Our next Open Event is on Thursday 15 May.
Our next Open Event is on Thursday 15 May.
Nescot celebrated student success at the college's annual Higher Education (HE) Awards ceremony at Epsom Downs Racecourse earlier this month (7 February 2025). Around 90 graduands along with 250 guests came together to mark the culmination of their hard work.
For this year’s ceremony, our amazing students were involved with the hospitality, music and entertainment, making the event distinctly and truly, ‘Nescot’. Our Travel and Tourism students welcomed our graduands and guests upon arrival, Music Production students set the celebratory atmosphere with DJ sets and live music throughout the event, and two talented Performing Arts students delivered stunning solos during the formal ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Principal and CEO, Julie Kapsalis said, “This is always a wonderfully uplifting and poignant occasion where students along with their families come together to celebrate their achievements. Higher education at Nescot attracts learners of all ages, whether school leavers or returners to education who are seeking to continue and advance their studies later in life. A number of our students, who may not have initially pursued the conventional route to university, realise their dreams by studying our university-level courses to enable them to pursue a new career or satisfy a renewed passion for learning. What is common with all of our learners are their inspirational journeys of personal growth and career transformation. I am thrilled that Nescot has helped our graduands take a step and stride forwards in that journey and we wish them every success for the future.”
University level courses at Nescot
Awards were conferred by Nescot partners from University of Greenwich, Kingston University, London South Bank University, The Open University and University of West London for the following subjects: teacher education, osteopathy, animal management, sports therapy, counselling, early years, healthcare play specialist, food premises inspection, business, creative media (moving image), performing arts, public services, sport and exercise science.
Guests of honour
Our guests of honour included Cllr Steve Bridger, Mayor of Epsom & Ewell and Dee Mathieson, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Elekta. Dee, a former Nescot student was our guest speaker and shared her inspirational and exceptional career journey in the science and medical sector. She spoke about how her ground breaking work and inventions have supported cancer treatment around the world. Congratulating the graduates on their achievement, she advised them ‘to seize opportunities that come their way to progress, to take a chance and if it isn’t the right opportunity, look for another’. She said that she was very grateful to Nescot for helping her on her way to what has been a fantastic and varied career in cancer care.
The graduands along with their families and friends were also joined by Nescot staff and guests including Helen Maguire MP of Epsom and Ewell, Julie Giles MBE, Chair of Phab, a range of business leaders, friends of the college and award sponsors including the Rotary Clubs of Epsom and Ewell.
Annual awards for outstanding students
The following awards were presented by our guests of honour to students nominated for outstanding endeavours and achievements:
Honorary Fellowship awards
Nescot Principal and CEO Julie Kapsalis, was proud to award the college’s Honorary Fellowships at the graduation ceremony. “We introduced Nescot’s Honorary Fellowships in 2023 to recognise the college’s 70th
anniversary. It is the highest accolade the college can bestow and recognises exceptional achievement and excellence by individuals associated with the college.” said Julie.
The first Honorary Fellowship was awarded to Yvonne Spencer, Director of Science Capability at the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) who works as an eminent leader and innovator within the science and research sector. Yvonne is a former Nescot student and architect of the college’s Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Laboratory Science. She is passionate about using her skills and experience to support the next generation of scientists. Her vision of doing something pioneering, has led to Nescot partnering with APHA to deliver the degree apprenticeship with three cohorts of APHA staff currently on the programme, taking the next steps in their careers.
The second Honorary Fellowship on the day was awarded to former Nescot staff member, Val Neame in recognition of her remarkable and exceptional contribution to the college. Presenting the award, Julie said, “Over 47 years of service, Val has made an immeasurable impact to so many staff and students at the college through her numerous roles and became a mentor and friend to many staff across the college. Above all, Val always has time for people and cares deeply.”
The student vote of thanks was given by Jackie O’Connor, who graduated with a Foundation Degree in Supporting Teaching and Learning and was awarded The Rotary Club of Ewell Cup. In an emotional and humbling speech, Jackie thanked everyone who has supported her and her peers on their journey to help them realise their potential and succeed. Speaking about the encouragement she’s received from her peers and tutors and in particular, from her tutor, Mark Warner who taught her ‘how to be confident and positive, she said, “I believe that if you get to have a person who comes into your life to guide and support, help you rethink your opinions on how you see yourself and how others see you, then that is a really special person.”
Nescot’s Higher Education provision has been rated as Silver in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The College is also rated Silver in the framework’s new categories of Student Experience and Student Outcomes. This status recognises our continuing commitment to high quality teaching and learning and support for our students. Find out more here
For more information on our university level courses visit our website.
Pictured from the top: Julie Kapsalis with - #NescotClassOf2024 graduates; Guest speaker, Dee Mathieson; Honorary Fellowship awardees Val Neame (left) and Yvonne Spencer (right) and Nescot Performing Arts students.