Image: Gordon Buchanan presents a graduate with a ceremonial scroll
Central Qualifications Celebrates 2026 Graduates
1 day ago 
85 views
Central Qualifications celebrated the graduation of its 2026 cohort of veterinary nurses on Saturday, 28 March 2026.
The Graduation and Awards Ceremony, held at Central Hall, Westminster, brought together graduates, families, friends and CQ staff to recognise the hard work and dedication of veterinary nursing students.
The graduates of CQ’s Diploma in Veterinary Nursing were handed their ceremonial scrolls by wildlife filmmaker and presenter, Gordon Buchanan MBE.
Mr Buchanan delivered an inspiring keynote speech, in which he discussed his unconventional route into his career. At just 17, he travelled to Sierra Leone as a filmmaker’s assistant to document the rare species living there. He shared some of the interesting situations his filmmaking has taken him into, including a close encounter with a polar bear.
The ceremony also saw the winner of the Veterinary Nursing Educator of the Year Award 2026 collect her award.
Laura Lacey of Coleg Glynllifon was honoured for her dedication to veterinary nurse training and the positive impact she has had on her students and colleagues. Her students particularly praised her for the compassion and understanding she showed them throughout their training.
Laura’s motivation to become a VN educator was sparked after being invited to teach post-graduate qualifications, drawing on her extensive BVNA experience. After reflecting on the profound impact tutors have on a student’s journey, the role became a permanent passion.
Ms Lacey said: “I am astonished and astounded that I have been awarded this honour. It can be very hard work, and there are difficult days for sure, but knowing that the impact we have as educators is appreciated by the ones we do it for is humbling. I am proud to be part of the next generation's journey. I love seeing them thrive in an industry that I am so passionate about, still after a quarter of a century in it!”
Jacqui Garrett, CQ director, said: “We had a wonderful day celebrating the achievements of our veterinary nurse graduates. They have all worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone, and we wish them every success in their future careers.”
More from Central Qualifications
1 day ago