Ninety five students proudly took part in Strode Colleges Higher Education graduation ceremony at Wells Cathedral. The event commemorated students' who graduated from June 2020 until this year. All graduates were conferred with their awards by Principal, John Revill. This was a great opportunity to recognise students' merits and see in one place all the teachers, family, and friends, who all worked in unison to make this achievement happen.

Sarah Probert Head of Faulty Higher Education commented – "I am delighted to see so many students, families and loved ones celebrating at such a majestic venue and was thrilled welcomed back students from 2020, 2021 and 2022 to celebrate their outstanding University achievements."

John Revill, Principal and CEO of Strode College said, "At Strode College it is our aim to provide people who live in Somerset with opportunities to receive an outstanding education at any level and at any age. Every year we teach A Levels and professional and technical courses to over 1500 16–18-year-olds; adult courses to hundreds of people; and we teach children as young as two in our Nursery.

We are equally proud to deliver excellent Higher Education to students who range from age 18 to 90, and I am delighted that official reports show that we are achieving our aim: the Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency gave us the highest possible rating for our provision in 2017. This is testament to the high-quality teaching enjoyed by our students and the national standing and expertise of our tutors.

We remain committed to providing high quality, affordable Higher Education locally. It is wonderful to see so many students graduating with us this year and very pleasing that our number of HE students has increased again with almost 260 students joining us to study higher level courses this September – the highest total ever.

We have taught higher level courses for many years, but more recently we have increased the number and range of our courses. Our Higher Education provision includes degrees and foundation degrees in a variety of disciplines, as well as professional qualifications in Counselling, Teaching and Accountancy. In partnership with the University of Plymouth, we now have a Foundation Degree in English with Creative Writing. We have invested significantly in our HE provision, including our modern Higher Education and Skills Centre, and we continue to explore new areas of study relevant to the local and wider economy.

Somerset is a beautiful county with great people and culture, fantastic places to live, and breath taking landscapes. For many it seems an obvious choice to stay here to study - where you live and work, with your family and friends. Keeping costs down also makes sense - you can remain living at home, with the advantage of minimal travel costs and lower course fees.

I should like to congratulate every student who has worked so hard and achieved his or her higher-level qualification with us this year. I am delighted that you stayed, studied and succeeded in Somerset and I wish you all the very best for the future.

- Mrs Jennifer Duke, High Sheriff of Somerset

- Christopher Groucutt, University of Plymouth, Partnership Manager

- Mrs Tessa Miller, Member of the Board of Governors

- Cllr Tessa Munt, Somerset County Council, Lead Member for Children and Families

- Cllr Laura Wolfers, Chair of Street Parish Council

Thank you to Organist David Bednall for the beautiful music played during the ceremony."

The event was a great opportunity to recognise the wonderful support students received from their teachers, family, and friends, as they worked so hard to achieve their goals. Strode College interviewed some students on the day and here are their comments.

Brothers Daniel and Isaac Herlihy arrived in Somerset after finishing their A Levels in Kent due to their parents relocating to the area and they both found opportunities to study at Strode College's Higher Education department. Daniel took an HND in Computing and Isaac in General Engineering. They both graduated in 2021, and both found jobs in their area of study. Daniel works for Leonardo Helicopters in their IT Department and Isaac works for Sun Chemicals. Isaac commented. "YES, finally we are celebrating this achievement and we are very happy that the skills we acquired we can apply in our jobs today."

"I enjoyed my time at Strode; my teachers were passionate about their subject. Phil, our tutor, was in the Navy and he passed on so many practical stories applicable to our training. Teachers are the driving force; the quality of teachings is stellar". Bradley Duncan, HND General Engineering 2020.

"We feel honoured to have our graduation in this majestic place; it feels more like a great reunion since we have not seen our classmates since 2020. Rowland and I met in the course and now we both are doing our MA at York University and we both work for my father's Architectural Conservation Practice." Gabriella Burgess and Rowland Clasby completed their BA (Hons) History, Heritage, and Archaeology 2021.

"It is a great achievement being here. I am looking forward to walking to the podium and receiving my award. I graduated in 2021 and it has been so long now it feels like a dream. I will return to study at Strode in the future to complete a Level 5 and work counselling children and young people."  Lorna Cruse, Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling 2021.

"I cannot believe we are finally celebrating our graduation. During the pandemic, we did much studying online; however, due to our small classes it was easy to communicate with my tutors if I had questions. Currently I am doing a BA in Interoperability to work in the Public Sector. I loved my tutors; they were all from the industry and taught us from experience, we had a policewoman, a firefighter and someone with a political background." Azbeth Morley, Foundation Degree Management (Public Sector) 2021.

