There were smiles, applause and plenty of proud moments as South Bank Colleges celebrated the achievements of its graduates at the spectacular Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, on Monday 19 October 2026.

Held as part of London South Bank University’s wider graduation celebrations, the ceremony brought together graduates, families, friends, teaching staff and senior leaders from across the LSBU Group for a memorable occasion recognising the hard work, determination and achievements of those completing their studies.

For the South Bank Colleges graduates, it was an opportunity to reflect on their educational journeys, celebrate their qualifications and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead. Dressed in traditional academic gowns and mortarboards, the graduates took their places alongside fellow students, ready for their moment in the spotlight.

The ceremony also recognised members of staff who had successfully completed the Black Leadership Programme, with participants from South Bank Colleges, SBUSixth and South Bank University Academy celebrating their own professional development achievements.

Celebrating Achievement Across the LSBU Group

The occasion began with a warm welcome before Paul Kett, Group Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University, addressed the assembled graduates and their guests.

Reflecting on the LSBU Group’s mission to widen access to education and opportunity, Paul spoke about the importance of recognising potential and helping people from all backgrounds fulfil their ambitions.

He reminded graduates that their achievements represented more than individual success. By pursuing their ambitions and demonstrating what is possible through education, they could become role models, inspiring others to follow paths they might never previously have considered.

Encouraging graduates to approach their futures with confidence, he reminded them that completing a demanding course of study was an achievement in itself, demonstrating the determination and resilience needed to overcome future challenges.

Above all, he urged everyone to enjoy the occasion, the photographs, the celebrations and, of course, the well-deserved applause.

A Celebration of Learning, Community and Opportunity

Fiona Morey, Managing Principal of South Bank Colleges, followed with a heartfelt address celebrating the transformative power of education and the strength of the college community.

She reflected on how learning changes lives, providing not only qualifications and professional skills but also new ways of thinking, solving problems and understanding the world.

Fiona encouraged graduates to remain curious, embrace different perspectives and continue learning throughout their lives, particularly as new technologies and changing industries create opportunities that may not yet exist.

She also celebrated the wonderful diversity of South Bank Colleges, recognising how the different cultures, experiences and ambitions of its students enrich the learning environment.

Importantly, Fiona acknowledged the vital role played by families, friends, teachers and colleagues in supporting graduates throughout their educational journeys.

She invited everyone to reflect on just how far they had come, to remember those who had helped them along the way, and to take a moment to feel genuinely proud of everything they had accomplished.

‘Your Differences Are Your Superpowers’

One of the ceremony’s most inspirational moments came from Craig Hanlon-Smith, Principal of London South Bank Technical College, whose uplifting speech offered graduates a powerful message about identity, confidence and self-belief.

Drawing on his own educational journey, including studying for a degree in drama before moving into educational leadership, Craig reminded graduates that nobody could take away what they had achieved.

He encouraged everyone to celebrate not only their personal successes but also the achievements of those around them, recognising that individuals have the power to positively influence others through their words, behaviour and actions.

In a particularly memorable section, Craig spoke about how characteristics that sometimes lead people to experience prejudice or discrimination should never be regarded as barriers to success.

Instead, he encouraged graduates to recognise their individual backgrounds, identities and experiences as sources of strength — their own personal superpowers.

Quoting the American author Alice Walker, he reminded the audience that people sometimes surrender their power simply because they do not realise they possess it.

His message was one of resilience and hope: graduates should never allow criticism, setbacks or difficult circumstances to diminish their confidence or undermine the pride they felt in their achievements.

As he concluded, Craig encouraged everyone to remember the joy of graduation day whenever they faced challenges in the future, leaving the audience with a wonderfully positive message about the possibilities ahead.

The Moment Everyone Had Been Waiting For

Of course, the highlight of the ceremony was seeing the graduates themselves take to the stage.

With Monica Marongiu helping to oversee the presentation of graduates and Fiona Morey offering personal congratulations, each graduate enjoyed their moment of recognition in front of an audience of proud family members, friends and colleagues.

There were handshakes, beaming smiles and enthusiastic applause as the graduates crossed the stage to celebrate the successful completion of their studies.

For many, the moment represented the culmination of months or years of dedication, balancing assignments, practical learning and assessments with work, family responsibilities and everyday life.

The recognition of staff completing the Black Leadership Programme added another dimension to the occasion, demonstrating that professional development and lifelong learning remain important throughout a person's career.

A Proud Day and a Bright Future

The 2026 graduation ceremony was a wonderful reminder of what education can achieve and the difference it makes to individuals, families and communities.

As part of the LSBU Group, South Bank Colleges offers pathways into higher education, professional development and employment, helping students gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to take the next steps towards their ambitions.

Whether graduates are progressing into new careers, further study, leadership positions or fresh professional challenges, their achievements deserve to be celebrated.

South Bank Colleges would like to congratulate every graduate and Black Leadership Programme participant recognised at this year's ceremony. Their hard work, determination and success are an inspiration to the entire college community.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 — and best wishes for whatever comes next!