STUDENTS from Wiltshire College & University Centre celebrated their achievements in the historic surroundings of Salisbury Cathedral, joined by proud family members, friends, employers and staff.

The College’s annual graduation ceremony recognised students who had successfully completed a range of Higher Education and professional qualifications, marking an important milestone in their education and careers.

Despite warnings of strong winds and heavy rain, blue skies greeted graduates as they arrived at the cathedral. The traditional procession through Salisbury was replaced by transport from Salisbury Playhouse due to the weather, but spirits remained high as students prepared to mark this important milestone.

Addressing graduates and guests, including Wiltshire Council Leader Cllr Ian Thorne and representatives from Bournemouth and Oxford Brookes universities, Principal & Chief Executive Iain Hatt highlighted the different routes students had taken to reach graduation.

“Some began their journey with us by retaking their GCSEs and have progressed all the way through to degree level,” he said. “Others returned to education after time away, perhaps to retrain, change direction or pursue an ambition they had held for many years.

“That is one of the great strengths of Wiltshire College & University Centre. There is no single route to success, and there is certainly no expiry date on ambition.”

The historic building echoed with cheers, whoops and applause as each student was introduced and took the stage to accept their qualification.

Iain also recognised the important role played by families, friends, employers and College staff in supporting students throughout their studies.

A proud moment for graduates

Among those celebrating was Victoria Craven, of Chippenham, who achieved her Chartered Institute of Personnel Development Level 5 Diploma in People Management – enabling her to move from lecturing to a career in HR.

Victoria, who balanced her studies with work and family commitments, said graduation was a particularly special occasion.

“It is really lovely because studying has been tricky, balancing work and family,” she said. “I’m 50 next year and for me it shows that it’s never too late to change direction in life and that you’re still able to achieve.”

Joanna Kucharska, 21, from Salisbury, had her parents beaming with pride as she accepted her Bachelor of Arts in Film Production and Cinematography. Studying for two years, the course helped grow her knowledge of the industry and sharpened her focus on screenwriting as a future career.

“I chose the course in Salisbury because of all the equipment we could use and the chances for hands-on experience,” she said. “It was hard but I enjoyed it and I feel proud to have qualified. I think it really helped me with the industry, the lecturers were really good with helping us build connections and teaching us how to get on set.”

Looking to the future

Closing the ceremony, Chair of Governors Paddy Bradley MBE congratulated graduates on their achievements and encouraged them to reflect on how far they had come.

“You persevered through deadlines, late nights, and the occasional technical disaster. You turned doubt into determination and challenges into triumphs.,” he said.

“That perseverance, that willingness to keep going when things got tough, is what makes today so special.”

The ceremony marked not only the culmination of years of hard work but also the beginning of new opportunities for graduates as they take the next steps in their careers and education.

Congratulations to our Class of 2026!

What’s your next step?

Inspired by our graduates? Discover how you could take your education and career further with a Higher Education qualification at Wiltshire College & University Centre.