Burnley College University Courses graduates celebrated their degree-level studies at a special ceremony

Students from Burnley College University Courses (BCUC) have celebrated completing their degree-level studies at a graduation ceremony attended by family, friends, civic leaders and college staff.

The Class of 2026 gathered at Burnley College before processing through the town centre ahead of the official ceremony at the Impact Conferencing Centre in Burnley.

The procession was led by a platform party made up of tutors, civic leaders and senior college staff, with graduates travelling to the ceremony on specially chartered buses.

The ceremony was led by Burnley College Assistant Principal Nina Parkin, who said graduation was a highlight of the academic year.

“Graduation day is a day I look forward to each year. It celebrates everything our students have achieved through their determination, focus and sheer hard work,” she said.

“Our graduates leave to build rewarding careers, take on advanced study and grow into the leaders our industries and communities need.

“Seeing the pride on the faces of our graduates, their families and the tutors who supported them every step of the way is why we do what we do.”

Burnley College Principal and CEO Jason Faulkner opened the ceremony with a speech reflecting on the dedication of the graduating students.

Guest speakers included motivational speaker and former The Apprentice finalist Adam Corbally, who spoke about the importance of work ethic and perseverance.

BCUC alumna Maresa Royston also shared her experiences of resilience, adaptation and lifelong learning, reflecting on the support she received during her studies.

The ceremony also featured a performance of Amy Winehouse’s Valerie by BCUC Performing Arts student and former Burnley College student Maddison Pickles.

Graduates then took to the stage individually to collect their scrolls, with family and friends cheering and applauding from the audience.

A number of students were also recognised with special awards for their achievements.

The Academic Excellence Awards went to Joanna Warner, BA (Hons) Crime and Criminal Justice, and Daisy Oldfield, BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing.

Dissertation awards were presented to Kaleem Shah, BSc (Hons) Computing; Meda Raubutaite, BA (Hons) Business Management; and Joessa Green, BSc (Hons) Medical Biology.

The Employer Project awards went to Chloe Robertson, Degree Apprenticeship: Chartered Manager, and Rose Bradley, HNC in Film and Television.

Chloe Robertson said she was “absolutely delighted” to receive her award.

She added: “I’m so pleased that all of my hard work and all the effort that I have put in has been recognised.”

The ceremony ended with graduates throwing their mortar boards into the air before family and friends formed a guard of honour to congratulate them as they left.

The new graduates now leave BCUC with qualifications and skills gained through their degree-level studies as they move into employment, further education and other opportunities.