Newtown College students celebrate at big event

Graduates from Newtown College were among those honoured as NPTC Group of Colleges marked its 20th Graduation Day in a ceremony at the Gwyn Hall in Neath this week.

Students from the Newtown campus joined others from across the Group’s colleges in Neath Port Talbot and Brecon to celebrate the completion of their higher education qualifications, many delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Wrexham University, Pearson, and AAT.

The annual graduation recognises those who have completed university-level courses locally at campuses including Newtown College, which provides degree and higher-level study opportunities in areas such as health and wellbeing, engineering, business, and education.

Chief Executive Mark Dacey praised the achievements of this year’s graduates, describing the event as a celebration of resilience and determination.

“We’ve seen people of all ages overcome incredible challenges to earn their qualifications,” he said. “Watching their faces light up as they cross the stage — that’s why we do what we do.”

Among those recognised was Maxine O’Keefe, who achieved a First-Class Honours Degree in Wellbeing and Health in the Community and was named Higher Education Student of the Year. She said returning to education at 40 while balancing family life had been life-changing, thanks to the support and encouragement of tutors.

Her success has already inspired other family members to follow her path and enroll in higher-level courses at the college.

The event also saw Welsh Poet Laureate Alex Wharton awarded an Honorary Fellowship for his contribution to children’s literature and education.

Newtown College is part of NPTC Group of Colleges, which offers a range of full and part-time university-level courses in partnership with several universities, allowing students in Mid Wales to study close to home.

For more information about degree and higher education opportunities at Newtown College, visit www.nptcgroup.ac.uk/newtown-college.