The day every university student dreams of finally arrived for our BCUC graduates.
Family, friends and civic leaders came together to celebrate the Class of 2026 as they marked their hard work, resilience and academic success.
It was a day of pride, emotion and pure celebration, and it showed exactly what studying degree-level courses here in Burnley can lead to.
Guests arrived at Burnley College buzzing with anticipation. They were welcomed with live music, drinks and refreshments, setting a warm and joyful mood from the very first moment.
Graduates reunited with course mates, dressed into their caps and gowns and soaked up every second alongside the people who supported them.
After a morning of celebration, graduates were invited to process through Burnley town centre. A Platform Party of tutors, civic leaders and senior members of staff proudly led, turning a familiar town into a stage for their success.
The procession boarded specially chartered buses to the official graduation ceremony held at the Impact Conferencing Centre, Burnley led by Burnley College Vice Principal Nina Parkin.
Nina said:
“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.
“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.”
[See our graduation booklet: Burnley College University Courses – Graduation 2026 by Burnley College – Issuu]
The platform party entered to a triumphant fanfare, signalling the start of the ceremony and the moment our students would officially become graduates.
Burnley College Principal and CEO Jason Faulkner opened with an inspiring speech. He reflected on the incredible dedication of our graduates and reminded everyone just how proud they should feel of their achievements.
Two remarkable speakers took to the stage to share their journeys.
Adam Corbally, motivational speaker and finalist on BBC’s The Apprentice, spoke about success being built on a relentless work ethic and perseverance. His honest story left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
Maresa Royston, proud BCUC alumna, shared her inspiring journey of resilience, adaptation and lifelong learning. She reflected on how BCUC supported and empowered her, proving that whatever hurdles life throws your way, staying resilient and adaptable can help you achieve your goals.
Before students officially became graduates, audiences were amazed by BCUC Performing Arts student and former Burnley College student, Maddison Pickles who incredibly performed Amy Winehouse’s ‘Valerie’.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. One by one, our students walked across the stage to collect their scroll, a symbol of their academic achievement and their official welcome into the BCUC graduate community.
The room filled with applause, cheers and the flash of cameras as families and friends captured the exact moment their loved ones crossed the stage.
Several students were spotlighted for outstanding achievements with special awards, recognising the exceptional quality of their work:
Academic Excellence Award:
Joanna Warner – BA (Hons) Crime and Criminal Justice
Daisy Oldfield – BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing
Dissertation:
Kaleem Shah – BSc (Hons) Computing
Meda Raubutaite – BA (Hons) Business Management
Joessa Green – BSc (Hons) Medical Biology
Employer Project:
Chloe Robertson – Degree Apprenticeship: Chartered Manager
Rose Bradley – HNC in Film and Television
Chloe Robertson reflected on her award win, she said:
“I’m absolutely delighted! When they were reading it out, I was so nervous because I was thinking that sounds like it could be me. I’m so pleased that all of my hard work and all the effort that I have put in has been recognised.”
Congratulations to every award winner. Your success reflects all the work and dedication you have shown throughout your studies.
The ceremony ended in true celebration, with graduates throwing their mortar boards high into the air to mark their new status. Special guests, family and friends then formed a guard of honour, applauding their loved ones as they left the ceremony.
Our graduates leave with recognised qualifications, real-world skills and the confidence to take on whatever comes next.
To find out how you could change your life through degree-level study at BCUC, call 01282 733400 or email [email protected].
