A GROUP of Chester university students were left disappointed after they were refused entry to their graduation ceremony yesterday (Tuesday, November 5) after arriving late.

Student were seen in their caps and gowns standing outside of Chester Cathedral pleading with security to be let in.

The group of around 30 people, made up of students and their families, were due to be attending the third ceremony of the day, for the Faculty of Science, Business & Enterprise, which commenced at 3pm.

Paul Marsden, a local resident, said he had seen large crowds entering the Cathedral at around 2.30pm whilst shopping in the city centre but returned later to see a number of students stood outside the building.

Mr Marsden said that they were being instructed that it would be security risk to allow them into the hall after the cut-off point and despite attempting to speak with members of the security team, and the Vice Chancellor’s office, they were not permitted entry.

He said some "looked to be in tears."

Mr Marsden said, “It is a disgrace. The most important day of their lives and they are refused because they arrived slightly late. They were held up in roadworks.”

“There is no security risk to checking identities and quietly letting them enter. It ruins the reputations of both Chester Cathedral and the University of Chester.”

Hundreds more students are expected to visit the Cathedral this week as they collect their graduation awards between now and Friday (November 8).

The University of Chester’s website states:

“It is extremely important that you arrive in good time for your Ceremony, at least 30 minutes before your ceremony start time.  The doors will close 10 minutes before the ceremony begins and if you are not present then, your absence will have been recorded and you cannot be presented with your award.”

Speaking to the Standard, a spokesperson for the University of Chester said: “Through a range of communications in advance of the graduation ceremonies, graduates are informed of all the timings.

“The communications have included details of roadworks and road closures in the city centre to help with planning journeys to the Cathedral.

“We don’t want anyone to miss out on their special day; the organisation of the ceremonies is a huge operation and graduands are asked to arrive on time to ensure they run to plan, in addition to making sure that the Cathedral is vacated in time for its evening services and activities.”