Pride of college goes out on parade

Connah Mathers, 18, from Rochdale who is joining the Royal Military Police

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

Hundreds of Hopwood Hall College’s Uniformed Public Services students marked the end of the academic year with a ‘Passing Out Ceremony’.

Over 1,000 guests enjoyed the day’s activities, including proud families of the students, ex-students who have joined the uniformed services or gone on to university and many senior uniformed services officials.

Special guests included Rochdale’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ian Duckworth, the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, George Almond CBE and Middleton and Heywood MP, Liz McInnes.

200 students marched onto the parade ground to the beat of a full military marching band at the Middleton campus of Hopwood Hall College.

Guests were treated to a series of impressive student displays showcasing the skills they had learnt whilst on the course including fitness demonstrations, team competitions such as tug-of-war and an assault course.

Terry Morley, Centre Director for Sport and Public Services at Hopwood Hall College, said: “The day is about celebrating our students and their achievements over the last year..

“We have had a great year who have achieved a lot and that we are all very proud of. The parade is an excellent way to end their college year.

“Our students succeed at the highest level.

"Students will now either carry on with their further education on the course or head off for careers in the armed and civilian services.

“Some students will go off to university to study subjects such as criminology, forensic science and policing.”

The Uniformed Public Services department at Hopwood Hall College prepares young people for work in a wide range of public services, including the police, the fire and rescue service, the ambulance services, army, navy, marines and air force, the prison service and HM customs and excise.

Many of the ‘Class of 2016’ have already secured  jobs/places on training programmes including: 

• Gemma Knight, 18, who is joining the navy
• Connah Mathers, 18, who is joining the military police
• Mary Akram, 18, who is starting a police apprenticeship
• Billy Barnes, 18, who is joining the marines