University Centre Sparsholt (UCS) was delighted to celebrate the class of 2026 at Winchester Cathedral on Wednesday 15 July. Graduates, Alumni, lecturers, family, friends and supporters including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and Sparsholt College Group President, Nigel Atkinson Esq, the Deputy Mayor of Winchester, and Guest of Honour Dr John Flackett, Co-founder & Head of AiLab gathered to celebrate the hard work and dedication of this cohort. Students were presented with their well-earned degrees and prizes for individual endeavour and academic success as the class of 2026 embark on the next stage of their lives.
Julie Milburn, Principal and CEO of Sparsholt College Group expressed her pride for the University Centre Sparsholt graduates and reflected on their achievements through the year. She said: “Today represents the culmination of your journey — one defined not only by academic success, but also by personal growth, professional confidence and readiness to step forward into the world beyond higher education.
What unites you as a cohort is a genuine enthusiasm for your chosen disciplines and a clear commitment to applying your knowledge in practical, purposeful and meaningful ways. As you progress into employment or further study, you do so equipped to make a valuable contribution to sectors that are central to the future of our society — sectors concerned with environmental sustainability, food production, animal health and human wellbeing.”
Darren Mernagh, Vice Principal & Dean of Higher Education commented “It was a privilege to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our graduating students from postgraduate and undergraduate degrees in specialist programmes that are shaping the future leaders of the land-based economies including zoo, ecology, fisheries, vet nursing, equine, agricultural, and animal industries. With strong input from industry, these courses provide our students with the practical skills and expertise that make them highly sought after across their chosen sectors”
Belinda Andrew-Jones RVN and Vice-chair on the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Council was also present at the ceremony to lead the pledge for new classes of Veterinary Nursing Students.
Dr John Flackett, Co-founder & Head of AiLab gave an inspiring speech to the class of 2026 encouraging them to hold onto the resilience they have shown during their degree, take every opportunity with bravery and to collaborate within their sectors to achieve their shared dreams.
Lecturers from across our subject areas also shared messages of pride and fond memories from their time with the class of 2026 highlighting the incredible hard-work, determination and industry-relevant skills shown by the graduates.
After the presentation of awards, graduating students Alexander Ruepp, BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology and Ashlie Newman BSc (Hons) Aquaculture and Fishery Management, gave their vote of thanks on behalf of the 2026 students. They used their speeches to reflect on the unique environment that University Centre Sparsholt offers and the dedication, resilience and determination that brought the Class of 2026 to graduation, celebrating not only academic achievement but also the personal growth, friendships and sense of community developed during their time at University Centre Sparsholt.
Alexander and Ashlie paid tribute to the unwavering support of lecturers, staff, family and friends, whose encouragement helped them overcome challenges and realise their ambitions. Looking to the future, they spoke of the responsibility and opportunity to use the knowledge, practical skills and curiosity they have developed to make a positive difference in their chosen fields—from advancing science and protecting the natural environment to improving animal welfare and strengthening sustainable food production.
To close the ceremonies HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson Esq, Sparsholt College Group President took the opportunity to wish the students the very best of luck for the future and to congratulate all of them on their achievements, especially to the winners of the course awards. He hoped they enjoyed their time at University Centre Sparsholt and thanked them for the contributions that they have made to the Sparsholt community.
Feeling inspired and ready to make an impact in the land-based industries? Applications to join University Centre Sparsholt in September 2026 are still open. For more information or to apply please visit: ucsparsholt.ac.uk/clearing
