Chichester College Group graduates celebrate their achievements

Nearly 200 graduates proudly came together at Chichester Cathedral last week to celebrating their successes as Chichester College Group’s Class of 2024.

Graduates from five Chichester College Group (CCG) colleges – Brighton MET, Brinsbury, Chichester, Crawley and Northbrook – gathered at the cathedral, to mark the completion of their university-level and professional courses. 
 
Lucia Barnard, who studied a HND (Higher National Diploma) in Animal Management at Brinsbury College, beamed with joy as she described the joy of reuniting with her course mates, revealing: “It’s very emotional! It’s a beautiful location and seeing all of my friends for what seems like the last time all together, it’s a bit overwhelming and exciting. I’m really happy.” 
 
Mary Gwenhure, graduating from Northbrook College with a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion Design as a mature student, took a moment to pay tribute to the staff who had helped her over the past few years as she accomplished what had been a long-standing dream.  
 
She said: “I applaud them, I take my hat off to the college staff. Everyone was hands-on and helpful. Whenever I would go to the library, they were there to help.  
 
“In the classroom, the teachers were so helpful, and I had some support workers – they all understood. When you come from a different country, it can be difficult sometimes, but I had all that help, and I really thank them so much for their support. 
 
“My course was really lovely. I chose it because it was my passion. When I was in Africa, I used to do fashion and fabrics and when I came here, it was what I wanted to do. For 17 years I worked in care, and I just thought ‘I want to do what I came her to do’ so I followed my heart and joined Northbrook, and it has been really rewarding.” 
 
Steven Sayers-Hodgett completed a Level 5 CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management at Chichester College – studying as an apprentice while working for Arun District Council. When asked about his highlights, he looked around the grand location of the cathedral – decked out in readiness for Christmas and smiled: “Graduating!” before adding: “It was definitely building relationships. That’s really helped with the job that I do now. 
 
“Being able to share expertise and knowledge has been just as rewarding as graduating.” 
 
Chichester Cathedral was the setting for three ceremonies – each recognising and celebrating the hard work and achievements of graduates of all ages and each was packed with family members, staff and guests who were keen to celebrate this special occasion.  
 
The graduating students had completed a range of degrees, including higher national certificates and diplomas (HNCs and HNDs), top-up degrees and professional qualifications in subjects ranging from animal management to art, fashion to motorsport, and business to early years studies. 
 
Vicki Illingworth, Executive Principal and Deputy Chief Executive of CCG, oversaw the occasion. She said: “It is always a great privilege to celebrate the achievements of our students, and our graduation ceremony is a real highlight for me and for our team across all of our colleges. 
 
“To see the delight and pride of our graduates today, as they come together to celebrate with each other, with their families and friends and the staff who have supported them, is a day of tremendous joy.  
 
“And to be able to do so at Chichester Cathedral, a beautiful location which matches the occasion, is something we are grateful for. 
 
“Our Class of 2024 have now completed this chapter in their journeys and embark on their next steps with confidence and pride, and we look forward to hearing about the many accomplishments they will go on to celebrate.”