On 25 April 2026, we were delighted to welcome learners, families and colleagues to The Guildhall, Cambridge for our annual Awards Ceremony, a highlight of the year for Professional and Continuing Education. 

Held across morning and afternoon ceremonies, the day celebrated those who completed award‑bearing courses during the 2024-25 academic year, recognising their achievement and marking an important milestone as they became official University of Cambridge alumni. 

Coming together in Cambridge 

As many of our courses are delivered online and flexibly, opportunities to gather in person are rare. That made the Awards Ceremony especially meaningful. Learners joined us in Cambridge from across the UK and around the world, accompanied by friends, families and loved ones, to celebrate their success together. 

Throughout the day, we saw learners, academics, teaching staff and operational colleagues come together, reflecting the collective effort that underpins every learner journey. The ceremonies were organised by Matt Thomas, whose work helped ensure a welcoming, inclusive and memorable experience for everyone involved. 

Recognising achievement and commitment 

Our Awards Ceremony celebrates more than academic outcomes. It recognises the commitment, determination and resilience shown by learners who balance study with professional and personal responsibilities. 

Across both ceremonies, learners were awarded for a wide range of award‑bearing courses, reflecting the diversity of our community and the shared ambition that connects it. Each award represents not only what learners have achieved, but the opportunities made possible through accessible, flexible routes to education. 

Reflections from our speakers 

We were pleased to hear from Dr Kirsty Allen, Director of Continuing Education, and Dr Mike Glover, University Registrary, who addressed learners during the ceremonies. 

Their reflections reinforced our shared purpose: the value of lifelong learning, the strength of a global learning community, and the importance of accessible, flexible education that enables people to study at Cambridge at different stages of their lives and careers. Both speakers acknowledged the dedication shown by learners and the role that inclusive education plays in opening doors and creating lasting impact. 

In memoriam 

During the afternoon ceremony, we paused to remember Emma Whybrow, a much‑loved friend and colleague. Emma worked within the International Summer Programme team at Professional and Continuing Education and was remembered for her kindness, commitment and the positive difference she made to those around her. 

This moment of reflection was an important part of the day, honouring Emma’s contribution to our community and the relationships she helped build. 

Looking ahead 

As our awardees celebrated with family and friends, they did so as members of the University of Cambridge alumni community connected to a global network of learners and professionals. 

The Awards Ceremony reminds us why we do what we do. We’re proud to support lifelong learning, widen access to education and offer flexible opportunities that fit around people’s lives. Most importantly, we’re proud of our learners and everything they have achieved. 

We congratulate all those who completed an award‑bearing course in 2024-25 and look forward to supporting the next stage of their journey.