The women studied physical education at Lady Mabel College based at Wentworth Woodhouse between 1950 and 1977 but did not receive formal degree qualifications.
Students gained a certificate in education and went on to become PE teachers in schools but did not receive the same pay or career progression as teachers with degrees.
Now following a campaign by former pupil, Pam Hunt, 530 women who trained as PE teachers during that time have been awarded honorary degrees, in recognition of the academic rigour of their training.
Almost 200 women were able to attend the special graduation ceremony and were presented with Honorary Degrees in Education by Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Liz Mossop. This was followed by a celebration event at Wentworth Woodhouse.
Wonderful recognition at last
Pam said: “It feels amazing, and our alumni are so happy and excited. I believe a wrong has been put right. When we trained, we didn't have the option to follow a university course – the only route was through specialist colleges like ours. Many of us were told our qualifications would give us the same career opportunities, but that turned out to be untrue.
“Without a degree, our salaries were lower and progression was harder. Yet despite this, our alumni went on to secure top jobs as educators and sports coaches. Now over 500 of our alumni will receive honorary degrees, and it's wonderful recognition at last."
Following World War Two, West Riding County Council’s Education Authority was looking for a site for a new training college for female PE teachers. Discussions with the Fitzwilliam family who owned Wentworth Woodhouse at the time led to the establishment of Lady Mabel College in 1950. The women trained and lodged at one of the largest stately homes in the country.
The college closed in 1977, and its operations were absorbed into Sheffield City Polytechnic, which would become Sheffield Hallam University, until 1986.
Sybil Wilbraham, the oldest recipient of the honorary awards, was first ever student to join Lady Mabel College in January 1950 at the age of 19. She went on to work as a PE teacher is Staffordshire and now lives in Macclesfield.
The women who trained there went on to work all over the world with Pam tracking down one former pupil who is still teaching in New Zealand.
Former pupils include Sheila Sherwood who was an international long jumper and won a silver medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico. After retiring from athletics, she worked as a PE teacher in Sheffield.
Professor Liz Mossop, Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, said: “I’m delighted to be able to honour these women after all these years with the recognition they so deserve.
“They were pioneers who transformed the approach to physical education, dance and arts in schools across the UK and beyond, applied their learning to new environments and challenges, and made a hugely positive difference to so many lives."
The ceremony was held at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre as part of Sheffield Hallam University’s annual graduation celebrations. Almost 9,000 students are graduating from ceremonies over the next two weeks.
