Derby College Group celebrates a summer of achievement

Teacher Training Celebration (Credit: DCG)

It has been a summer of celebration at Derby College Group, as thousands of students have marked the end of their courses with a series of awards ceremonies and graduations held over the last few weeks. Here is a broad selection of the celebrations.

From Broomfield Hall to The Roundhouse, Morley Hayes and the University of Derby, every part of the college’s provision has taken the opportunity to recognise the hard work, resilience and achievements of its students this year, and to send them off with the best possible send-off ahead of their next steps.

Teacher Training
The Teacher Training Celebration Evening recognised the commitment, resilience and achievements of students preparing for careers in education. From the classroom to the ceremony, their dedication has been inspiring to see, and the future of education is in safe hands thanks to this new generation of teachers.

Land-based studies, Broomfield Hall
Over at Broomfield Hall, land-based students marked the end of the year with a glamorous awards ceremony celebrating their academic success as well as the vital contribution they made to the grounds and working estate throughout the year.

The site then came together again for its wider end-of-year awards and graduation ceremonies, with every curriculum area at Broomfield Hall represented, making for a memorable day for students, staff and guests alike.

Jon Collins, Vice Principal for Land-based Studies at Derby College Group, said: “Every year I am incredibly proud of what our land-based students go on to achieve, and this year has been no exception. It was wonderful to see so many students recognised for their hard work, both in the classroom and out on the estate here at Broomfield Hall, and I want to thank everyone who helped make the day such a success.”

Adult Learners, Media, Esports and Fashion Business
Back at The Roundhouse in Derby, adult learners brought friends and family along to share in their own end-of-year celebrations, an event that will last long in the memory for everyone who took part.

Media, Esports and Fashion Business students also marked the end of the academic year with a celebration of their own, adding heartfelt farewell messages to a shared notebook, a lasting keepsake that will become part of the college’s history.

Apprenticeships
Apprentices had their moment to be recognised at the Apprenticeship Awards 2026, celebrating the incredible progress they have made while learning in the workplace. A highlight of the event was recognising the wide network of employers the college works with to secure such amazing opportunities for students. Congratulations go to all finalists, and especially to this year’s winners.

Plumbing and Gas
Plumbing and Gas students came together to celebrate the practical, technical and customer service skills they have built throughout their course, alongside hands-on training and work experience opportunities provided by the college’s partners. Thanks go to the employer partners for their continued support, and to those who generously donated tools, PPE and other prizes.

Routes and Pathways
The Routes and Pathways programmes, which support learners with additional needs, held their own award ceremonies recognising the progress, resilience and confidence students have built over the year, including a surprise visit from Stitch at the Pathways celebration. Both programmes sit right at the heart of helping students build independence and a real sense of achievement.

Construction
Construction students picked up awards and certificates recognising the completion of their courses and looked ahead to their bright futures, in another proud moment for the college as all areas held similar events to celebrate their students.

Tourism, Business and A Level
Tourism and the Visitor Economy students shared unforgettable moments with friends and teachers at The Roundhouse, while Business students saw a year’s hard work recognised with awards, certificates and a student-led presentation for their tutors.
First year A level students also celebrated a very successful year, looking back on their achievements and the memories made, including trips to London and Paris.

Sport
Sports students celebrated their graduation in style with a Graduation Ball at Morley Hayes, complete with awards and certificates, a celebratory meal, and music and dancing long into the night.

Higher Education
Higher Education students marked their graduation at the University of Derby, the culmination of months of hard work, determination and perseverance. Congratulations go to the Class of 2026, with every success wished for the future.

Across every event, from the smallest specialist cohort to the biggest graduation ball, the message from Derby College Group has been the same: huge congratulations to everyone who reached these milestones this year, and best wishes for whatever comes next.