Georgia Davis and Christina Packer met in the course and became the best of friends. Now they are both studying for an MA in Psychology at the University of Gloucestershire two days a week. Georgia's interest is in Organisational Psychology and Christina's is Counselling. They both loved the community at Strode College. "The class size was the best as we had time to learn and socialise, teachers were just lovely and really got to know you as a person." Christina commented. BSc (Hons) Psychology of Human Behaviour 2022.

 All the results:

Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

This diploma provides higher level professional training in counselling for those who have completed the Level 2 Counselling Skills and Level 3 Counselling Studies courses or equivalent. The focus is on working with people who present recurring difficulties leading to in-depth counselling.

2020

Alan Scott Bell, Joanna Creighton, Emma Louise, Cummings, Katy Jane Latham, Lara Denise Sarah Marks, Lesley Mumford, Jasmine Natasha Russell, Rachel Sloan, Hannah Stimpson, Steven Turner, Rebecca Ann Williams

2021

Louise Bates, Heidi Braithwaite, Melanie Caroopen, Alastair Cruse, Lorna Jay Cruse, Sarah Katharine Day, Nicola Jane Dunford, Elaine Carol Anne Edgar, Hannah Hall, Nicola Jane Line, David Palmer, Fiona Isabella Margaret Platts, Deanne Silmon, Sarah Elizabeth Waterstone

2022

Alice Coningham, Danielle Irwin, Bethany Lever, Karen Murdoch-North, Rebecca Prince, Toni Christine Charlotte Shave, Kay Frances Voizey.

Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

This diploma is for people who have attained the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling or its equivalent. It can form part of the progression route for the Open University Foundation Degree in Counselling or for the Post Graduate Diploma and MA at Bath Spa University.

2020

Georgina Corrywright, Patrick Andrew Fountain, Sian Grange

Benjamin Giles, Bowlas Johnson, Zoe Eilleen Smith

2022

Caroline Aldridge

Diploma in Education and Training

Diploma in Education and Training (Level 5)- for teacher/trainers with 1-2 years' teaching experience who have prior teaching qualifications. Graduates will be able to gain full Qualified Teacher, Learning and Skills status (QTLS) within five years.

2020

Jodie Adine Chorley, Philip Cox, Alan William Ferguson, Gemma Kay Harris

Diploma in Accounting

This advanced diploma equips students with the skills they need to become an Accounting Technician, a financial team leader or to set up their own practice. Graduating students automatically become an AAT affiliate member, and with relevant work experience they can qualify for AAT professional membership.

2021

Laura Louise Atkinson, Wojciech Jan Beczkowski, Nicole Michelle Brookes, Helen Crofts, Lisa Jane Griffiths, Edward Young

Historic Environment Advice Assistant, Higher Apprenticeship

Developed by Strode College in close partnership with Historic England this award

addresses the skills needs of the conservation and heritage sector across the country.

Higher apprentices engage with the past in a unique practical way, working with

academics and accomplished heritage experts enabling them to flourish in a meaningful and rewarding career.

2021

Charlie Field, Thomas Michael Hills, Abigail Jane Marsh, Lily Rose Mulvey, Emily Elouise Putnam, Harish Sharma, Timothy Gerard Dunster Snell, Amber Alexandra Storey, Callum Michael Wynne

HND/HNC Computing and Systems Development

The rapid and continued development of computing and IT has led to it becoming an integral part of every sector of society. As a result, there is a high, worldwide demand for IT professionals and a very wide range of interesting and highly paid career opportunities for those with high level IT skills.

Higher National Certificate

2020

Samuel John Mills

2021

Dominic Ryan Baker, Jordan David Caines, Edward Oliver Hodgson, Eryk Hubert Majewski, Steven James Markham, Caitlin Amy Phillips

Higher National Diploma

2020

William Neil Horton Andrews, Griffin Matilda Breaden, Henry Ernest Collins, Finley Murray Dabinett, Matthew James Oliver Edwards, Erica Kitchen, Lewis Anthony Charles Smith, Liam Ashley Taylor, Abbie Rose Thomas

2021

Jacob Anthony Bryant, Ethan Jez Dewberry, Daniel James Herlihy, Ryan Lee Jefferies

Rowan Daniel Ketell, Archie Douglas Olivey, Rodrigo Alexandre Marques Sobral, Leon Alexander Tandy, Jack Thomas Turner

2022

Diogo Goncalo Guerreiro de Andrade, Mark David Aylward, Richard Jonathan Gibson, Samuel Pollard, Luey Graham Thomas

HND/HNC General Engineering

General Engineering graduates have a high level of knowledge, understanding and professional skills, and are well placed to progress in their careers as qualified general engineers working with installation, commissioning, multi-skilled, electrical, design, technical and manufacturing industries, or to continue their studies at an even higher level.

