On Saturday 14th October 2023, University Centre West Anglia (UcWA) celebrated the achievements of 100 graduates across 16 higher education programmes. The ceremony took place in King’s Lynn Minster, situated in the historic surroundings of the Saturday Marketplace in the heart of King's Lynn.

The College of West Anglia provides higher education opportunities to approximately 400 students, including degrees, higher apprenticeships and HNC Higher National Certificates. The fact that UcWA can offer such a diverse and excellent quality range of higher education locally is due to the successful partnerships UcWA has established with Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Huddersfield.

Doctor Mark Norrish, Pro Vice Chancellor at Anglia Ruskin University and Doctor Lynn Senior, Director at The Education and Training Consortium, University of Huddersfield delivered the keynote speeches at the ceremony. Simon Williams welcomed the Veterinary Nursing Graduates into the Royal School of Veterinary Surgeons. Ruth Wilson (FdSc Veterinary Nursing and Applied Animal Behaviour) delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the student body and Lauretta Samuels (BSc Hons Veterinary Nursing and Applied Animal Behaviour) was awarded UcWA Outstanding Student of the Year 2023.

Dr Lynn Senior, Director at The Education and Training Consortium, University of Huddersfield delivering a Keynote Speech at the UcWA Graduation.

Dr Mark Norrish, Pro Vice Chancellor at Anglia Ruskin University delivering a Keynote Speech at the UcWA Graduation.

Principal of CWA David Pomfret presenting Lauretta Samuels with the UcWA Outstanding Student Award 2023.

Following the ceremony, visitors to King’s Lynn town centre looked on as University Centre West Anglia graduates processed through the streets after graduating. As is tradition, the academic staff from UcWA, the Deputy Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, with staff and mace bearers as well as the graduates’ friends and family, joined the procession through the town. 

David Pomfret, Principal of College of West Anglia said: “Our commitment to higher education has never been stronger and we want to raise aspirations, meet local employer skills needs and provide greater opportunities for everyone. I am particularly pleased that our 2023 graduates achieved great success, with over 79% of all completing students achieving ‘Good’ degree outcomes (first class or upper second classifications). Our higher education students have sacrificed much to achieve success, but with the support of their family, friends, and ongoing support from staff, they have overcome many obstacles. Our graduates should be extremely proud of themselves and what they have achieved."