Leeds Beckett celebrates 2026 nursing cohort

The ceremony took place in the Rose Bowl on Leeds Beckett’s City Campus, with the students, who have all completed a BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship), BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing or BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing (Degree Apprenticeship), and their guests gathering to mark the special occasion.

Congratulatory and inspirational messages from nursing staff and Leeds Beckett nursing alumni were played on screens in the venue.

The event was opened by Professor Duncan Sharp, the Dean of Leeds Beckett University’s School of Health. He welcomed the cohort and their guests and explained the meaning of the pins:

“The pinning ceremony is a time-honoured tradition in nursing, representing not only the completion of rigorous academic study and clinical training, but also the deep commitment to service, compassion and professionalism that define the nursing profession.

“The pin that each of our nurses will receive today was designed by one of our alumni.

“The pin symbolises qualification as a nurse but is also much more than a symbol; it marks the moment our graduates step into the proud and trusted role of registered nurse, carrying forward the values of integrity, care, and advocacy for patients and communities. 

“At the School of Health, we are proud of our reputation for preparing nurses who not only demonstrate clinical excellence, but also embody the values of inclusivity, resilience, and leadership.” 

Ashley Bhebhe, one of the 2026 nursing cohort, said:

“Today isn’t just about getting a pin. It’s about everything that pin represents - the hard work, the laughs, the difficult days, the people we’ve met, and the nurses we’ve become.”

Nigel Chideya, another of the cohort, added:

“Over the course of three years, I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about care and respect. These are important aspects of life because they are important for everyday living.

“Mental health has taught me to be more compassionate and patient not only with others but with myself as my own health is just as important as any others. Watching myself grow over three years and become not just a man but a mental health nurse, that’s managed to secure a job means a lot to me my friends and family.”

The cohort heard from several speakers providing inspirational messages, including Steph Lawrence MBE, an Honorary Graduate of Leeds Beckett University and Chief Executive of the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN).

“Today is a milestone you will never forget – the day when you stepped forwards as registered nurses, ready to make your mark on the lives of patients, families, carers, colleagues and communities.

“My message to you today is this – nursing will challenge you, but it will also lift you. It will ask a great deal of you, but it will give you moments of meaning that will stay with you for life. Be open to opportunities when they come. Please remember that you are not only the future of nursing, but you are also its present – from today your voice matters, your observations matter and your compassion matters.”

Find out more about studying nursing at Leeds Beckett.