Rochdale residents graduate in style

Hopwood Hall graduate Daniel Arthurs.

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Hopwood Hall College recently hosted its 17th annual Higher Education Graduation Ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall.

Over 100 Rochdale borough residents who have been studying for Higher Education qualifications were officially awarded their certificates at the prestigious ceremony held in the Grand Hall, by Julian Skyrme Head of Undergraduate Recruitment and Widening Participation, at The University of Manchester.

Principal Derek O'Toole welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale Councillor Keith Swift and Ms Susanne Etchells and Chairman of Governors Robert Clegg.

Graduands dressed in cap and gown brought along friends and relatives and enjoyed the chance to catch up with former classmates and tutors in the foyer before the ceremony, whilst being entertained by a string quartet from the Royal College of Music.

Qualifications awarded on the night ranged from Level 4 and Level 5 (Higher Nationals and Foundation Degrees) up to Level 7 (Masters Degree standard) from awarding bodies such as Edexcel, The University of Bolton, The University of Salford and the Association of Accounting Technicians.

College Principal Derek O’Toole commented: "At Hopwood Hall College we are passionate about life long learning - providing opportunities for people in the borough to ‘up-skill’ themselves throughout their working lives and access improved career prospects.

"For many students choosing HE at Hopwood significantly lowers the cost of studying, as students are able to study locally which enables them to live at home and fit family and work commitments around their college courses. Hopwood Hall also offers an ‘Access to HE’ course for those aspiring to higher education who may not have the necessary entry qualifications."