Higher Education ‘Class of 2026’ celebrated with moving graduation ceremony

Hopwood Hall College’s Class of 2026 graduated in style during a moving ceremony held at Rochdale Town Hall.

The event saw people of all ages collecting certificates after completing Higher Education qualifications.

The Great Hall was packed with family and friends who cheered as the graduates took to the stage.

Among them was Kelly Simpson, who got married just hours before heading over to the historic venue.

The 44-year-old, who studied the Foundation Degree Early Years, wore a flowing white wedding dress under her black cap and gown.

Meanwhile, Emily Mills, who earned a BSc in Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation, delivered this year’s graduates’ address.

The 23-year-old shared how course trips to places like South Africa and Greece further fuelled her passion for working with animals.

Emily, who first completed Level 3 Animal Management at the college before progressing to university study, is now studying a master’s degree at the University of Salford.

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh was the ceremony’s keynote speaker. He also helped present a number of awards to those individuals who had gone above and beyond during their studies.

The Award for Rising Through Resilience was given to Danielle Firth, who had completed the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training.

Following this, Emily Mills returned to the stage after being announced as the winner of the Award for Academic Excellence.

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The final gong of the evening, The Open University Professional Excellence Award, went to BSc Indie Games Development graduate Jamie Taylor.

This award was created to celebrate the partnership between Hopwood Hall College and The Open University, which is allowing people to gain degree qualifications in Rochdale.

Julia Heap OBE, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College, said: “Our Higher Education Graduation and Awards Ceremony is always such a special occasion and this year is no different.

“These higher-level qualifications have already started opening doors for our graduates – whether that’s through boosting their career potential or allowing them to pursue postgraduate study.

“Our Class of 2026 has demonstrated so much hard work and determination, so I was so proud to watch them graduate in such a spectacular setting.”

Mr Waugh said: “It was such a pleasure to see so many brilliant Hopwood Hall students graduate at the Town Hall, a fittingly world class venue for our local youngsters and their families to celebrate their achievements.

“All of the subjects, including childcare, video game development, wildlife conservation, arts and sports coaching, are in jobs that boost our Rochdale businesses as well as providing rewarding careers.

“I’m delighted that as a government under Andy Burnham, we are giving real status to vocational and skills education, investing millions in Hopwood’s new building while developing new vocational GCSEs that help students and employers alike.”

Kelly Simpson said: “It felt very extravagant to graduate in my wedding dress – but why not?

“I’ve had a great time studying at Hopwood and one of my lecturers even attended the wedding.

“I just couldn’t resist combining two huge milestone moments into one big celebration!”

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