Proud graduates took centre stage at a joyful Derwen College ceremony attended by more than 120 people, celebrating students’ growth in work and independence skills, outstanding achievements and exciting next steps.
Smiles, applause and a few happy tears were order of the day for Graduation 2026 at the Lion Quays Resort in Weston Rhyn, near Oswestry, as graduates celebrated in gowns and sashes. Surrounded by proud families, friends, staff, governors and guests, they cheered one another on as High Sheriff of Shropshire Katy Tanner presented their certificates.
The event was introduced by Derwen College Principal Meryl Green and hosted by Head of Curriculum and Quality Jennifer Fawcett-Jones. Guests included Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire Gill Hamer, Deputy Mayor of Oswestry Councillor James Owen and Vice Chair of Gobowen Parish Council Mike McKenna.
Alongside their graduation certificates, students received cups and shields recognising success in vocational learning, independence, kindness, sport and college life. Many of these historic awards have been part of Derwen College celebrations for years, with winners nominated by staff who have seen their progress first-hand.
Derwen College staff were joined by representatives connected with the awards to make the presentations. Sean Kelly presented the Caitlin Kelly Spirit Award, while former student William Chapple presented the Chapple Cup.
Seb’s success
Graduate Seb Clewlow received two awards: one for Hospitality and Food and the Kirstin Royle Award for his determination, adventure and spirit through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
While at College, Seb built his skills through work at Tip Top Takeout, Gobowen Station Café and Derwen College’s mini Premier Inn training centre. His hard work has now helped him achieve his ambition of working for Premier Inn, and he is preparing to start a new job at Portsmouth City Centre Premier Inn. As well as hard work on his vocational pathway, he has completed the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards and is working towards Gold. From walking and canoeing expeditions to an ambitious multi-mode adventure in Snowdonia, Seb has met every challenge with resilience, enthusiasm and a determination to keep going.
Reach for the stars
The ceremony ended on a high as Performing Arts students from the sign and dance group Derwen on Tour (DOT) performed ‘Reach for the Stars’ – a fitting finale for graduates preparing to take their next steps.
Meryl said: “Graduation is always a proud moment for everyone at Derwen College. Each student has worked incredibly hard, building the confidence, skills and independence to take their next step. It was wonderful to celebrate their achievements with the families, friends and staff who have supported them along the way.”
Chair of Governors Jamie Ward closed the ceremony by congratulating every graduate and thanking families, friends, staff and guests for helping to make the day so special.
Cup and shield winners
- Chapple Cup for kindness and consideration – Thomas Mitson
- Caitlin Kelly Spirit Award – Jessica Jump
- Emma Briscoe Cup for Hospitality & Food – Seb Clewlow
- Frank Matthews Horticulture Student of the Year – Luke Fardoe
- Retail Student of the Year Cup – George Chase
- Neil Dew Cup for Performing Arts – Cai Williams
- Richard Dodd Memorial Trophy for Learning for Life – Mackenzie Fox-Byrne
- Nurture Student of the Year – Cameron Anderson
- Telford Campus Student of the Year Cup – Rhiannon Comerford
- Ludlow Campus Student of the Year Cup – Ben Lawley
- Supported Intern of the Year – Brayden Williams
- Mary Morris Bowl for Independence (residential) – Evan Smith
- Paddy Hughes Cup for Independence (day students) – Louise Evans
- Susannah Ruth Trophy for outstanding sports – Oliver Walker
- Boulton Shield for leisure achievements – Joe Symonds
- Irene Gull Cup for contribution to Student Voice – A J Marsland
- Kirstin Royle Award for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participant for endeavour, adventure and spirit – Seb Clewlow
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Former graduate William Chapple presented Thomas with the Chapple Cup for Kindness and Consideration. 
Graduates Lloyd, Byron and Marcus enjoyed catching up at the buffet. 
Jess, pictured with dad Ray, was presented the Caitlin Kelly Spirit Award by Sean Kelly. 
Zara won the competition to name the Derwen College graduation mascot bear. 
Cai was presented with the Neil Dew Cup for Performing Arts. 
Graduate Cari was presented her certificate by High Sheriff of Shropshire Katy Tanner and Principal Meryl Green. 
Graduate Timothy receives his certificates from High Sheriff of Shropshire Katy Tanner and Principal Meryl Green. 
Louise and George were both awarded cups for their exceptional progress in Independence (Louise) and Retail (George). 
The wonderful DOT (Derwen on Tour) closed the ceremony with a performance of Reach for the Stars.
