The University of Portsmouth London proudly celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony at the iconic Walthamstow Assembly Hall, marking a landmark moment since the London campus opened in early 2024. This historic event brought together distinguished leaders, partners, staff, students, and families to honour the accomplishments of the campus’s first graduating cohort.
Among the attendees were key stakeholders including the University of Portsmouth Vice-Chancellor, the President of the University of Portsmouth London, the CEO of Northchild Education Ltd, the Leader of Waltham Forest Council, academic and professional staff, students, and honoured guests.
London Campus Principal, Jonathan Sandling, reflected on the significance of the day:
Graduation is a significant moment in every student’s life, and it was a pleasure and privilege to be able to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our graduating students. This joyous inaugural graduation event signifies a key milestone in our ongoing journey as we continue to grow and establish the University of Portsmouth London as an accessible and quality higher education provider in the region.
This celebratory occasion follows the establishment of the University of Portsmouth London through a strategic partnership with global property investment and development group Northchild Education Ltd. Together, the University and Northchild have worked to expand access to high-quality, industry-focused higher education opportunities in London, serving both local and international learners.
In front of a full audience, around 80 master’s-level graduates were recognised for completing programmes in Construction Project Management, Engineering Management, Information Systems, and Digital Marketing, reflecting the campus’s commitment to future-focused, industry-relevant education.
The ceremony was rich with pride and emotion. Inspiring speeches from the Vice-Chancellor, the President of the University of Portsmouth London, and a student representative highlighted the graduates’ resilience, ambition, and achievements. Their messages centred on innovation, appreciation, collaboration, and opportunity, values that embody both the University’s mission and the dynamic character of Waltham Forest.
Cheers and applause filled the hall as each graduate crossed the stage, marking not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment in the University’s expanding presence in London. The grandeur of Walthamstow Assembly Hall offered a fitting setting to celebrate the community partnerships that continue to shape the University of Portsmouth London’s growing legacy.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the strong partnership with Northchild Group and the invaluable support of Waltham Forest Council, emphasising how these collaborations have created new pathways for educational and economic growth in the region. The President of the University of Portsmouth London highlighted the transformational impact of launching the London campus and congratulated graduates on becoming the first ambassadors of its future.
Representing the graduating class, the student speaker expressed heartfelt gratitude to the academic teams, staff, and families who supported their journey, celebrating the diversity, determination, and shared experiences that united the cohort.
Photos from our Graduation ceremony can be found below:
