Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Students celebrate graduation at CQ ceremony
“Congratulations to everyone who graduated today” – Ben Fogle.
Ben Fogle presented the graduates with their scrolls.

More than 100 students from training centres across the UK celebrated qualifying as veterinary nurses and veterinary nursing assistants at Central Hall, Westminster, on Saturday, 9 March.

The graduates of CQ’s Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and Diploma for Veterinary Nurse Assistants were handed their ceremonial scrolls by adventurer, broadcaster and writer Ben Fogle as friends and family looked on.

Mr Fogle also gave the keynote speech, in which he talked about growing up in a veterinary household, finding fame as part of the Castaway 2000 television series, rowing across the Atlantic with James Cracknell, and reaching the summit of Mount Everest.

He ended his speech by urging the graduates not to forget their dreams and ambitions and to climb their own Everests, whatever that might be.

The event also saw the winners of the Veterinary Nursing Educator Awards 2024 collect their awards. Donna Green of Central College of Animal Studies and Beverly Shingleton of Plumpton College were rewarded for their dedication to veterinary nurse training and the positive impact they have had on their students and colleagues.

Jacqui Garrett, CQ director, said: “As always, it’s been a great day at the CQ Graduation and Awards Ceremony. Veterinary nurses and nursing assistants play such an important role in the veterinary profession and it was an honour to see this new cohort graduate. I’m sure they will excel in the workplace and make a big difference to the lives of so many animals.”

Mr Fogle added: “It was a real privilege to be here today to celebrate the hard work and achievements of this new generation of veterinary nurses and veterinary nurse assistants. Congratulations to everyone who graduated today.”

Image © Central Qualifications

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.