Honorary award for certificate of education faqs

An honorary degree is awarded in recognition of the contribution they have made to their fields.

Other universities in the UK have recognised the contribution made by those students who studied the Certificate in Education, by awarding them an Honorary Degree. The Certificate of Education was the standard qualification for entry into the teaching profession. In late 1970s and early 1980s, changes were introduced by the Council for National Academic Awards (CNAA) which allowed students on the same course to graduate with a bachelor’s degree instead of the Certificate in Education. Many Cert Ed graduates have spent decades shaping the lives of students and communities—a commitment the University wishes to formally honour.

Yes, posthumous certificates can be arranged, and collected on the day. A friend of family member is welcome to come and attend the ceremony in their memory.

The event is now full, however if you would like to be placed on the waiting list, or be informed if any further events take place in the future, you can let us know at [email protected].

Yes. Wheelchairs can be accommodated in the main aisle, and the Chancellor will come to any guests who would feel more comfortable remaining seated, either in the pews, or in their wheelchair.

You can bring a maximum of two guests on the day.

There is no charge for alumni who are attending to collect their award, or for those who are collecting a posthumous award on behalf of a relative or friend. Tickets are £20 each for guests.

Yes. Here are the prices:

£10 – for those collected on the day

£15 – for those posted to a UK address, including the Isle of Man, Channel Islands, and Northern Ireland

£35 – for those posted to an international address

No, you do not need to wear a gown during the ceremony – it is your choice. Senior members of University staff will be wearing their gowns, and if you would like to wear one, you are most welcome to.

Should you wish to, you will be able to hire a University of Gloucestershire Bachelor of Education gown from our supplier Ede and Ravenscroft at charge of £46, which will then be available for you to collect on the 5 September.  This can be booked on their website from the 8 July. You will need to enter – University of Gloucestershire as the institution and select 5 September 2025 as the date.

You will need to know your height and head circumference before booking.

Ede and Ravenscroft will bring some spare gowns which will be available to hire on the day, but this may be limited, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

You will be able to hire a University of Gloucestershire Bachelor of Education gown from our supplier Ede and Ravenscroft at charge of £46, which will then be available for you to collect on the 5 September. This can be booked on their website from the 8 July. You will need to enter – University of Gloucestershire as the institution and select 5 September 2025 as the date. 

You will need to know your height and head circumference before booking. 

Ede and Ravenscroft will bring some spare gowns which will be available to hire on the day, but this may be limited, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

You can still receive an Honorary BEd, if you wish.

We are planning to arrange the ceremonies into year groups, depending on numbers. We’re still finalising times for these.

We are organising ceremonies by year groups, so this will be other former students and their guests, along with the senior leadership team from the University of Gloucestershire. The service will be officiated by Lord Michael Bichard, Chancellor.

Please arrive 40 minutes before your ceremony, to allow time for gowning. Refreshments will be served after each ceremony.

Please let us know as soon as possible, so we can offer your place to someone else. We can then arrange to post you your certificate, should you wish.

The ceremonies will be held in The Chapel at our Francis Close Hall campus, address and travel information can be found on our university website.

There are several town car parks nearby, and you can find more details on Cheltenham Borough Council’s website.

Please let us know if you have a Blue Badge, or any mobility issues.

No, but there are plenty of hotels in Cheltenham, and you can find out more about visiting the area on Visit Cheltenham’s website.