Photos: Hats off to Calderdale College graduates

The day began at Halifax Town Hall with a grand introduction by Town Crier, Les Cutts. The students were thled on a parade through Halifax to The Victoria Theatre, by the Imperial Crusaders Drum and Trumpet Corps.

Calderdale College students, staff and governors were joined for the parade and Graduation Ceremony by the Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Lisa Lambert.

John Rees, Calderdale College’s new Principal, said: “I think the ceremony has been a fantastic success for all of the students and their family and friends that have come along to support them.

“The day has been a real celebration of higher achievement and higher success, something which is growing at Calderdale College and is an increasingly important part of what we want to do for our students and also for the town.”

The tradition of parading through the town was started five years ago and has become a key part of college’s graduation celebrations.

Many of the college’s students live close by and it is especially poignant for them to parade through their home town.

Karen Robson, head of Higher Education and Professional Courses, said: “By studying a Higher Education course at Calderdale College, students are able to get a university-level qualification while remaining local.

“Our students also benefit from smaller class sizes with excellent study support compared to university and full or part-time courses to fit around their lifestyle, as well as learning from tutors with a wealth of knowledge, experience and employer contacts to set them apart from the rest.”

As well as celebrating the students’ hard work, the college graduation ceremony honours people from the local community who have worked tirelessly for the area.

This year, Angela Everson, chief executive of the local Women Centre, and Wendy Moffat, head of Crossley Heath School, were given the Inspire Award.

Mrs Moffat said: “I feel absolutely overwhelmed about winning this Inspire Award and I knew it was going to be a great day, but I’m stunned by how impressive the ceremony has been.

“From start to finish, the organisation was absolutely spot on, and what was lovely was all of the graduates got their little bit of time on the stage, it wasn’t rushed, everybody had their moment to shine in the spotlight and I thought that was great.”

Mrs Everson said she also felt overwhelmed by the honour. “I’m very grateful to Calderdale College for considering me and thinking that I’m worthy of such an award, so thank you very much.”