Making the grade

A RETURN to education has proven something to celebrate for adult students at Redcar and Cleveland College and Stockton Riverside College.

- By GAZETTE REPORTER

The two colleges saw their higher education learners come together this week in their first ever joint graduation at Stockton Globe.

Parading through the high street ahead of the official proceedings, more than 100 students were there to pick up a variety of qualifications including HNCs, certificates in higher education, Foundation Degrees and full Honours Degrees, many delivered in partnership with Teesside University.

"It felt very exciting and emotional," said the event's valedictory speaker, Rachael McPartland.

The 38-year-old mum-of-two, from Linthorpe, received her BA Hons in Education and Training from Stockton Riverside College. She was invited to speak on stage on behalf of her fellow graduates.