Barnsley College doubles up for Graduation celebration

Barnsley College has honoured the success of their Higher Education students by hosting their biggest Graduation ceremony to date.

The event welcomed students from the 2020/21 academic year, as well as those who were unable to graduate in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ceremonies, for our students who have completed university-level courses, was held at the Sport Village for the very first time. It was attended by graduands, their guests and VIPs including the Lord-Lieutenant, Prof Dame Hilary Chapman, DBE;the Worshipful the Mayor of Barnsley, Caroline Makinson; senior College staff, and keynote speaker, the Mayor of South Yorkshire and Barnsley Central MP, Dan Jarvis.

In his inspiring speech to the graduates and their guests, Dan Jarvis MP spoke about his early days in the army, working in parliament and the challenges he overcame. Dan said: “Occasions like these are the most humbling times to be a Mayor and an MP. The political world can sometimes cause cynicism, but standing here, I am reminded that there is hope for the future. 

“The opportunity that lies ahead of you has been made possible by the wonderful people at the heart of this exceptional institution… everyone from the cleaning staff, maintenance team, kitchen crew, teachers, leadership, and many others. Well done to everyone who has graduated today, I wish you the very best of luck.”

Yiannis Koursis, Principal and Chief Executive at Barnsley College, praised the hard work and dedication of the students, adding: “Graduation is always a very proud day for us here at Barnsley College. It serves to remind us that we are transforming lives: not just by teaching these students the knowledge they need to succeed in their careers, but by providing skilled individuals to companies and organisations in our local area.

“It gives me immense pleasure to see these two cohorts complete this chapter of their lives and enter the working world. I know that they will all go on to achieve great things.”