Burnley College has broken multiple records as it receives seven nominations in the prestigious Educate North Awards.
From its pioneering work in the brand-new Esports sector to its exceptional Performing Arts division, it’s an outstanding outcome after a year of record-breaking results too.
Its Apprenticeship Training arm, Themis has also been picked out for praise alongside the College’s work spearheading sustainability.
It’s also gained a much sort after nomination for the Further Education College of the Year Award.
The full list of categories Burnley College has been selected as a finalist in is:
- FE College of the Year
- UK Apprenticeship Award (for Themis at Burnley College)
- Innovation Award (for Esports)
- Student Experience Award (for Esports)
- Music and Performing Arts Award
- Sustainable Green Initiative Award (for the Low Carbon Hub)
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Initiative Award
The amazing validation comes after a year of record breaking results which saw the highest percentage of A* and A Grades at A Level in formal exam conditions, as well as a 100% Vocational pass rate for the 19th consecutive year.
There’s particular pride around the two nominations for Esports activity. Burnley College has pioneered education in this brand-new sector being one of the only Colleges in the UK to offer a Vocational qualification.
The Esports industry is one of the fastest growing entertainment industries in the world, worth more than £1 billon and is expected to double in size of the coming years.
The College has invested hundreds of thousands in cutting-edge PCs, custom built F1 simulation rigs and equipment which allows Students to “shoutcast”, the Esports equivalent of commentating on live games.
The courses focuses on the whole business, which includes everything from event management to nutrition, analysis to digital marketing as well as playing the games themselves.
The broad range of skills Esports students gain including excellent hand-eye co-ordination, strategic thinking, concentration skills and teamwork, means they’re also highly in demand in the job market from airlines like Emirates to the military and beyond.
The College’s cutting-edge Low Carbon Hub where local businesses train as they aim to achieve Net Zero carbon footprints in the quest for sustainability was also picked out for praise.
The Educate North Awards “celebrates, recognises and shares best practice and excellence in the education sector…” and is a highlight of the academic awards year.
The spectacular ceremony takes places at the historic Midland Hotel in the centre of Manchester on Thursday 27 April 2023.
The judging panel is a who’s who of education, industry and media with representatives from everywhere including The Universities of Liverpool, Leicester and Oxford alongside figures from BAE Systems, Smooth Radio and Interact Software.
Principal of Burnley College, Karen Buchanan says the nominations are a reward for all the hard work:
I’m so proud of every single Tutor and every single member of staff who’ve made it possible for us to create these incredible experiences for our Students.
By listening to both the Student Voice and by ensuring we work alongside industry, we can ensure we’re creating the perfect environment to forge the workforce of the future, whether it’s in Science and Technology, Engineering, Performing Arts or even Esports.– Karen Buchanan, Principal of Burnley College
“And of course, we’re so grateful to have Students who have the passion, the innovation, the imagination and the skills to help us deliver the best results we’ve ever had.
“To get seven nominations in such a prestigious ceremony as the Educate North Awards is testament to that.”
Do you want to study at an award-winning, record breaking college with the very latest technology and cutting-edge courses? Have you got a passion for Esports and want to be at the leading edge of this exciting new entertainment frontier?
Learn more: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/course/?L3-Esports&code=A6351
Or book on to our final Open Evening of the academic year and chat to industry expert Tutors and Students: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/whats-on/events/burnley-college-sixth-form-centre-open-evening-14-mar-2023/