Higher National Certificate

2020

Jack Paul Tucker, Thomas Jack Welchman

2021

Przemyslaw Piotr Mironski, Regen Anthony White

Higher National Diploma

2020

William Keith Anthony Buckmaster, Naveen Chandran, Peter Andrew Coombs, Bradley Duncan, Ben Nahum, Natan Robert Zygiert

2021

Oliver George Allman, Harrison George Ashby, Isaac John Herlihy

2022

Alan Patryk Dembinski, Joe Oliver Griffin, Gregory Nathan Thomas

Foundation Degree in Management (Business)

This Foundation Degree is validated by the University of Plymouth. It focuses on the knowledge and skills required to enjoy a successful career in management across many different organisations. The wide range of management competences covered mean that this course is appropriate for those already in employment and wishing to advance their position. It is, however, also very relevant for anyone looking to establish a Business Management career, as companies across the region are keen to recruit qualified and talented, entrepreneurial people.

2020

Kate Butler, Lea Annabell Cush, Jemma Diane Green, David Charles Greenhill, Ross Lee Holmes, James Thomas Edward Humphris, Harrison Jack Kovacs, Samuel Morgan Kovacs, Jessica Kate Matthews, Samuel Norton, Toby Sherry

2021

Catherine Louise Fong, Callum Thomas Riddle, Angelika Lidia Zygiert, Mykolas Mikalauskas (Cert in HE)

2022

Lydia Georgia Bailey, Glenda Mayoba Gibbs, Leeonie Adelaide Hamlett, Jack James Hoddinott, Harriet Jade Mahoney, Thomas Anthony John Mechen, Jakub Niemiec, Maranella Suntina Celeste Raso, Henry Jacob Walsh

Foundation Degree in Management (Public Sector)

This Foundation Degree is validated by the University of Plymouth. It provides graduates with a broad range of knowledge and skills to help them establish a management career in both the public and private sectors. It also provides a strong basis for further higher level study either within the same field or in a more specialist field such as law or psychology.

2020

Davide Leon Clarke, Jasmin Daisy Tovey, Lucja Nikola Zabicka,

2021

Brady Edward Birchall, Cherrie Jaye Culliford, Thomas Frederick Thomas Keeley, Azabeth Tia-Mai Morley, Sophie Louise Morris, Caitlin Alice Tyte

2022

Stacie Jade Cook, Louie Emil Steer

Foundation Degree in English with Creative Writing

This Foundation Degree is validated by the University of Plymouth. It has been developed to provide an excellent grounding in English Literature, the history of the English Language and in creative writing. It covers a broad and stimulating range of literature from early origins to the present day. It provides the opportunity to develop the skills of writing of fiction, non-fiction, scripts and poetry as well as professional writing. The course has a strong practical basis, including a focus on career development.

2021

Sara Chwialkowska, Ellie May Hughes, Sophia Halina Prestige, Scarlet Brianne Shaffer

2022

Natalie Mary Hodgson, Emily Rose Keen

Foundation Degree in History, Heritage and Archaeology

This Foundation Degree is validated by the University of Plymouth. Students join this unique and popular course to expand their career opportunities, their knowledge and skills, and their personal interests.

Graduates are equipped with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that are essential to pursue a career in the history, heritage and archaeology sector or to go on to higher level study.

2020

Gaynor Lindsey Avery

Shannon Eliza Bennett

Holly Jayne Kenyon

Amelia Mary Cheshire

Judith Patricia Loughlin

Geoffrey Charles David Melling

Libby Kate Silmon

2021

Christopher Brock

Catherine Gordon

Alex Ernest Walter Hill

Jonathan Paul Hodgson

James Anthony Michael Hunt

Amber Erin-Lea Matthias

Janet Mary Rose

Gillian Mary Rothwell

Kim Helen Teresa Unwin

Jennifer Waller

Veronica Mary Willcocks

Andrew James Hazzard (Cert in HE)

2022

Angus Harry Bray

Marie Elise Govier

Emily Rose Palmer

Robert Stephen Radley

Eryl Sian Reddin

Soraya Atalya Rowswell

Jacqueline Strong

Erik Tyler

BA (Honours) in History, Heritage and Archaeology

Graduates from the Foundation Degree in History, Heritage and Archaeology can complete a final year of study at Strode College, validated by the University of Plymouth, to achieve the full BA Honours Degree. This is a skills based degree with an emphasis on transferability, so graduates have strong foundations on which to build careers in heritage related industries or an array of other sectors.

