SCORES of students donned their robes and mortar boards to celebrate their graduation yesterday.

Swindon College’s 12th graduation ceremony saw about 100 graduates receive their well-deserved certificates at Holy Rood Church.

They started with a procession from Jurys Inn Hotel and finished with a celebration buffet at the college.

Swindon College principal, Andrew Miller, has been in charge for nine months, and said he was very proud of them for doing so well.

He said: “Today is a very special day for the college. I think what’s important is to see the different variety of courses and age groups of students we have collecting degrees today and to note we have many students who have got first class honours degrees.

“It’s a very proud day for their families and friends who have supported them. I’m very proud to be principal,” he said.

“We’re confident that those graduating today have much to look forward to in the future. We look forward to hearing of their successes in years to come,” he said.

Students graduated in a range of subjects, including MA archaeological illustration, Foundation Degree in early years, BA (Hons) in graphic design and HND in civil engineering.

Among them was Lisa Simmons of Coleview who has completed a Foundation Degree in early years.

The 27-year-old said: “It was hard work because I’ve got two children, a 19 month old daughter and a seven-year-old son, but I got there in the end.

“It was hard balancing my studies but I’ve got a very supportive family,” she said.

Victoria Small, 19, of Wootton Bassett, graduated in AAT NVQ 4 accounting.

“I’m relieved to finish. I’ve got a job already and I’m doing another course at the same time. It was a lot of work,” she said.

Ryan Chapman has completed an HNC in civil engineering, Luke Archer has finished a foundation degree in business management and communications, and Helen Pickett passed the HND in civil engineering.

Martine Woodward, head of learning partnerships at the University of Bath presented the scrolls to the Bath graduates who had completed their degrees at the college.

“We come up regularly to make sure they’re okay but it’s always lovely to see the students with their parents,” she said.