Students are jubilant over results success
Barnsley Sixth Form College is celebrating another excellent set of A Level Results with a 99% overall pass rate with a record number of students heading to Oxbridge. Eighteen out of 25 subjects, including Business, English Language and Literature, Law, Physics and Politics are celebrating students achieving a 100% pass rate. Many students are now looking forward to starting Higher Education courses at elite universities throughout the country, including Durham, Leeds and Nottingham, with three students achieving the grades needed to take up a place at Oxford and Cambridge. Radomir Stamatov achieved A*A*A in French, Maths and Further Maths and is going on to study Maths at the University of Oxford after receiving an unconditional offer from his chosen university this morning. Radomir said: “I’m really happy with my results. The Sixth Form has been supportive in helping me achieve my goals and I couldn’t have done it without the Maths department. To get the outcome I want, and to be able to study the course I wanted, is a great feeling.” Today also saw Barnsley College T Level students collect their results, achieving an 87% pass rate overall. Students studying Accounting; Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction; Digital Business Services; and Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing subjects all achieving a 100% pass rate, as Barnsley College students continue to buck the national trend to achieve some of the strongest T Level results in the country.
Amy Broadbent studied T Level Business Management and Administration and has secured an apprenticeship at Lishmans LLP. She said: “I’m so pleased with my results. On one of my papers I achieved a 94 out of 100. I want to build my qualifications so have more opportunities and eventually become a full accountant. “I feel this T Level has made me more independent. The learning style is very different as you’re not sat in a classroom all the time, you are actually gettinginvolved and doing group tasks and meeting businesses. There’s lots of opportunities and the teaching staff are really helpful and welcoming.” David Akeroyd, Principal and Chief Executive of Barnsley College, added: “We are thrilled to announce a 100% pass rate in most of our A Level subjects. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our students and staff. This year we have seen an exceptional amount of our students progressing to elite universities across the country securing their first choice. They have bright futures ahead and we are certain that they will take with them the confidence and knowledge they have gained during their time at Barnsley Sixth Form College. “We are equally proud of our T Level students, who have once again exceeded national benchmarks. This highlights the importance of technical education in preparing the workforce of the future.”
We’ve launched an academy with Mukhair UK
World-renowned hairdressing product supplier Mukhair UK have teamed up with us to form their first ever academy outside of their Coventry base. Mukhair UK is the sole distributor of Muk hair products for the UK and stock hundreds of hairdressers and barbers across the country. The international Muk brand is used in thousands of salons worldwide. The new academy will see our Hairdressing students given opportunities to learn from Muk trainers and to become experienced Muk product users throughout their courses. Education Manager and Hairdresser at Mukhair UK, Kate Lewis, said: “For us this partnership is all about working with the next generation of hairdressers, it’s about getting the brand out there and making sure that we’re giving back to the newcomers in our industry. “We pride ourselves on what we do. We pride ourselves on education and we pride ourselves on making sure that we’re giving the best that we can.
We’re an up and coming brand and we’re thrilled to be putting our stamp on things and getting the opportunity to teach the next generation of hair professionals our methods. “It’s great to work with Barnsley College and join the process of giving students the very best training opportunities possible.” Our Principal and CEO, David Akeroyd, added: “Partnering with MUK Hair Academy not only enhances the professional training of our hairdressing students but also gives them a direct path into the industry with hands-on, real-world experience. “It’s about more than just developing practical skills – it’s about helping our students see the breadth of opportunities within the sector and be equipped to pursue these. “With MUK’s support, we’re excited to provide our hair and beauty students with the tools and vision to build successful, fulfilling careers after their time with us at Barnsley College.”
Amanda’s Inspiring Career Change from Hairdresser to Specialist Nurse
Amanda Swift was a hairdresser and decided she wanted a career change. She came to an Open Day thinking of a career in health but waited a year before starting. Today, 12 years after completing her Access to Higher Education (HE) course in Nursing and Social Care (now known as Access to HE in Health and Social Care Professions), Amanda is a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Respiratory Support in Adult Social Care at Exemplar Health Care. After finishing her course, Amanda went on to study Nursing at Sheffield Hallam University, where she completed placements at Barnsley Hospital and Sheffield Hospital as an Adult Nurse. Her career began in theatre recovery at Barnsley Hospital, followed by roles in intensive care and respiratory high dependency, where she developed an interest in pain management. This passion led her to become a Chronic Pain Nurse at Sheffield Hospital. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Amanda was on the frontline in a COVID ward’s intensive care unit.
