Bradford College Holds Largest Ever Higher Education Graduation

373 students celebrate academic achievements at The Life Centre

Bradford College hosted its annual higher education graduation ceremony on Thursday 20 November 2025, welcoming 373 students to The Life Centre. This marked the first occasion where all higher education students from the college graduated together, making it the largest ceremony in its history.

The event brought together graduates from a variety of subject areas, including Social Care and Community Practice, the Margaret McMillan School of Education, Accountancy and Law, Science, Meditech, Allied Health and Computing, Engineering and Construction, and the Bradford School of Art. Family members, academic and support staff, employers, and dignitaries also attended to recognise the students’ accomplishments.

Speeches and degree conferrals

Chris Webb, CEO and Principal of Bradford College, addressed the audience, highlighting the students’ commitment and resilience throughout their studies. Degrees were conferred in collaboration with representatives from partner universities, including Tim Openshaw from Greater Manchester and Janice De Sousa from Leeds Trinity University.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Dr Jo Salter MBE, the first female fast-jet pilot in the UK Royal Air Force and an experienced university sector professional.

Graduate reflections

• Junayd Ahmed, Foundation Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing, said the highlight of his course was developing skills to assist patients with vision improvement and personalised eyewear solutions.
• Latoya Jarvis, BA (Hons) Social Work graduate, shared that she is now employed in her hometown of Bradford, working to meet the diverse needs of the local community.

Closing remarks

John Williams, Chair of Governors at Bradford College, concluded the ceremony by encouraging graduates to view the event as a beginning and a launchpad into their futures. He emphasised the role the graduates will play as future leaders, teachers, innovators, carers, and creators.

About Bradford College

Bradford College is one of the largest education and training providers in the region, offering Higher National Qualifications, Higher Level Apprenticeships, degrees, and postgraduate courses. The college continues to invest in its facilities, including the recent development of a state-of-the-art STEM building at Garden Mills.

For more information about higher education courses at Bradford College, visit www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/degrees.