University Centre Askham Bryan’s Class of 2026 celebrate at Graduation Ceremony 

University Centre Askham Bryan’s Class of 2026 have celebrated their achievements at an annual graduation held in the heart of York. 

Over 150 higher education students who have graduated this year were joined by their families and friends at a high-profile ceremony held at York Minster. 

University Centre Askham Bryan (UCAB), based at Askham Bryan College in York with a Veterinary Nursing centre in Gateshead, offers higher education qualifications including foundation and honours degrees. 

This year also marks two important milestones: the first Veterinary Nursing students to graduate in Askham Bryan colours and the first cohort to complete the programme following its full accreditation by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. 

Tim Whitaker, Chief Executive Officer and Principal, Askham Bryan College said: “Graduation is one of the proudest moments in our college year. It reminds us why we do what we do and the difference that University Centre Askham Bryan makes to the lives of our students. Seeing our graduates cross the stage in such a special setting is always a powerful reminder of that.” 

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 23rd September 2026. 

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 Shirley Gibbins, who spoke on her career and gave valuable advice to the graduating students: “As you leave today, don’t be afraid if your path changes. You don’t need to know exactly where you are going. Just trust yourself enough to decide where to put your foot next. 

Congratulations graduates, and I wish you all the best for whatever comes next – it will probably be completely different from what you imagine. And isn’t that exciting.” 

University Centre Askham Bryan graduates have successfully completed a wide range of degree level courses including agriculture, animal management, 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. 

Will Jenkins, Agriculture graduate, who was nominated to receive the Student Vote of Thanks for his contribution throughout the course said: “A graduation ceremony is clearly a celebration of students’ successes and a tribute to the degree we’ve each worked so hard to achieve. But let’s not forget, this level of higher education is not achieved without hard work, late nights studying and years leading up to this moment.”