Later, she joined Exemplar Health, a company operating 53 care homes nationwide for adults with complex needs. Amanda worked with individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and muscular dystrophy before joining the quality team, where she currently helps train staff and conducts bi-monthly audits to ensure top- quality care. She is part of the team that received the prestigious Chief Nursing Award for outstanding contributions to nursing from Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE FRCN, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care. Amanda spoke highly of the course earlier this year at the 30 Years of Access to HE in Health Professions celebration event. Reflecting on her journey, Amanda said: “The course was intense but incredibly helpful – it set me up for studying Nursing at Sheffield Hallam University and prepared me for managing workloads, time management, and referencing. It also formed lifelong friendships. “The course allowed me to change careers and find a job I am passionate about something I never imagined doing. My journey even led me to acquire skills like acupuncture, which I discovered during my role in pain management.”
We’re inspiring more green ideas after Environment Leaders Programme success
An ambitious environmental project for which Barnsley College was chosen as a ‘trailblazer’ is being expanded upon this year after its successful start. Barnsley College was one of 25 trailblazer sites for the Environment Leaders Programme – run jointly by the Leadership Skills Foundation, WWF and RSPB to develop leadership skills for the next generation of environmental changemakers. The College’s involvement in the programme saw three groups of students work on a variety of initiatives, including a project to turn the College’s food waste into compost and partnership work with a hedgehog and badger conservation organisation. As a trailblazer, the College and students were able to shape the programme which now begins in earnest – gaining ‘finalist’ status in the Green Gown Awards as a result. The outcome of the programme is a recognised Level 3 qualification in Leading a Project for Positive Change, supporting students’ academic progress as well as their development of key skills to go on to higher education or employment. “With this programme, students are able to gain a qualification alongside an appreciation and understanding of sustainability that goes beyond the curriculum,” said Ami Kilner, Personal Progress Mentor at Barnsley Sixth Form College who led the programme and is now rolling out training for staff to deliver it across other campuses.
“Sustainability is embedded into all of our teaching and learning at College – but it’s become clear there is a huge appetite for sustainable action among students, and providing opportunities and resources such as this empowers them to act. “The programme required some time outside of normal college hours, but students were given total control over their projects and reaped the benefits. They have even offered to help with the delivery of this year’s programme. “It has boosted their confidence, allowing them to lead a project and work with external stakeholders, and encouraged self-reflection and consideration of the world around them. “Our ultimate aim with projects like these is that we’re able to create a cultural shift and raise levels of understanding of sustainability in the community.” Students and staff looking to get involved with the programme are being encouraged to contact Ami, or the College’s Sustainability department, to learn more.
Four Alumni Kickstart Social Work Careers Through New Degree Apprenticeship
“I found the workshops a great way of learning about the role of a social worker as they were interactive, and resources were shared; without these sessions, I wouldn’t have thought about applying for an apprenticeship!” Joining Abbie in the apprenticeship are Olivia Hall and Amy Ingram, who also completed the Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health and Social Care Professions course, along with former Barnsley College Sixth Form student Layla Wiliby. Emma Harvey, our Childcare and Health Programme Manager, worked with the Council to get the sessions delivered. She added: “The Council’s sessions have been a fantastic opportunity for our students to further develop the skills needed for a successful career in children’s social work; we can’t wait to see these four thrive within the industry thanks to the apprenticeship. “The partnership that we have formed with Barnsley Council is a testament to our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of social workers, ensuring they are well equipped to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families in our community. “We hope to continue these social work sessions for the next cohort of Health and Social Care students this year, which will allow more of our students to progress onto the apprenticeship.”
Four Health and Social Care alumni have progressed onto the new Social Worker degree apprenticeship, becoming part of Barnsley Council’sfirst cohort of learners in their Social Work Academy. We have been working with the Council to offer students within the Health and Social Care fields a unique opportunity to learn directly from the Council’s Social Work experts through monthly sessions. The tailored sessions aimed to bring real-world knowledge and experience into the classroom, enriching students’ learning by connecting theory to practice and allowing them to gain the knowledge needed to kickstart their journey. Abbie Bates attended the continual professional development sessions while studying the Level 3 Access to Higher Education (HE) in Health and Social Care Professionscourse. She said: “Attending the social work course sessions helped me decide to apply for the apprenticeship as they gave me insight into all the different teams and structures of social work. The people who delivered the sessions were very knowledgeable and answered every question I had about the industry.
