Higher Education students mark landmark graduation

A new cohort of Higher Education students from Cheshire College – South & West and Macclesfield College have celebrated achieving their university-level qualifications, marking a major milestone in their professional journeys and the first combined Higher Education Graduation Ceremony since the two colleges officially merged.

Graduates from across the organisation’s four campuses gathered with family, friends and College staff at Chester Cathedral on Wednesday 21 October 2026 to celebrate their achievements.

The ceremony brought together graduates from Cheshire College – South & West and Macclesfield College for the first time, marking a significant moment following the merger in August 2026 and highlighting the breadth of Higher Education opportunities now available across Cheshire.

Students graduated from courses including engineering, computing, counselling, business, visual arts and education, with qualifications spanning a range of Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and other professional programmes.

Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO, said: “Seeing our students graduate is always a proud moment, and this year’s ceremony was particularly special as it marked the first time, we have brought graduates from across our newly merged organisation together to celebrate their achievements.”

“Our Higher Education provision plays an important role in developing the skills needed across Cheshire and the wider region. By working closely with employers and providing students with practical, career-focused opportunities, we are helping prepare the next generation of talent for a wide range of industries.”

The ceremony also featured an inspirational address from Paralympic gold medallist, author and mindset coach Karen Darke, who shared her experiences and advice to graduates as they look ahead to the next stage of their journeys.

Joseph, HNC Electrical and Mechanical Engineering graduate, said: “It feels great to be graduating. It’s a massive accomplishment and I’m really proud of myself. I’ve always taken a liking to engineering from when I was in high school, and I decided to carry it on as a career through college. I’m now currently doing an electrical engineering apprenticeship, and what I learned in college helped me a lot with getting that role. It gave me a massive step forward.”

Connah, HNC Applied Science graduate, said: “I’m really proud of myself. It’s a big achievement. I have had tutors that really believe in me, and the support has been absolutely incredible. They’ve honestly been amazing.”

As lead education provider for the Cheshire and Warrington Institute of Technology, the organisation also supports the development of higher-level technical skills across the region. Specialist Institute of Technology facilities at Crewe and Macclesfield provide dedicated learning spaces for engineering and technology students, helping prepare future talent for sectors including engineering, computing, construction and healthcare science.

Applications are now open for Higher Education courses starting in 2027. For more information, visit www.ccsw.ac.uk.

Pics: Helen Cotton