A Frome mature student has proved you don't have to leave Somerset to get a university-level qualification. Dave Merritt Studied for a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training at Strode College in Street and is now teaching full time on the Vocational Art & Design Level 3 & 4 Programmes.

Dave said: "Strode is a really good campus and its more of a community atmosphere. The fact that I already worked here when I started this qualification, made me more confident and made it feel like I was just doing another course. I didn't have to leave the site to do the teaching, which meant I had a real connection to the course, both working and studying here. Having the opportunity to study this course pathway whilst at Strode has allowed me to follow the right career path for me and felt like a natural progression. I enjoy the role I am in now as it is a real challenge for me; being that the people studying these programmes are serious about a career in these areas and it means I have really got to know the students on a personal level and it feels good to be able to help the students in their own progression."

Strode offers degrees in History, Heritage and Archaeology; Management (Business and Public Sector) and Psychology and the brand-new English with Creative Writing; as well as HND's and HNC's in Computing and Engineering; Higher Apprenticeships and a wide range of higher-level professional qualifications.

More than 80 Higher Education students completed university-level courses at Strode College last year and their achievements were celebrated at the college's Higher Education graduation held this month, in Holy Trinity Church, Street. The event was also a great opportunity to recognise the wonderful support they received from their teachers, family and friends, as they worked hard to achieve their goals.

Adrian Ash, Head of Higher Education and International Partnerships at Strode College said, "This was the fifth annual Graduation Ceremony organised by Strode College for its Higher Education students and every year it gets bigger and better…more graduates, more spectacle, more families having a truly memorable day together. The whole atmosphere was joyous and a fitting celebration of the achievements made by our students in once again gaining excellent outcomes in their different HE programmes."

Alison Leaverland, Deputy Principal of Strode College said: "Somerset does not have its own university and there is a growing demand for local, affordable, high quality university level education. Somerset employers are keen to keep talented young people in the area and many of the region's students would like to stay in Somerset to study at a higher level. We are delighted that at Strode College we are working with our partners at University of Plymouth and Pearson, and with local employers, to deliver successful and affordable university-level courses that meet the needs of a wide range of students and regional economy.

Johnnie Halliday, High Sheriff of Somerset, gave a special guest speech at the event. He said: "It's been a most elevating ceremony and congratulations to the many graduates who have been awarded their well-deserved certificates, diplomas and degrees at Strode College."