Triumphant cheers and tears of joy filled Truro Cathedral on Friday evening as Truro and Penwith College celebrated its graduating university level students.

Around 450 graduates achieved higher education certificates with the college this year and Truro Cathedral provided the perfect setting for them to celebrate their achievements with friends and family.

The ceremony opened with an address from Kate Kennally, chief executive of Cornwall Council, who acknowledged the importance of university level qualifications being delivered locally, and that she hoped many of the graduates would take up skilled roles within the county.

Among those receiving their scrolls was a selection of students whose achievements were specially recognised. Simon Payne, deputy vice-chancellor at Plymouth University, partners of the college’s university provision, was in attendance for the conferment of the Academic Partnerships Prize and the Education Cup.

Lee Burgess graduated with a first from the BA (hons) education and training degree and won the top Academic Partnerships Prize. Cheryl Mewton, the director of studies at Truro and Penwith College, said: “Lee joined Truro and Penwith College by completing an access to HE programme; a course designed for adults without traditional qualifications to gain entry to university-level courses. Lee proved himself an exceptionally able and dedicated student, progressing to FdA early childhood education, and then to our full BA in education and training.

"As well as achieving a first class honours degree, Lee’s particular interest and research in supporting children with special educational needs resulted in him developing a literacy strategy, that is currently in development with a publisher."

The Education Cup was won by Andy Foulks, from Penzance, for outstanding contribution to the field of education. Andy, who graduated from his certificate in education on the night, is the engineering trainer and coordinator at Truro and Penwith College, and has been responsible for the huge growth and success of engineering apprenticeships at the college over recent years.

He said: “It’s great to be recognised for the apprenticeship programmes in engineering and other trade skills at the college. It’s important that it is well-known that the college is not just good for academic subjects, but it allows learners to achieve in all areas—including apprenticeships. We started with seven apprentices two years ago, and now have over 40, in various engineering skills areas.”

Anyone interested in university level study should contact the college’s university centre on 01872 267122 or speak to course leaders at the college open day on November 5, from 10am to 3pm.