Our annual Awards for Excellence ceremony celebrated the remarkable achievements of our students, recognising their talent and hard work during their time at Burnley College.
Families, friends, tutors and special guests gathered to share students’ success at the special event hosted at the Impact Conferencing Centre, Burnley.
Students invited to stage to receive their award included Callum Threlfall, who achieved an incredible triple Distinction* in Level 3 Applied Science. Callum will be progressing to Manchester Metropolitan University to study Chemistry with his ultimate goal to become a science teacher.
Evie Donnelly also achieved exceptional grades of triple A* in A Level Business, Biology and Physical Education and will be progressing to Loughborough University to study Sport and Exercise Science. She is planning to become a sport scientist.
The first awards of the evening were the Core Value awards. These awards represent the building blocks that students are encouraged to develop to excel in their studies and the wider world. Katie Cullen, T Level Education and Childcare student and Spencer Hodgson who studied Level 3 Performing Arts were both recognised for their commitment to the Core Values.
Former Student Governor Izzie Balfour was celebrated for her outstanding leadership and the lasting difference she’s made across the college, earning her Unloc Highly Commended Award. This special award recognises Student Governors who truly champion their peers, drive college improvements, and make sure that every student’s voice is heard and their needs are met. It’s a wonderful reflection of the passion, dedication and positive impact Izzie brought to her role.
Two of our students had every reason to celebrate as they proudly received scholarships from the Stocks Massey Bequest Fund, a prestigious award that recognises local students who have shown exceptional academic achievement and gone on to secure well-earned places at university. Charlie Diamond and Jonah Morgan were the worthy recipients of this year’s scholarship. Both are progressing to Durham University with Charlie studying History and Jonah studying Mathematics.
Burnley College Alumni Benji Crampton was invited as special guest speaker for the evening. Former Student governor Benji, 20 completed his studies in 2024, then spent five months backpacking around Southeast Asia, an adventure that built his independence and adaptability. Returning to college as a Student Experience Intern, his drive and dedication soon earned him a well-deserved step up to Student Experience and Learner Voice Officer, a role in which he continues to inspire the next generation of learners.
Guests also heard from Student Governor Rob Saxon. In his role, Rob was passionate about making positive changes and making sure people feel included. His talent for turning ideas into action, paired with his genuine commitment to inclusion, made him a wonderful role model for others at Burnley College.
Students from Dance and Performing Arts Division impressed the audience with their incredible performances. Evie Lees performed a contemporary dance solo to ‘Voila’ and Isla Rigby did a solo performance of Tina Turner’s ‘The Best’.
Burnley College Principal and CEO, Jason Faulkner reflected on the evening:
“It was a genuine privilege to celebrate our students on all that they have accomplished.
“As these remarkable young people carry their skills, resilience and determination into whatever comes next, we wish them every happiness and success.”
Do you have the passion, the drive and the dedication to be an award winner?
Talk to expert tutors, explore our unrivalled facilities and speak to students and staff to find out what’s so great about being a member of Burnley College at our Open Evenings.













