A ceremony to applaud the achievements of UC Sheffield graduates has been held in the heart of the city.
Around 100 students and apprentices graduated from UC Sheffield this year, which is the home of university level qualifications at The Sheffield College.
College staff and governors joined graduates and their families at the event held at Sheffield Cathedral on 21st November 2025.
Angela Foulkes CBE, Chief Executive and Principal, The Sheffield College, said: “I am so proud of our graduates and the staff who have inspired and supported them.
“It is an honour to celebrate this major milestone with them. On behalf of the college, I wish our graduates every success with the next stage of their careers.”
The Class of 2025 chose to study at UC Sheffield for a variety of reasons. Rhiannon Wright, 30, wanted a career change after working in retail and signed up to study a Foundation Degree in Assistant Practitioner in Health and Social Care.
Rhiannon, a clinical support worker, said: “I feel really proud of myself. It is never too late to learn. One of my best memories is when I achieved my first distinction. My ambition is to work with schools in either safeguarding or with pupils who have special education needs and disabilities,” added Rhiannon.
Meanwhile, Katie Whitham, 25, has completed a BA Honours Degree in Games Design and is currently looking for a role in the industry. As part of the course, Katie completed a three-month placement for aspiring games makers in London developed by the NextGen Skills Academy and Rock Steady Studios.
Katie said: “It feels surreal to graduate. I loved my course. It’s done a lot for me. It’s given me the confidence to be myself and do things I never thought I could. If you’re with the right people, you can go far. I met a class of lovely people who were as zany as me. I am so happy that I’ve met them.”
Ronald Richards-Caines, 26, has graduated with a Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Exercise. Ronald, who moved from Bermuda to study at the college, said: “I really like the set up at the college, the teachers and the work. I’ve really enjoyed my time there.”
Ryan Binns, 32, is a former The Sheffield College automotive lecturer who previously worked in the army as a vehicle mechanic. Ryan, who continues to teach in further education, has completed a Higher Apprenticeship in Learning and Skills Teacher. Ryan said: “I feel great and really proud inside. It’s a challenge juggling studies with work. It’s amazing to graduate.”
This year’s ceremony guest speakers included professional footballer Jessica Clarke, who has represented England at every level from the under 17 to the senior squad. The former England Lioness highlighted the importance of being fearless and who you are, especially in the face of adversity.
The ceremony closed with the youngest graduate ringing a bell, signalling to the city that a new class of graduates are making their way into the world. Celebrations continued with a drinks reception at Cutlers’ Hall.
UC Sheffield offers higher technical qualifications as well as honours and foundation degrees, higher national certificates and diplomas, and higher apprenticeships.
The college has a silver rating in the Teaching and Excellence Framework 2023. Run by the Office for Students, the TEF focuses on teaching, learning and students achieving positive outcomes from their studies.
Find out more about the UC Sheffield course offer and next series of January 2026 open days. Visit https://ucsheffield.sheffcol.ac.uk/.
Pictured: Rhiannon Wright wanted a career change after working in retail and has completed a Foundation Degree in Assistant Practitioner in Health and Social Care. Photo credit: Joe Horner.
