You don't have to leave Somerset to get a University-level qualification.

That's the message from Strode College in Street. Students attend the college from towns an villages across Somerset, taking advantage of cheaper housing, lower fees and the chance to improve their education and employment prospects without leaving home.

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."