Ayrshire College celebrated the outstanding achievements of its level 7 and above graduates at a vibrant ceremony held at Ayr Racecourse, where more than 300 students came together to mark a significant milestone in their educational journey.
This year’s graduates represent the diverse talents and disciplines nurtured across the College’s campuses, from Aeronautical, Engineering and Social Sciences to Creative Arts, Care and more.
The event, which brought together students, staff, families, and industry partners, was a celebration of the hard work, resilience, and dedication that these students have shown throughout their studies. Their success highlights Ayrshire College’s commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s fast-evolving industries.
Angela Cox, Principal and Chief Executive of Ayrshire College, commented:
"Graduation is not just about celebrating the achievements of our students today—it’s about recognising their potential to shape tomorrow. We are proud to see our graduates take the next step in their journeys, armed with the skills and confidence to lead in industries that are critical to our region's and the nation's future. As a college, we remain dedicated to widening access to education and empowering individuals to succeed in a changing world.”
This year’s ceremony honoured students not only for their academic excellence but also for their contributions to the College and their communities. Special awards were presented to those who have gone above and beyond, including the Student of the Year and recognition for Making a Difference in the Community.
The Overall Student of the Year for 2024 was awarded to Kristine Kennedy, an HND Computer Science graduate. Kristine fostered strong relationships with staff and consistently supported her peers, and her journey exemplifies the values of Ayrshire College. Starting at Level 4 and progressing to her HND, she is now moving on to university. The department described her as one of the best examples of the student journey they have encountered.
This year’s graduation ceremony reflects Ayrshire College’s commitment to driving inclusive growth and supporting the local economy through innovative education and strong industry partnerships. As part of its ongoing efforts to prepare students for the future, the College works closely with businesses across the region to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills demanded by today's and tomorrow’s job markets.
Angela Cox continued:
"Our students leave here as ambassadors—not just for Ayrshire College, but for their communities and industries. As a college, we’re proud to provide opportunities for people from all walks of life to thrive. We look forward to seeing how our Graduates contribute to shaping the future.”
Fiona McQueen, Chair of the Board of Management at Ayrshire College, added:
"Graduation is a proud moment not only for our graduates but also for Ayrshire College. Our students embody the values of resilience, determination, and ambition. Their success highlights not only their hard work but the strength of the education and support they have received here. We are confident they will go on to achieve even greater things."
Sponsored and Supported by Local Partners
This year’s Ayrshire College graduation was made possible with the generous support of our sponsors, including Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd, Ayrshire Sportsability, Bellrock, Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire, East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council, Reids Food Service Ltd, SimpsInns, Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), South Ayrshire Council and SQA.