Bishop Burton College has honoured the outstanding achievements of its students by hosting a special celebration to mark the end of their studies.
The college hosted four ceremonies over two days at its campus near Beverley. The events celebrated the achievements of further education students across the broad range of subject areas that the land-based college offers.
This year’s celebration, which coincided with the college’s 70th anniversary, saw family, friends, college staff, industry partners and stakeholders gather to celebrate hundreds of students. Pupils received certificates for successfully completing their courses in subjects including agriculture, engineering, animal management, equine, sport, business, health and social care and foundation studies.
Trophies were also handed out to those who had demonstrated exceptional achievement. Danny Metters, Principal and Chief Executive of Bishop Burton College, gave a heart-felt speech to honour the students.
He said: “Today is a special day – a day of celebration, reflection and recognition. We are here to honour 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. Across our college community, we’ve seen our learners push boundaries, overcome challenges and emerge stronger, more skilled and more confident than when they began.
“Each journey has been different – some straightforward, others filled with unexpected twists and turns – but every single one has been valuable, and every single one is worth celebrating. As a college, we pride ourselves on offering education that is relevant, inclusive and ambitious.
“From creative arts to specialist programmes, health and social care to animal, from business to equine, agriculture to art, design and fashion – our curriculum is shaped by the real world, and delivered with passion and purpose by staff who care deeply about student success.”
(Image: Bishop Burton College)
He continued: “To the class of 2025 – 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.
“Be proud of all you’ve achieved. Be bold in the face of the future. And above all, never stop learning – because learning doesn’t end here. It continues in the workplace, in relationships, in community and in life.”
Chair of Governors Angela Moran, who opened each ceremony, told attendees: “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 congratulation the students receiving their certificates and awards.
“The college staff and governors are very, very proud of them. We really recognise the commitment they’ve made to fulfil their ambitions. Well done to all our students!”
(Image: Bishop Burton College)
Student President Henry Anderson-Pinder said: “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.”
The Subject Area Award Winners were:
- 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
(Image: Bishop Burton College)
The other award winners were:
- 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
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.