Higher Education and Norfolk Teacher Training students celebrate Graduation 2025 in Norwich Cathedral
5th November 2025
We were proud to celebrate the achievements of more than 300 Higher Education students in Norwich Cathedral on Saturday 25th October, when City College Norwich and Easton College held their annual graduation ceremonies.
Higher Education graduates were presented with awards in a wide range of vocational, career-focused courses, from animal science to construction.
These included degrees, diplomas, and certificates awarded by the colleges’ Higher Education partner, the University of East Anglia (UEA), as well as Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, teaching qualifications, and other higher-level professional qualifications.
This year marked the first time that our Norfolk Teacher Training Centre students graduated alongside our Higher Education students – with students achieving both Primary Qualified Teacher Status and Secondary Qualified Teacher Status.
The colleges’ graduation continues to be a celebration of local success, with the vast majority of the colleges’ Higher Education students living and working in Norfolk. Many students had studied with us from aged 16, and have stayed to complete their Higher Education with us.
Many, such as students completing degree apprenticeships, have been supported in their studies by Norfolk and local employers who recognise the value of developing higher level skills within their workforce.
The ceremony was filmed by our fantastic Media Learning Company students, and featured a musical performance by alumni Izzy Brown. The celebration ended with a food and drink reception, provided by our catering and hospitality staff and students.
Honorary graduand: alumni and Director of Agri-TechE
We are delighted to announce that Dr Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-TechE and City College Norwich alumni, was our honorary graduand this year, and was awarded in recognition of her service to the agri-technologies and farming. Agri-TechE is the UK’s longest-established and largest network connecting farmers and growers with researchers, technologists, entrepreneurs and investors. They bring together those who see innovation as a way to enhance the economic growth, agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability of the agri-food value chain.
Belinda was also a member of the Council of UKRI-BBSRC and a Trustee of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (2015-2021). In 2021 she was awarded the Sir Timothy Colman Prize for “outstanding leadership in the agri-tech sector” and she was among the “Women of the Year 2022” cohort. In 2024 she was awarded an OBE for services to agri-technologies and farming in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
Higher Education Student of the Year: Lorraine Clements
Lorraine Clements graduated with First Class Honours on the BA (Hons) Additional Needs and Disabilities (Children and Young People) course, and was presented with the college’s Higher Education Student of the Year award.
Lorraine works at Fakenham Junior school, and chose to study a degree with us to better “support children and young people who have a whole range of additional needs and disabilities”. Lorraine said that there were “lots of courses that would support children with special educational needs and disabilities, but it’s those wider additional needs with English as a second language or children who are going through bereavement” that solidified her choice to study with us.
She spoke about her time at City College Norwich Higher Education fondly, saying:
“All the support there is amazing, and I couldn’t have done my journey without them”
When asked about being chosen at this year’s Higher Education Student of the Year, Lorraine said:
“My family are absolutely over the moon and couldn’t be prouder of me. It’s a really big achievement and I’m honoured to be awarded it.”
Staff member Claire Carkin added:
“Lorraine was a true pleasure to teach, and I know that she will go on to do great things”
Higher Apprentice of the Year: Peter Cummings
Peter graduated with Second Class Honours (First Division) on our Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship, and was presented with the Higher Apprentice of the Year award. Peter was a trusted supporter and guide to his peers throughout the course, and showed great determination and receptiveness to feedback throughout his studies. Peter not only thrived in the classroom, but further applied his learning to his role at Norwich School of Hair and Beauty, driving long-term success of the business and showing exemplary leadership qualities.
NTTC Primary and Secondary Trainees of the Year
Suzanne Hill won the award for NTTC Primary Trainee of the Year for her “commitment and dedication to her development as a trainee teacher”, her tutor Becky Clinton said. She not only contributed insightfully during sessions at college, but also showed impeccable professionalism and commitment to her training.
Ruby Dade won NTTC Secondary Trainee of the Year for her resilient and thoughtful behaviour both at college and in school. Her tutor Andrina Ridgwell said that she went “above and beyond” during her time at NTTC. She was a valued member both of her secondary teacher group and to her colleagues at school, and Andrina stated that Ruby “modelled the highest standards of professional behaviours expected of a student teacher”.
MJS Projects Award winner Alexander Kelly
Alexander was awarded the MJS Projects Award for completing his HND in Construction and the Built Environment (Construction Management). Being a skilled carpenter from Australia, Alexander embraced this new challenge and completed his course with a distinction overall. Alexander has successfully advanced his career with Serco at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, which has led to his current role as Head of Capital Works. His achievements both in the classroom and in his role, tutor Anna Hare announces, “make him a worthy recipient” of the award.
Congratulations to all our graduates
Jerry White, Principal of City College Norwich and Easton College, commented:
A huge congratulations to our 2025 graduates!
The day truly was a memorable one, and an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable efforts that our graduates have made throughout their studies, and the difference I am sure they will continue to make in their chosen professional fields.
A huge thank you to the family members, lecturers, and employers who have supported each graduate on their journey with us, and we wish our graduates all the best for the exciting next steps ahead.”
