Higher Education Learners Honoured at NSCG's 2026 Graduation Ceremony
03 July 2026
Each year at our Higher Education Graduation we make a number of awards to recognise the outstanding achievements of our learners on our university-level courses.
On Thursday 2 July, the achievements of Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group’s (NSCG) Higher Education students were celebrated at the annual graduation ceremony.
Held at the NSCG Newcastle College Performing Arts Centre, graduates, their family and friends, college staff and key stakeholders came together to mark the students’ academic milestone. During the ceremony, graduates from both Newcastle and Stafford Colleges were recognised, many of whom had remarkable stories of resilience overcoming health challenges, and balancing studies with work and family responsibilities. Their journeys served as powerful reminders that hard work and dedication really pays off and that barriers to learning can be overcome with motivation and guidance.
The successful completion of a university-level course is a momentus achievement, and the ceremony showcased so many achievements of our HE graduates who enjoyed their well-earned moment in the spotlight, receiving their qualifications in Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND) and Foundation Degree programmes studied at NSCG.
In a full to capacity theatre, with supportive family and friends creating an electric atmosphere to remember, graduates from a variety of subject areas including Computing, Digital Content Creation, Engineering, Education and Early Years, Health and Social Care, Performing Arts and Sports Coaching and Physical Education took to the stage to be awarded their certificates.
NSCG Deputy Principal, Shelley Brown opened the ceremony with a warm welcome to graduates, their guests, staff, employer partners, and governors.
Shelley said: "Graduation is far more than the end of a course – it marks the beginning of a lifetime of opportunity. Today we celebrate not only academic achievement, but also the resilience, determination and ambition that have brought our graduates to this point. We are incredibly proud to have supported each of our HE learners on their unique journey at NSCG and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their professions, their communities and beyond. Congratulations to the Class of 2026."
The event also featured a keynote speech from Gordon Mole, Chief Executive at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council who also presented the graduates with their certificates and awards. Performing Arts HE alumni John Henry, who progressed to complete a 'top-up' degree in Acting delivered a thought-provoking reading entitled 'Continue' my Maya Angelou, inspiring our learners as they take the next steps in their careers.
Current Performing Arts students, Brodie Fleetwood and Rufus Hubbard also took to the stage to entertain guests with 'Put Your Records On' and 'Valerie', showcasing their outstanding talent and passion for live music.
As part of the celebrations, several HE Student of the Year awards were presented to both graduating and continuing learners, in recognition of their outstanding commitment and achievements throughout their studies.
Congratulations everyone!