After a tough final year, our higher education and access students gathered together for our graduation ceremony on Thursday 4 July.

After a drinks reception on the 6th floor roof gardens of our lovely Southwark building, graduates and their families and friends, gathered in the atrium for the formal ceremony. After speeches from College Principal Annette Cast, Professor Carrie Weston and Professor Julia Davidson, the certificate presentation began.

Students were each presented to Annette to receive their awards, posing for photos and enjoying the applause. The ceremony was a true celebration of a huge amount of effort over the last few years, and also the support received from tutors, families and friends.

Annette Cast said: "The growth and progress of higher education at the College - has been real in recent years, we provide the kind of environment that our students thrive in. Small groups, a high student to staff ratios and lower fees than universities. This building provides a feeling of space and purpose and I think you will agree, is extremely well suited for higher education study.

"Whatever you do next, I hope you remember us, we will welcome you back to talk to other students about your success story, or just to catch up with your favourite members of staff. You are now part of the Southwark College family."