Higher Education (HE) students and staff from Bolton College joined together to celebrate their outstanding efforts and academic achievements.

The HE students were joined by course leaders, tutors and past Bolton College students for the event that highlighted the success of the hard-working learners.

Students gathered together from a range of HE courses, including civil engineering, teaching assistants, early years, healthcare play and complementary therapies.

Marie Gilluley, Principal of Bolton College, said: “The event was an ideal opportunity to celebrate the students’ incredible achievements and contributions to the learning community at Bolton College. 

“I felt extremely proud of the learners and staff, who are fantastic representatives of our college. Their success is testament to the hard work of the students and tutors alike – not only within our four walls but across the many community and worked-based learning centres throughout Bolton.”

The complementary health department celebrated as three of its students passed their top-up degrees at Bolton University with flying colours, following on from a two year foundation course at Bolton College. 

Top of the class, with a first class honours degree, was Eileen Thomasson, 47. She joined the course, together with Claire Cummins, 35, and Elizabeth Blair, 47, in 2010. As a full-time therapist at Bolton Hospice, her passion for complementary therapy only made her want to discover so much more – not only did she achieve that, but she made some firm friends along the way.

Following closely behind, in terms of achievement, are Claire and Elizabeth, who will both graduate with a 2:1.

Claire said: “The members of staff at Bolton College have been fantastic and extremely supportive – both as tutors and mentors. My confidence has improved so much. Before I started the course, I was shy and retiring. Now, I’m a completely different person and I cannot wait for the next stage in my training.”

The three high-flying students will be returning to Bolton College in September, when they start their teacher training – spending two days a week teaching at the College.

Elizabeth said: “We’ve been through it all and understand what the students are thinking and feeling. We cannot wait to come back to the College and use all the knowledge and skills we’ve gained over the last three years and apply them in the classroom.”

HE Learner, Zainab Mala, 26, said: “It was such a nice way to celebrate the end of our time at Bolton College – we’ve all achieved so much! There was definitely a mix of relief and excitement, as we’re all setting off on the next stages of our learning and working careers.”