Bishop Burton College marked seven decades of delivering specialist land-based education with a very special Spring Live family fun day.
The college opened up its expansive campus grounds to thousands of visitors to celebrate its 70 th anniversary this academic year.
pring Live featured a wide range of activities linked to the college’s core curriculum areas, with students and staff working together to deliver hands-on experiences and demonstrations.
The entertainment included:
Sheepdog displays
Farm machinery exhibits
Construction workshops
Animal feeding
Pony patting
Dog shows
Toddler and youth assault courses
Floristry presentations.
Visitors were able to tour the college’s facilities, including its Centre for Precision Agriculture, Animal Management Centre, High-Welfare Pig Unit and walled garden, as well as a farmers’ market with fresh produce from local companies and numerous trade stands.
Attendees were also able to enjoy the Bishop Burton Horse Trials, which included dressage, show jumping and cross-country events. The popular horse trials are a key fixture in the British Eventing calendar, attracting national and international competitors and spectators.
To mark the college’s 70th anniversary, VIPs gathered for the unveiling of a new Commemorative Garden. The walls of the garden have been built by the college’s construction students and staff, with elements of the display representing different curriculum areas created by engineering students using the college’s own horse shoes.
The garden, which also recognises the college’s eight different principals over the years, will be a focal point to welcome new students, visitors and staff.
Danny Metters, the current Principal and CEO, said: “Celebrating 70 years of Bishop Burton College has been truly special.
“From its beginnings as a traditional agricultural college, Bishop Burton has diversified and grown, while staying true to its roots.
“Agriculture remains at the heart of what we do but we’ve evolved to offer a wide range of disciplines including animal management, equine, sport, public services, the creative industries and more. That’s the strength of the college today – the depth and diversity of our curriculum.
“The anniversary event was a fantastic day, full of fun. We set out to create something that people of all ages could enjoy, while showcasing our incredible campus and our deep-rooted community links.
“Bishop Burton is on an exciting journey, and our students and staff are central to everything we do. We’re committed to living our values – both as an education provider and an employer – to ensure we make a lasting, positive impact on future generations."
Chair of Governors Angela Moran, who unveiled the Commemorative Garden, said: “This marks a truly special milestone in the history of Bishop Burton College, as we celebrate 70 years of excellence in land-based education.
“The Commemorative Garden not only honours our past but also symbolises the college’s enduring commitment to growth, innovation and community.
“Bishop Burton is already recognised as one of the country’s leading land-based colleges, and I have every confidence that under Danny’s leadership, with the support of his dedicated team, the college will continue to thrive and push boundaries in the years ahead.”
Bishop Burton, near Beverley, was established in 1954, originally as a purely agricultural college.
It is now is recognised as one of the UK’s premier land-based institutions, offering a wide-ranging and progressive curriculum in many different subject areas.
The college has diversified to offer courses at a range of levels, from pre-GCSE all the way through to master’s degrees.
It also runs commercial agricultural, equine and sports facilities, which provide students with real working environments in which to develop the skills they need for successful careers in industry.
For more information about Bishop Burton College, visit: https://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/
