University Centre Sparsholt (UCS) was delighted to celebrate the class of 2025 at Winchester Cathedral on Wednesday 16 July. Graduates, Alumni, lecturers, family, friends and supporters including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and Sparsholt College Group President, Nigel Atkinson Esq, the Mayor of Winchester, and Guest of Honour Dr Brooke Storer-Church (CEO of GuildHE) gathered to celebrate the hard work and dedication of this cohort. Students were presented with their well-earned degrees and prizes for individual endeavour and academic success as the class of 2025 embark on the next stage of their lives.
Julie Milburn, Principal and CEO of Sparsholt College Group expressed her pride for the University Centre Sparsholt graduates and reflected on their achievements through the year. She said: “By leveraging their expertise and innovative spirit, UCS graduates will play a vital role in developing sustainable agricultural practices that will ensure a stable food supply for burgeoning populations, implementing environmental strategies that conserve our precious, natural resources and advancing health initiatives that promote the wellbeing of people, animals and the planet. Their work is not merely a profession, but a profound commitment to shape a better future for all of us.
Darren Mernagh, Vice Principal & Dean of Higher Education commented “It was a privilege to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our graduating students from postgraduate and undergraduate degrees in specialist programmes that are shaping the future leaders of the land-based economies including zoo, ecology, fisheries, vet nursing, equine, agricultural, and animal industries. With strong input from industry, these courses provide our students with the practical skills and expertise that make them highly sought after across their chosen sectors”
Matthew Rendell RVN from the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Council was also present at the ceremony to lead the pledge for new classes of Veterinary Nursing Students.
Dr Brooke Storer-Church, CEO of GuildHE gave an inspiring speech to the class of 2025 encouraging them to stay curious and find joy in the paths they choose follow. GuildHE champions diversity in UK higher education offering unique insights into the challenges and opportunities that matter most.
After the presentation of awards, graduating students Helen Nicoll, BSc (Hons) Equine Science & Welfare, and Flynn Sinnott, BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology, gave their vote of thanks on behalf of the 2025 students. They used their speeches to thank everyone for the support they had received over their time studying. Both Helen and Flynn discussed how much they had enjoyed their time at UCS and the wonderful support they had received from fellow peers and lecturers. They both highlighted the memorable industry relevant trips that they had experienced to South Africa and Amsterdam along with a host of UK based visits.
To close the ceremonies HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson Esq, Sparsholt College Group President took the opportunity to wish the students the very best of luck for the future and to congratulate all of them on their achievements, especially to the winners of the course awards. He hoped they enjoyed their time at University Centre Sparsholt and thanked them for the contributions that they have made to the Sparsholt community.
Applications are still open to join University Centre Sparsholt in September 2025 for more information or to apply please visit: sparsholt.ac.uk/clearing/