Graduates celebrate success at University Centre South Devon

Students from the University Centre South Devon, the higher education arm of South Devon College, celebrated their academic achievements at graduation ceremonies held at the Grand Hotel in Torquay.

Across three ceremonies, around 300 graduates and their guests marked their successes, with speeches reflecting on personal triumphs, academic accomplishments and future ambitions.

Among those speaking was Kath Larrett, 45, from Exmouth, who graduated with an FdA Level 5 in Youth Justice while working full time as a police sergeant and raising a family.

She said: “What a privilege it is to be here. Across every faculty represented today, we’ve all faced challenges. Some of us balanced study with work, others with family life, and some of us with both. Yet here we are — all of us proof that determination and resilience can carry you further than you ever thought.

“To our lecturers who never lost patience — thank you. You’ve not only taught us the subject matter but also the value of perseverance, critical thinking, and self-confidence.

“Let’s not forget those behind the scenes — administrators, technicians, and support staff - you have been vital. And to our families, friends, and loved ones — thank you for the endless encouragement.

“Today is a celebration not just of what we’ve achieved, but of who we’ve become. Whatever paths we take from here, whether back into our careers, on to further study, or into brand-new adventures, we will carry with us not just knowledge, but the resilience and determination that got us to this stage.”*

Ben Pountney, 43, from Torquay, completed a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management and gave thanks during the ceremony.

He said: “It’s a real privilege to be standing here, surrounded by proud families, friends, lecturers, and of course the incredible graduating class of University Centre South Devon 2025.

“I want to say a huge thank you to our lecturers, assessor coaches, employers, line managers, the Higher Education support team, and yes — the brilliant café team who kept us going with caffeine and kindness!

“I wear two hats today — one as a graduate, and one as someone who works at South Devon College, leading the Business Development team. I’ve seen both sides of this journey. And let me tell you — juggling work, study, family life, and everything else that 2025 throws at us is no small feat.

“Everyone here has been studying during a time of real change. We know that AI is reshaping the workplace, hybrid working is the new normal, and leadership today means being adaptable, emotionally intelligent, and ready for anything. The world needs leaders who can think critically, act ethically, and bring people together — and that’s exactly what this programme has helped us become.

“We’ve shown that apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers — they’re for anyone who wants to grow, lead, and make a difference. At 40 years of age I thought my opportunity to get a degree had passed me by – so a big thank you to my line manager at the time Maria for giving me the opportunity to develop myself and to my current manager Steve for the ongoing and daily support for my career development.

“So, as we step into the next chapter — whether that’s a promotion, a new job role, or just a well-earned break — let’s take with us the confidence that we’ve earned. We’ve done something tough, something meaningful, and something that will shape our futures.”*

Principal Laurence Frewin welcomed graduates and paid tribute to their success. He said:“As Principal and CEO of both University Centre South Devon and South Devon College it is always a privilege to recognise and champion the success of our students. This is why we do what we do every day, and why we have so much pride in that. We are also very proud when we can reflect on, and celebrate, your achievements.“

Other graduates also shared their thanks, including Lily-Mae Hamlet-Jevons, who completed a Nursing Associate Foundation Degree.

She said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to all the staff at the University Centre who have supported us and been part of our journey. I would like to say an even bigger thank you to the nursing lecturers who have supported myself and my cohort. You have all shaped us into the healthcare professionals we are today.

“We have all studied alongside pre-existing busy lives, whether that’s juggling parenthood, work or just life in general, yet we all did it! The memories and friendships we made will be here forever, and it has given many of us the courage and strength to continue onto further education.”*

Prizes were awarded during the ceremonies, including:

• The Employability Prize to Michael Clements, FdSc in Hearing Aid Audiology, presented by Dean Dr Kat Jones.

• The Personal Development Prize to Sonia Ayshford, FdA in Education and Childhood.

• The University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Prize to Amy Berry, BA (Hons) in Childhood and Youth Studies.

Dr Jones said of Michael Clements: “It is with great pride that I award the Employability Prize to Michael Clements for his dedication to his patients and to the wider community of service users. He has proactively proposed alternative, evidence-based approaches to audiological rehabilitation - ideas that were inspired by his lectures and thoughtfully shared with his employers.

“He has also generously offered to contribute as a guest speaker for our Curriculum Enrichment webinars – his industry insights and case study presentations will undoubtedly enrich the learning experience for our students.

“Michael is also in the process of establishing a charity in the Bristol area, aimed at supporting individuals affected by Auditory Processing Disorder and tinnitus.”

An Honorary Fellowship was awarded to Stephen Kings, Interim CEO of Wild Planet Trust, for his contribution to education and community service.

He said: “It is with a pleasure beyond mere words for me to accept this great honour. It is something I never anticipated or expected to receive, and I am genuinely struggling to adequately describe how pleased I am to accept this Honorary Fellowship of South Devon College and University Centre.

“I have been involved in education within Torbay for well over 30 years and I well remember when South Devon College was based in old buildings in Barton Road, Torquay, before its inspirational move to Long Road and the gradual expansion and development of the College into the wonderful institution that it is today.

“Be proud, be pleased and enjoy the day. I would like to wish all of you great success as you move on through to the next stage of your lives.”

Closing the ceremonies, Principal Frewin said: “Graduates, today is all about you and the incredible success you have achieved. The knowledge, skills and behaviours you have developed here have prepared you to take the next step with confidence. You are now ready to progress on your chosen path and to make a real difference to your communities – here in Torbay and South Devon, across the country, and as global citizens.

“You now leave us equipped not only with knowledge, but with real skills, confidence, and ambition that matter. As you step into your futures, we know you will continue to achieve, inspire, and make a difference in our community and beyond.”*