ANGRY students have expressed their frustration with college chiefs after it emerged their graduation would be postponed as 'a mark of respect' for the Queen.

University Centre Weston (UCW) - operated by Weston College - delayed its once-in-a-lifetime ceremony, due to take place on Saturday, September 17, as the period of national mourning clashed with graduation day.

Some students have said they are 'bitterly disappointed' with the decision to postpone the event, with many booking flights and accommodation for the event. 

On Friday, September 9, college chiefs made the 'hard' decision to postpone graduation following 'careful consideration'.

A new date has now been agreed for Friday, September 30.

But in an open letter addressed to college principal Sir Paul Phillips, cross students urged him to 'rethink'.

It read: "Due to the nature of this postponement, many of your own students and their families will not be able to attend their own graduation.

"This is due to the extreme financial climate that we currently are facing where many will not be able to afford the adjustments.

"Many of us have purchased expensive tickets from both within the country and internationally, and will now not be able to be refunded.

"Many of us also have commitments at work and are afraid that getting any time off will be impossible."

The letter also explained this year's cohort have been 'most affected' by the Covid pandemic which has disrupted their studies.

Defending the delay, Weston College explained its festivities on the Italian Gardens would 'not be appropriate at this time' as it's now a dedicated mourning area.

A spokesperson said: "We share our students and their guest's disappointment regarding the postponement of UCW’s graduation ceremonies.

"This decision to postpone was not taken lightly, and a number of aspects were considered, but the overriding factor was to honour the period of national mourning.

"A celebratory UCW graduation, which involves road closures and a brass band, would not have been appropriate. 

"We agree that our students deserve a celebration that recognises their hard work and achievement, therefore we felt this simply could not have been achieved on the original date.

"We also recognise that a few learners will not be able to meet our new date. They will be moved to next year's ceremony or will receive a refund on their gowns and tickets."