South Devon College celebrates 300-strong graduation ceremony in Torquay

A 52-year-old woman who left school without any exam results has graduated as a qualified community nurse, among more than 300 students celebrating at University Centre South Devon's graduation ceremony in Torquay.

Louise Preston, from Teignmouth, first joined Torbay Hospital as a healthcare assistant before working her way up through a Level 5 Apprenticeship as an Assistant Practitioner, for which she was awarded the college's Personal Development Prize. She will now move into a more clinical role.

"I really did struggle the first year, I'm older, I left school many years ago and didn't leave school with any exam results whatsoever," she said. "With all the support from the teachers and everyone in my class, I was getting 80%."

Ms Preston was one of hundreds of graduates crossing the stage in subjects ranging from nursing and childhood studies to engineering and business leadership, many of whom had combined their studies with existing jobs through degree apprenticeships rather than taking a traditional full-time route.

Rea Sims, who normally teaches Animal Care and Science at the college, found herself on the other side of the lecture theatre after graduating as a Level 7 Academic Professional, an apprenticeship covering the skills needed to teach in higher education. "As a lecturer, I spend much of my time encouraging students to embrace challenge, step outside of their comfort zone, and trust in their abilities," she said. "As a student, I have been reminded just how difficult that can be sometimes."

The pair were two of hundreds of graduates crossing the stage in subjects ranging from nursing and childhood studies to engineering and business leadership, many of whom had combined their studies with existing jobs through degree apprenticeships rather than taking a traditional full-time route.

Among them was Felix Dunscombe, a Level 5 Trainee Assistant Practitioner at Totnes Community Hospital, who was chosen by his cohort to deliver the graduates' vote of thanks. "I am sure that everyone here questioned whether we belonged on the course, doubting our own abilities at one time or another," he told the room, before closing with: "A beautiful end to a journey that has left us with more knowledge, friends and confidence than before. Well done. We did it."

Tahlia Harding, 20, from Paignton, began her BA in Leadership and Management at just 17, briefly juggling it alongside a hospitality management apprenticeship. She won the University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Prize and said the college's smaller class sizes had made a difference. "I've watched myself grow, even through my academic work," she said. "I didn't know how to reference when I started and now I could do it in my sleep."

Isla Potterton, 23, from Honiton, took a different path, combining her Live Music Production and Sound Engineering studies with founding her own audio production company, Vibe Check Audio. She went on to work as chief sound engineer at the Apple & Parrot before joining Future Technical Solutions, which places her at large-scale music festivals across the country. She was awarded the college's Employability Prize.

George Williams, who graduated with a foundation degree in Music Performance and Production, thanked his lecturers for teaching him more than just his subject. "You've taught us the subject we chose to do, but also the value of perseverance, critical thinking, self-confidence and rock and roll," he said.

Also recognised on the day was Chris Wardle, chair of the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster, who received an Honorary Fellowship after 26 years living and working in the area. Both his children have studied at South Devon College, with his daughter about to begin a degree apprenticeship of her own. "The opportunities are coming and will be available here in Torbay across sectors like technology, digital, creative and construction," he said.

Laurence Frewin, Principal and CEO of South Devon College, told graduates their achievement went beyond the certificate itself. "It comes from experience, from being challenged, from getting things wrong, trying again, and gradually realising that you are more capable than you thought," he said.

Applications for 2026 courses remain open, with full-time, part-time and degree apprenticeship options available through South Devon College.