Claire Whitworth - Deputy Principal FE, and Stuart Emmerson – Director of Business Development, had the honour of representing Hartpury University and Hartpury College at the prestigious King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace this week.
The event, hosted by His Majesty King Charles III, celebrated individuals and organisations making outstanding contributions to education and skills development across the UK. The invitation was a proud moment for Hartpury and a fitting recognition of its commitment to education and skills across a multitude of industries.
“We were proud to represent Hartpury University and Hartpury College, as well as the wider Forest of Dean region at such a distinguished event. Celebrating the impact of education with colleagues from across the country was a powerful reminder of the shared mission we’re all part of,” said Claire.
Stuart added: “It was a truly magical day and a real honour to be invited to Buckingham Palace. To stand among people who are passionate about and dedicated to education was incredibly inspiring. Education remains the best vehicle for social mobility, and it was heartening to be surrounded by individuals working so hard to drive positive change.”
Claire and Stuart were joined by many familiar faces from the education sector, several of whom were also representing the Forest of Dean region.
Hartpury University and Hartpury College continue to champion excellence in education and skills, and this recognition at the national level marks another milestone in its ongoing commitment to transformative learning.
Hartpury College was rated “Outstanding” in all areas during a full inspection in 2024, with inspectors also concluding that the college makes a ‘strong contribution’ to meeting skills needs which is the top grade possible. A 2025 residential inspection also concluded an “Outstanding” rating from Ofsted. The University was rated triple Gold in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), and continues to perform well in league tables, graduate outcomes and student satisfaction surveys.
