Celebrating Excellence at Bishop Burton College
Bishop Burton College recently held a special celebration to honor the outstanding achievements of its students, marking the end of their studies. The event took place over two days on the college’s campus near Beverley, with four ceremonies hosted to recognize the accomplishments of further education students across various subject areas.
This year’s celebration coincided with the college’s 70th anniversary, drawing in family, friends, college staff, industry partners, and stakeholders to celebrate hundreds of students. Participants received certificates for successfully completing courses in subjects such as agriculture, engineering, animal management, equine, sport, business, health and social care, and foundation studies.
Recognizing Exceptional Achievement
In addition to receiving certificates, several students were honored with trophies for demonstrating exceptional achievement. Danny Metters, Principal and Chief Executive of Bishop Burton College, delivered a heartfelt speech to acknowledge the students’ hard work and perseverance.
He said: “Today is a special day – a day of celebration, reflection and recognition. We are here to honor the hard work, resilience and achievements of our students, who have reached this important milestone in their educational journey. It is a moment to pause and reflect – not just on results or qualifications, but on growth, perseverance and transformation.”
Metters highlighted the diverse journeys of the students, emphasizing that each one had been valuable and worth celebrating. He praised the college’s commitment to offering education that is relevant, inclusive, and ambitious, covering a wide range of subjects from creative arts to specialist programmes, health and social care to animal, from business to equine, agriculture to art, design and fashion.
A Message of Encouragement
To the class of 2025, Metters said: “This is your moment. Wherever life takes you next – whether you’re going on to further study, stepping into the world of work, starting your own business or taking a well-earned break – you do so equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence that will carry you forward. You are ready. You are capable. And you are the future.”
He encouraged the students to be proud of their achievements, bold in the face of the future, and to never stop learning. “Learning doesn’t end here. It continues in the workplace, in relationships, in community and in life,” he added.
Commendations from Leadership
Chair of Governors Angela Moran, who opened each ceremony, expressed her pride in the students. She said: “It’s a real pleasure for me to welcome you here today to the further education awards ceremony, to celebrate the completion of students’ studies. This is a great occasion, supporting and congratulating the students receiving their certificates and awards. The college staff and governors are very, very proud of them. We really recognize the commitment they’ve made to fulfill their ambitions. Well done to all our students!”
Student President Henry Anderson-Pinder shared his enthusiasm for the event, saying: “It was an absolutely brilliant event. It was great to see everyone enjoying their moment in the spotlight. Bishop Burton College is unique. Students gain so much experience here to prepare them for the world of work – there’s nowhere like it.”
Award Winners Highlighted
The following students were recognized for their outstanding performance in specific subject areas:
Subject Area Award Winners:
– Agriculture – Harvey How
– Animal – Amy Botham
– Equine – Olivia Bagley
– Land-Based Engineering – James Sutton
– Countryside Management – Michael Dunham
– Sport – Lilian Hilton
– Construction – Lauren Croft
– Art and Design – Hannah Matfin
– Business – Keagan Mora
– Childcare – Lottie Devlin
– Health and Social Care – Molly Wells
– Public Services – Kayleigh Gent
– Applied Science/Forensic – Isabel McLachlan
– Travel and Tourism – Aimee D’Arcy
– Foundation Studies – Jay Lee
Other Award Winners:
– The Cottingham Horse and Agriculture Society Award for the Most Deserving Agricultural Student – Imogen Barrow
– Student Who Worked Best on the Farm – James Westoby
– The Cottingham Horse and Agriculture Society Award for the Most Deserving Equine Student – Chersie Webb-Green
– Student Who Worked Best on the Equine Practical Unit – Thomas Currie
– Student Showing the Most Improvement in Animal Husbandry and Welfare – James Cheffins
– Sport Student of the Year – Jack Deighton
– 2025 IMechE Award for Engineering Students – Zac Sharp
– Best Student in Construction – Oliver Stott
– Excellent Progress on an English Programme – Jake Drury-Lee
– Alex Ramsden Award for Creative Writing – Daniel Keeligan
– Excellent Progress on a Maths Programme – Maxwell Downing
A Legacy of Education
Founded as a specialist agricultural institution, Bishop Burton College has evolved into a provider of a broad and modern curriculum over the last seven decades. It offers further education, higher education, and apprenticeship programmes, supported by cutting-edge facilities and real-world learning experiences.
