In a proud moment of achievement, graduates of the Air & Space Institute (ASI) Class of 2025 took centre stage at the iconic RAF Cranwell on Monday, 16th June. Held in the grand setting of Whittle Hall – the Main Auditorium of the world’s first Air Academy – the graduation ceremony honoured students from ASI and the Peterborough and Stamford Air & Defence Colleges (ADC) for their outstanding accomplishments in the fields of Civil Aviation and Military & Defence.
In total, 88 students crossed the stage: 13 from Stamford College, 10 from Peterborough College, and 65 from ASI. With friends, families and industry partners in attendance, the ceremony was a fitting tribute to the dedication, skill and ambition demonstrated by this year’s graduates.
Mark Locking, Principal and CEO of the Lincoln College Group, said: “To graduate at a place as historically and professionally significant as RAF Cranwell is a true honour – and a reflection of the calibre of our students.
“The Class of 2025 have shown resilience, determination and excellence throughout their journey. We are immensely proud of their achievements and confident that they will go on to play vital roles in the future of aviation and defence.”
Group Captain Steve Harrison MSc MCGI RAFR said: “Today, we gather to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the Air and Space students, Class of 2025, from the Air and Defence Colleges of Peterborough and Stamford and the Air and Space Institute. These remarkable individuals stand at the threshold of greatness. With steadfast determination and limitless potential, they embody the next generation of leaders, forging impactful career paths in aviation.”
Rachel Nicholls, CEO and Principal of Inspire Education Group said: "At IEG we are incredibly proud to witness the graduation of the ASI Class of 2025. These exceptional individuals are truly at the forefront of bringing new, vital skills to the aviation and defence industries. Their achievements reflect not only their hard work but also the collaborative spirit between education and industry, demonstrating talent that will support the future of aviation."
Throughout the ceremony, each college proudly recognised students who had gone above and beyond in their studies and contributions to the student community. The coveted awards – Student of the Year, Students’ Student Award, and the In the Pursuit of Excellence Award – were presented to three outstanding individuals from each college, celebrating academic excellence, peer support, and personal drive.
At ASI Newark, student Ellie Ford was recognised as Student of the Year, while Jiankai Wu received the In the Pursuit of Excellence Award, and Robert Bedells was honoured with the Students’ Student Award.
Quiet Tiger Aviation, a partner of ASI, presented the Best Student Pilot Award to students Amber Scott and Will Lees for their exceptional attitude and positivity in Flight Training.
ASI Newark also scooped The Bailey Trophy, after a series of student fitness testing throughout the year, scores were totaled with an overall mean time and ranked between all three colleges.
This year’s graduates leave with more than just certificates. They have completed rigorous Level 2 and 3 programmes in Travel & Tourism, Civil and Military & Defence Pilot, and Engineering – comprehensive courses that offer hands-on, technical training to prepare them for real-world careers in the aviation and defence sectors.
The strength of the ASI and ADC programmes lies in their powerful partnerships with leading industry names. These organisations play a vital role in shaping the futures of students, offering invaluable guidance, resources, and opportunities throughout their educational journey.
Graduates now join a growing legacy of ASI alumni who have launched careers with renowned companies including Rolls-Royce, Bristow Group, DEA, Swissport and Eastern Airways.
Congratulations to all ASI, Stamford College and Peterborough College graduates – the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning.
Mark Locking, Principal and CEO of the Lincoln College Group, said: “To graduate at a place as historically and professionally significant as RAF Cranwell is a true honour – and a reflection of the calibre of our students. “The Class of 2025 have shown resilience, determination and excellence throughout their journey. We are immensely proud of their achievements and confident that they will go on to play vital roles in the future of aviation and defence.”
Newark’s new International Air & Space Training Institute (IASTI)® is now accepting applications for its September 2021 intake.
In April this year, we launched IASTI (Newark): The UK’s first International Air & Space Training Institute. We’re now hard at work preparing for our first intake of students in September 2021.
When you join IASTI (Newark) this September, you’ll be among the very first students to gain aviation industry skills and knowledge through the International Air & Space Training Institute. Here's what you can expect...
If you’re interested complete the form below and a member of the team will be in touch soon.