Pioneer cohort of ninety new vets graduate from Harper and Keele Veterinary School

Harper and Keele Veterinary School has reached a major milestone with the graduation of its inaugural class—90 new veterinarians who are now officially entering the profession. This landmark achievement comes just as the school has been ranked the UK’s top veterinary medicine program in the latest National Student Survey.

The Class of 2025 marked the occasion with a two-part celebration, graduating in the morning at Keele University before heading to Harper Adams University for a second ceremony. There, they were formally welcomed as members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), pledging their dedication to animal health and welfare.

Starting their veterinary journey amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cohort faced unique challenges—from remote learning and social distancing to forming support bubbles during lockdowns. Despite these obstacles, they built a thriving academic and social community, launching student societies and shaping the identity of the new school.

Launched in 2020, Harper and Keele Veterinary School is a joint initiative between Harper Adams University and Keele University. It brings together Keele’s expertise in life sciences and Harper Adams’ agricultural and animal science heritage. The collaboration has been supported by purpose-built veterinary facilities on both campuses.

From the outset, both universities envisioned a forward-thinking, impactful veterinary school designed to meet growing national demand for veterinarians across diverse sectors. Their shared commitment to excellence in education is reflected in each institution receiving “Gold” ratings in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework.

Now home to more than 600 students, Harper and Keele Veterinary School continues to grow, building on its early success to shape the future of veterinary medicine in the UK.