University Centre West Anglia (UcWA) proudly celebrated the achievements of it’s latest cohort of graduates at it’s annual graduation ceremony on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for 59 students who have completed a degree in a wide range of subject areas such as Business Management, Psychosocial Studies, Computer Science, Early Years and Education, Primary Education, Teacher Education, and Land Based studies; recognising years of dedication, perseverance and academic achievement.
Held at King’s Lynn Minster, the celebration brought together graduates, friends and family and staff, whose encouragement and expertise have played an important role in each graduate’s journey.
After the formal proceedings, graduates joined a traditional academic procession through King’s Lynn town centre. Dressed in caps and gowns, they received warm applause from members of the public, reflecting the town’s pride in their achievements.
Emma Russell, who gave the vote of thanks said, “The thing I am most proud of isn’t necessarily the degree itself. It is the fact that I never gave up. No matter what hurdles got in the way, I powered through them and came out the other side. Because we don’t know every battle that each person has had to overcome to get here. We just see graduates. But every one of those caps and gowns represents a story. Every person sitting here has their own reasons for being proud. And today, every one of those stories gets to celebrate with the same words: We did it!”
David Pomfret, Principal and Chief Executive of the College of West Anglia, said, “I’m incredibly proud of the success of our Higher Education Students. They have sacrificed much to achieve success and today is a day of celebration! The fact that we are able to offer a high-quality range of higher education locally is due to the successful partnerships we have established with Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Huddersfield and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. We are committed to higher education, and we want to raise aspirations, meet local employer skills needs and provide greater opportunities for everyone.”
Emma Claridge, who studied BA (Hons) Studies in Primary Education, won the Outstanding Student Award. Kathryn Le Serve, Course Director Early Years and Primary Education Degree Programmes, nominated Emma saying, “She is nominated for this award in recognition of the exceptional journey and distance she has travelled over the last 3 years. Her achievement is the result of hard work, determination, sleepless nights and, at times, tears. All this with the purpose of building on and gaining new knowledge and understanding of how to provide the best learning and development opportunities for all children in primary school.” After winning the award, Emma shared, “I was surprised but very, very proud of myself and I am feeling fairly overwhelmed.”
Graduates and their guests continued the celebrations at UcWA’s King’s Lynn campus after the ceremony, while looking forward to the opportunities ahead.
University Centre West Anglia continues to provide higher education opportunities that enable students to gain university-level qualifications locally while supporting the skills needs of employers across West Norfolk, Fenland, Cambridgeshire and beyond.
