   
  
As the higher education provision at Bradford College grows, so too has the calibre of our students. Our reputation for excellence in higher-level learning means that we attract even more outstanding talent each year.  

If you’re interested in studying a degree at Bradford College, you can apply via UCAS or direct.