2020

Caroline Louise Barter

Gabriella Jade Burgess

Margaret Marilyn Burridge

Rowland Benedict Clasby

Leane Sharon Coles

David Roy Elsey

Nicola Christine Foster

Patrick Edmund James Willcocks

2021

Gaynor Lindsey Avery

Shannon Eliza Bennett

Amelia Mary Cheshire

Judith Patricia Loughlin

Geoffrey Charles David Melling

Libby Kate Silmon

2022

Alex Ernest Walter Hill

Christine Marjorie Horth

James Anthony Michael Hunt

Janet Mary Rose

Phoebe Elizabeth Rossiter

Kim Helen Teresa Unwin

Jennifer Waller

Foundation Degree in Management (Public Sector)

This Foundation Degree is validated by the University of Plymouth. It provides graduates with a broad range of knowledge and skills to help them establish a management career in both the public and private sectors. It also provides a strong basis for further higher level study either within the same field or in a more specialist field such as law or psychology.

2020

Davide Leon Clarke

Jasmin Daisy Tovey

Lucja Nikola Zabicka

2021

Brady Edward Birchall

Cherrie Jaye Culliford

Thomas Frederick Thomas Keeley

Azabeth Tia-Mai Morley

Sophie Louise Morris

Caitlin Alice Tyte

2022

Stacie Jade Cook

Louie Emil Steer

Foundation Degree in English with Creative Writing

This Foundation Degree is validated by the University of Plymouth. It has been developed to provide an excellent grounding in English Literature, the history of the English Language and in creative writing. It covers a broad and stimulating range of literature from early origins to the present day. It provides the opportunity to develop the skills of writing of fiction, non-fiction, scripts and poetry as well as professional writing. The course has a strong practical basis, including a focus on career development.

2021

Sara Chwialkowska, Ellie May Hughes, Sophia Halina Prestige, Scarlet Brianne Shaffer

2022

Natalie Mary Hodgson, Emily Rose Keen

Foundation Degree in Psychology

This Foundation Degree is validated by the University of Plymouth. It offers a stimulating insight into diverse areas of Psychology – developmental, cognitive, biological, social, clinical and personality-related – as well as providing extensive opportunities to understand psychological research methods and engage in data analysis. The wide range of psychological practice covered mean that this course is relevant for anyone looking to build a successful career in one of the many areas of employment where knowledge of why people respond in certain ways and how they interact with each other can be very advantageous.

2020

Harriet Rachel Grace Bailey, Joanne Chayter, Cameron Luke Davison, Alice Evelyn Edwards, Lois Ellen Evans, Jade Alex Hasemore, Mary Anne Holland, Gemma Leanne Key, Ellena Grace Knowles, Jason Michael Russell, Emily Grace Trotter, Carys Patricia Geraldine Winslade

2021

Charlotte Clare Carter, Georgia Madeline Davies, Frances Sarah Hayes, Rachel Suzanne Hunt, Sophie Katrina Johnson, Kirsty Fiona Jordan-Smith, Laura Elizabeth Magill, Michelle Massey, Jack Aloysius Mróz, Christina Louise Packer, Joshua Sinclair, Mia Eleanor Williams, Shakira Jamina Cropper (Cert in HE)

2022

Georgia Katie Lita Ann Booker, Jennifer Lucy Burke, Reginald John Capon, Jessica Wallis Gillman, Sophia Elinor Hewitt, Charlotte Sarah Saunders McCann, Zachary Luke Nobes,

Academic Partnerships Prize (Strode College)

The Academic Partnerships Prize is awarded to an individual in recognition of their achievements for example, academic; personal development and growth; overcoming challenges; contribution to the student and college community.

Kim Helen Teresa Unwin

BSc (Honours) in Psychology of Human Behaviour

Graduates from the Foundation Degree in Psychology can complete a final year of study at Strode College, validated by the University of Plymouth, to achieve the full BSc Honours Degree. This programme provides students with academic and skills-based learning opportunities. The emphasis is on transferability and therefore enables students to work towards a career in psychology-related work locally, nationally and internationally and careers in a vast range of public and private sectors including teaching, the health sector, business, law, the civil service and the caring professions.

2022

Charlotte Clare Carter, Joanne Chayter, Georgia Madeline Davies, Frances Sarah Hayes, Sophie Katrina Johnson, Kirsty Fiona Jordan-Smith, Laura Elizabeth Magill, Jack Aloysius Mróz, Zeynep Nazim, Christina Louise Packer, Joshua Sinclair, Mia Eleanor Williams