A COLLEGE has held its first in-person graduation since 2019 with a week of events to celebrate.

Beechwood College in Sully, which offers education to young adults with autistic spectrum conditions, welcomed people to their first in-person graduation and awards ceremony since 2019.

Ahead of the big day - on August 5 - the college hosted a week of celebrations including a flower show, music festival, and more.

Every student was awarded for what they have achieved, ranging from overcoming personal challenges or being able to go off site unsupported, to meal preparation and road safety awareness.

For the first time staff at the college were eligible for awards following votes from pupils and colleagues.

Principal at Beechwood College, Rachel Newman, said:

“This event has been an emotional one for lots of reasons, not least that we are saying goodbye to our graduating students.

“Every student has been given an award so that we can show how important it is to celebrate the ‘small’ things, as well as the major milestones.

“It was wonderful to see staff and students come together to celebrate and having families here too was just the icing on the cake.”

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There were also performances at the event, including a reading of I am proud which a student wrote outlining his achievements plus a guitar solo.

“We have so much talent at Beechwood, and it took so much courage for our performers to stand up in front of such a large audience but they all did us proud,” added Ms Newman.

“It was also great to acknowledge our staff, without whom our students could not have achieved everything they have.

“It was particularly gratifying that one of our lecturers was presenting awards to his students for the first time since being supported to train and step-up from a support worker role.”

Beechwood College has both day and residential students and provides each student with a learning environment tailored to their specific needs.

More information about Beechwood College – including career opportunities - is available online at www.beechwoodcollege.co.uk