THE Class of 2024 graduated from University Centre Somerset (UCS) on Friday, October 25, at a glittering event held at Taunton’s Wellsprings Leisure Centre.

220 students graduated from subjects, including Animal Management, Engineering, Nursing, Media Makeup, Education and Counselling. Graduates were joined by their family and friends as they were cheered onto the stage to accept their all-important qualification.

Guests included Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset Mr Colin Drummond OBE, guest speaker High Sherriff of Somerset Robert Beckley QPM, Mayor of Taunton Cllr Vanessa Garside, Gideon Amos MP, and representatives from each of UCS’s university partners – including Bridgwater and Taunton College - who conferred the awards for their respective institutions.

Each year, UCS awards Student Prizes to some especially exceptional students to recognise their outstanding commitment and achievement. These included: Henry Morris, Business Management HND graduate, was a joint winner of the Best Final Project/Dissertation Prize; Samantha Knight, BSc (Hons) Animal Management and Wildlife Conservation, also won the Best Project/Dissertation Prize; Cameron White, Business Management HND graduate, won the Principal’s Prize; Kate Gibbs, Postgraduate Certificate in Education graduate, won Student of the Year; and Liam Arscott, BSc (Hons) Agricultural Management graduate, won the University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Award.

Reflecting on the day, Andy Berry CBE, Principal & CEO, said: “I could not be prouder; today marked a milestone in the history of UCS. Our vision is to transform lives and communities through effective partnerships that positively impact our students. We are the first college in the country to deliver nursing degrees.

He continued: “Today, 22 nursing students graduated and have secured roles in our communities, providing desperately needed skills. This achievement truly demonstrates our vision in action.”

A spokesperson for BTC added: “Thank you to our fantastic class of 2024. You chose to share your academic journey with us, and we are so proud of everything you have accomplished and overcome to get here. Your qualifications are well-deserved, and we can’t wait to hear about what you do next!”