University Centre Askham Bryan’s Class of 2025 celebrate at Graduation Ceremony

University Centre Askham Bryan’s Class of 2025 have celebrated their achievements at an annual graduation held in the heart of York. 

Over 200 higher education students who have graduated this year were joined by their families and friends at a high-profile ceremony held at York Minster.  

Tim Whitaker, Chief Executive Officer and Principal, Askham Bryan College said: “It is always an honour and a privilege to see our students graduate, particularly in such an iconic setting as York Minster.  

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our graduates, whose commitment to academic excellence and personal development has culminated in this significant milestone. This year also marks the second occasion on which Askham Bryan College has proudly showcased our own graduation colours on the graduation robes. 

As these graduates embark on the next stage of their career, we commend their resilience, celebrate their success, and extend our warmest congratulations to the Class of 2025.” 

Civic leaders, industry experts and employer partners as well as academic staff and college governors took part in the event held earlier this week on 24th September 2025. 

The York Ceremonial Guard led the procession of guests from the Merchant Taylors’ Hall through the streets to York Minster. 

This year’s guest speaker was Phil Northing, Head of Science Strategy at FERA Science Limited who spoke on his career and gave valuable advice to the graduating students on how to navigate their futures with resilience in the rapidly changing land-based and environment sectors. 

UCAB graduates have successfully completed a wide range of degree level courses including agriculture, animal management, applied animal behaviour and welfare, canine and feline training and behaviour, equine science and management, management of animal collections with conservation, veterinary nursing and zoo management and conservation. 

Kailum Farmery, Conservation and Ecology Top Up graduate, who was nominated to receive the Student Vote of Thanks for his contribution throughout the course said: “It’s an honour to be voted in to do the Student Vote of Thanks. I didn’t think I would get it over the amount of people that were doing it, that have also done a lot for the college during their time here. I think being Student Union President and helping in and out with students has helped me get to know everyone and I was really looking forward to giving my speech to everyone.”