Hopwood Hall College’s class of 2025 graduates in style at town hall ceremony

Friday, 10 October 2025 18:07

By David Murphy

Class of 2025. Credit: Hopwood Hall College

Friends, family and lecturers fill Great Hall as Hopwood Hall College celebrates higher education success.

Hopwood Hall College honoured its higher education Class of 2025 with a celebratory graduation ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall, marking the achievements of local students who have completed university-level qualifications including Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).

Graduates of all ages gathered in traditional caps and gowns to receive their scrolls before a full house in the Great Hall. The event drew emotional reactions from proud families, tutors, and the wider community, showcasing the transformative impact of further education in the borough.

Among the keynote speakers was England international and Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton, himself a former student at the college. Matty shared his personal journey from Hopwood Hall to rugby league stardom, encouraging graduates to “believe in what’s possible when you work hard.”

Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK and newly appointed Chair of the Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation, also delivered a speech. She reflected on the values of the Rochdale Pioneers, drawing a parallel between cooperative principles and the graduates' dedication.

The evening concluded with special awards presented by Gary Buxton, Chair of the Corporation. The Award for Academic Excellence was given to Allan Doherty, a Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training graduate praised for consistently producing work to the highest standard. The Remarkable Achievement and Dedication Award was presented to 39-year-old Ragiba Mayilova, a HTQ Computing graduate commended for her unwavering enthusiasm and resilience.

Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College, Julia Heap, applauded the graduates, many of whom have already secured employment or moved on to postgraduate study. “They are shining examples of how you can stay local and still go far,” she said. “We’re proud to offer the kind of higher education that changes lives here in Rochdale.”

This year’s ceremony comes as the college expands its university-level provision, including its first cohort on the new BSc in Zoo Science and Wildlife Conservation, delivered in partnership with The Open University.

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