Bishop Auckland College graduates shine at Durham Cathedral ceremony
The magnificent, history-steeped walls of Durham Cathedral provided a spectacular backdrop for Bishop Auckland College’s academic graduation ceremony.
More than 60 graduates celebrated their extraordinary achievements on a day described by many as the pinnacle of their educational journey in front of 280 guests, family and friends.
There were also more than 40 higher education lecturers and colleagues from Bishop Auckland College as graduates, resplendent in traditional caps and gowns, received their hard-earned scrolls.
The ceremony was made more special by the presence of the renowned Professor Mark Brandon MBE, who as guest speaker led the praise for the graduates.
Shaun Hope, Principal of Bishop Auckland College, said: “To see our students achieve their goals in such an iconic and beautiful place as Durham Cathedral is an immensely moving experience.
“This ceremony is the culmination of their dedication, resilience, and talent. This has become such a key date in the calendar when a presentation of certificates marks a powerful recognition of their readiness to excel and contribute to the world. We could not be prouder of this exceptional group.”
The diverse cohort represented success across a broad spectrum of subjects, from the practical innovation of Higher Nationals in Engineering, Art and Design, Photography, Music and Performing Arts, to the dedicated professionalism of the 11 students who secured a Diploma in Teaching.
Further honours were bestowed upon those graduating with full degrees in fields including Education Studies, Integrative Counselling Practice, Sociology and Criminology, Healthcare, Sports Coaching and Psychotherapy.
Professor Brandon, currently the Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation at The Open University, inspired as a celebrated Polar Oceanographer whose commitment to science and education has earned him both an MBE and The Polar Medal.
His work has reached over 200m people worldwide, including his role as the lead academic advisor for the BBC series Frozen Planet.
Reflecting on the transformative nature of their studies was graduate Lucy Vega, who earned an MA in Psychotherapy Studies and has since seamlessly transitioned into an apprenticeship role at the College.
The atmosphere of celebration was perfectly complemented by a beautiful musical interlude from HND Music student, Jayden Tomlinson, whose performance filled the cathedral with a celebratory and emotional resonance.
Sarah-Jane Morris, a BA (Hons) Integrative Counselling Practice graduate, said: “Bishop Auckland College has the best course out there, whilst I was there, the tutors were really fantastic, really supportive and very knowledgeable.
“This just means so much to me. I’ve been to University twice before and never graduated so this is my first graduation. To do it in Durham Cathedral, when they told us that in the interview where we would be graduating, I cried then.”
Chelsea Lyon, a graduate with BA (Hons) Sociology & Criminology, said: “I chose Bishop Auckland College because I did the Access to Higher Education course, I really enjoyed the sociology side of it. The support of the tutors was fantastic, I don’t think I could have done it without the support and the guidance of all the tutors. I have since returned to the college to do the Certificate of Education.”
And Jordan Cooke, who secured a HND in Performing Arts, has already started at Haven Holidays.
He said: “In February there were auditions for Haven. I went and did my audition and got accepted. The work I have done with the course and tutor has helped me for the last two years and now I’m on stage all the time, doing what I love to do as a performer.”
**For further information about the Higher Education courses. at Bishop Auckland College check out bacoll.ac.uk