Baa-rilliant Debut Performances for Agriculture students
Five talented Land Based students showcased their dedication, skills and passion for animal husbandry at this year’s Penistone Agricultural Show, by successfully competing in the sheep showing classes. Emily Hanson, Harry Flather, Tian Farrell- Rumbelow and Millie Taylor, all studying Level 3 Agriculture, gained their practical hand-on skills through the Level 2 Agriculture course. They were joined by Ashleigh Braisby, an Animal Management Foundation Degree student, who previously completed the Level 3 Animal Care (Practical Skills) course at our Wigfield Farm campus. The students all competed in the “Best Young Sheep Handler” category for ages 13 to 18. Millie earned an impressive second-place finish, while Ashleigh placed a commendable fourth. Ashleigh, who is studying for an Animal Management Foundation Degree at Barnsley College University Centre, said: “Coming in fourth was a great achievement, and I was incredibly proud of how far I’d come training Elvis, especially as just two weeks before the show, he wouldn’t walk without food and didn’t like the halter.”
Millie and Flather also showed in the Whitefaced Woodland Sheep Shearling Ewe class. Macauley Parkin, the Course Leader for Agriculture, added: “This is the first time each of these five students showed sheep outside of the College and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. Their performances were evidence of their hard work, dedication and passion for agriculture. “Penistone Show was a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, build confidence, enhance their communication skills and network with industry professionals – all of which contribute to their future careers in farming and agriculture.”
Amanda’s Mission Against Alzheimer’s Disease
Amanda McGrath, our Additional Learning Support (ALS) Coordinator for Apprenticeships, has taken a deeply personal struggle and turned it into a mission to make a difference by raising awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease. Amanda’s father is living with both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, and each day her family face the painful reality of losing him each day. Despite this heartache, she channels her grief into raising awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. This year, she has teamed up with the Students’ Union for World Alzheimer’s Day to sell hand- made crocheted forget-me-not flowers – a symbol of remembrance long associated with dementia. Through this initiative, she not only raised money but also engaged with students to speak about the disease and how they can help spread awareness. Amanda said: “The Alzheimer’s Society has been incredibly supportive. They are always there to listen to what is happening to my family and offer advice; I felt I had to do something for them.
“I can’t stop the fact that my dad will need to be in a care home soon or how he won’t know who any of us are, but I can raise funds that will support others, raise awareness and go towards finding a cure.” Amanda isn’t stopping there! She’s teaming up with some of the apprenticeship tea, to tackle the Leeds half marathon in May 25 to raise even more funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. Amanda added: “I want to raise as much money as I can for everyone affected by this horrible disease, not just the people who have dementia but the people around, people like my mum. “She is his carer and is losing her husband of nearly 60 years, as well as her best friend. They can’t go on holiday anymore, she can’t leave him alone, and also has to deal with his aggression, caused by his vascular dementia. “It’s not just the individual with this awful degenerative brain disease it affects, but those around too, who are left being forgotten by their loved one.”
Student’s rugby debut is a Try-umph
Our Sport student, Kuzivakwashe Mazani, made his dreams come true by making his first team debut for Barnsley RUFC. Drawing inspiration from South Africa’s current captain, Siya Kolisi, and English flanker Chandler Cunningham-South, we have a conversation with Kuzivakwashe about his rugby aspirations and accomplishments to date: Why did you decide to get into Rugby? I’ve always had a passion for rugby, not just for the game itself, but for what it stands for. It’s a sport that unites people, builds character, and brings communities together. I’m drawn to the physical and mental challenges, and the sense of camaraderie it fosters. How did it feel to make your debut for Barnsley RUFC? Making my debut for Barnsley RUFC was an incredible experience. It’s something I’ve worked hard for, and to finally take the field with my team was a proud moment. The support from my family, friends, and coaches made it even more special.
What has been your greatest sporting achievement? Receiving the best rugby player of the year and sportsperson award at the Barnsley Sports Academy (BSA) sports awards last year was a highlight for me. It paved the way to one of my greatest achievements of making my first-team debut for Barnsley RUFC during the summer. It was the result of years of dedication and hard work. I also take pride in coaching at my local rugby club, helping to develop the next generation of players. How has Barnsley College/BSA helped you? Barnsley College and the BSA have given me the tools, support, and resources to develop both academically and athletically. The coaches and staff have been instrumental in my growth as a player, helping me to reach new levels in my performance by aiding my mental and physical capabilities into the game hence earning my right to play through hard- work, dedication discipline and determination. Being named College rugby captain has likely developed my leadership skills in multiple ways that transcend the game itself. As a captain, I’ve had to lead by example, to foster confidence and decisiveness, the key traits of a leader. Whether I’m on the field or in everyday life, the ability to unite pupils helps bring people together and promote cooperation for the growth of the game.
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