Celebrating the Power of Education at Blackburne House Graduation

Last week, we celebrated our favourite day of the year - Blackburne House Graduation, a day filled with joy where we come together to recognise the learning journeys of our wonderful students.

As stated by our CEO, Andrea Rushton,

This year has been one of significant achievements across our whole organisation. Our 'Good' Ofsted rating was testament to our collective commitment to maintaining high standards of education and care; The growth in learner numbers, improved pass rates, and better progression routes speak volumes about our commitment to not just educate but to truly enhance the futures of those we teach. Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce new courses that align with the professional aspirations of our learners and to support them in achieving their employment goals.

In 2023 to 2024, we welcomed almost 600 learners on to our courses, studying for qualifications from pre entry level through to Access to Higher Education.

We're delighted that all of our Access to Higher Education students have been offered places at University and many of our learners will be returning to study with us in September to progress onto higher level qualifications in areas such as Counselling, Healthcare, Complementary Therapies and ESOL.

Our values of Transformation, Inspiration, Equality and Independence were prevalent throughout the day as our speakers, guests, funders and supporters all came together to celebrate the importance of education for women.

Our student speakers, Pauline from Counselling and Hayley from Complementary Therapies, talked of how studying in a supportive environment has transformed their lives, giving them a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.

The lifelong journey of learning is never ending - Ellie Kerr

Inspirational addresses from our guest speakers, Ellie Kerr, Founding Director of Merseyside Women of the Year Awards and Ngunan Adamu, founder of iWoman Academy highlighted the important role education plays in enabling women to increase their skills, confidence and well being. Both women are true advocates for the empowerment of women and are proud to both provide and support opportunities that strive for equality of opportunity and enhance the economic independence of women.

Once you start at Blackburne House, you don't leave! - Ngunan Adamu

Our graduation ceremonies are an important opportunity for our students to celebrate their successes and accomplishments; they're a chance to shake off our imposter syndrome and any feelings of self doubt.

Ithalia Johnson, an Artist, Leader and Coach from Liverpool, certainly helped us to shake things off, raising the energy levels in the room with a fun session of African dancing. The joy in the room was palpable as the audience were up on their feet dancing, echoing back words of empowerment and self belief.

After the presentation of certificates to all of our accomplished learners, our Student of the Year Awards were presented. These awards recognise students who embody the Blackburne House Values of inspiration, Independence, Transformation and Equality. These learners have gone above and beyond both in the classroom and on their personal lives, are encouraging to others and are wonderful examples of what it means to be a learner at Blackburne House.

Joining us on the day were many friends and supporters from organisations such as the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Merseyrail, The Progress Group, Knowsley Chamber of Commerce and Chatty Cafe.

Our work would not be possible without the support, funding and volunteering of such organisations who enable us to provide a holistic approach to learning. We work together to remove barriers to learning for women, ensuring they have access to the necessary support, resources and care to enable them to succeed with theirs studies.

Congratulations once again to the class of 2024. Reflect and rejoice on all you have achieved.

All of the photos from our Graduation celebration can be found here.

For more information about how to become a supporter of Blackburne House click here.

To enrol on courses starting in September 2024, click here.