Celebrating the completion of their studies, over 50 students studying at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group attended their graduation ceremony at Selby Abbey on Friday 21st November 2025.
On their special day, the graduates were joined by family and friends, as well as their tutors from Selby College’s University Centre. The Abbey was a bustling hub throughout the morning and afternoon, where graduates collected their cap and gowns and enjoyed marking the occasion with photos – from a 360-video stand to professional headshots and a polaroid photo booth.
Special guests joined the celebrations, including Ashley Shao from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Christopher McCaughran from Carlton Towers Estate and Gareth Morton from The Rubicon Centre.
Representatives from the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s University Centre’s awarding bodies were also in attendance, both Dr Gwyneth Allatt from the University of Huddersfield and Professor Laura Treadgold from the University of Hull.
The ceremony commenced with a performance by the University Centre’s own BA (Hons) Performance Industries graduate, Natasha Armitage, who sang two uplifting songs including ‘Unwritten’ by Natasha Bedingfield.
Katie Rigarlsford, from the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, led the Graduation Address with a speech that reinforced the importance of university education and acknowledged the significant contribution that the graduates make to the local economy in Selby and beyond.
Member of Parliament for Selby, Keir Mather MP, also delivered an inspirational address to graduates, acknowledging their hard work and resilience, recognising them as the future of Selby. Sharing his experience of becoming the UK’s youngest Member of Parliament when he was appointed at the age of 25, Keir encouraged them always to be ambitious and take control of their destinies as they embark on their next steps.
Member of Parliament for Selby, Keir Mather MP, delivering the MP’s address to the graduates and guests.
The graduates were then invited up to the stage by Stephen Mulligan, Head of Higher Education at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group to be presented with their certificates by Andrew McConnell OBE, Group Chair of Governors.
Eloise, graduate of the BA (Hons) Arts Practice Enterprise degree, said: “I loved my course, so I was incredibly excited to graduate alongside my classmates, with my family present. I enjoyed studying Art at Selby College and found both the tutors and environment were supportive, so I decided to stay on for the university-level course. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with fine art and photography, entering the graphic design industry.”
University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group graduate posing with ‘GRAD 2025’ light-up letters.
Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, also praised the graduates for their outstanding achievements, saying: “Graduation is always an incredibly special day as it’s the culmination of our students’ educational journeys, acknowledging the hard work, commitment and resilience they have demonstrated whilst gaining their qualifications. It’s an honour to be able to celebrate these remarkable achievements in the spectacular backdrop of Selby Abbey, alongside our graduates’ loved ones, tutors and special guests.”
Validated by some of the region's most well-established universities, the graduates were awarded a range of Foundation Degrees, Full Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Top-Up Degrees, Professional Qualifications and Teacher Training Qualifications.
These degree-level programmes are delivered through the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s University Centre and cover a range of subjects such as Art & Desing, Leadership & Management, Computing and Engineering, enabling students to pursue higher education locally in Selby.
Results of the latest National Student Survey revealed that the University Centre placed significantly higher than the national average in a range of areas, including quality of teaching, learning opportunities, academic support and assessments. Over 94% of students stated they were satisfied with the academic support they received, surpassing the sector benchmark of 89%.
Applications for the University Centre’s wide range of programmes are now open for September 2026.
Find out more about the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, here.