Second cohort of vets graduate from Harper & Keele Veterinary School

Harper & Keele Veterinary School (HKVS) has celebrated the graduation of its second student cohort, marking the occasion with ceremonies at Harper Adams University and Keele University.  

Launched in 2020, HKVS is a collaboration between the two universities, combining Keele’s strengths in health and life sciences with the agricultural and animal science pedigree of Harper Adams. Existing facilities at both universities have been bolstered by new veterinary buildings on each campus.  

Over the course of the five-year veterinary medicine and surgery degree, the Class of 2026 thrived, helping to build and shape a community that has grown to include more than 700 students across all years of study. During their final year, the cohort shared their feedback as part of the National Student Survey, placing HKVS as third in the UK for veterinary medicine. 

Founding Head of the Harper & Keele Veterinary School, Professor Matt Jones, said: “We are incredibly proud of our second cohort of students and the contribution they have made to our vet school community. As they begin their careers, our graduates are already making a difference in many different areas, from companion and farm animal clinical work, to supporting food security and helping to protect human and environmental health.  

“Graduation provides the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of colleagues across the School, both universities and our wider partnership network, who have helped the Class of 2026 achieve this significant milestone.” 

During initial discussions to realise this joint venture, both universities shared a vision of developing a distinctive, high-impact school, capable of changing the regional landscape and meeting a national need for more vets across all areas of practice.   

Many of the 107 graduates have already secured roles across the veterinary profession and will begin their careers in farm animal, equine and small animal practice throughout the UK.