College welcomes Secretary of State and Microsoft leaders to mark Showcase School status

Barnsley College welcomed Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, and senior Microsoft leaders – including the company’s UK and Ireland CEO – to mark the College’s world leading commitment to digital innovation and education technology.

The visit saw Microsoft UK and Ireland CEO Darren Hardman engage Computing students in a Q-and-A, before Director of AI Business Solutions, Stuart Ridout, led a valuable masterclass on building AI (artificial intelligence) agents. It culminated in Darren officially presenting the College with its Microsoft Showcase School plaque.

The visit came as Barnsley was officially named the UK’s first ‘Tech Town’ by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology – which will see the government fully back the town’s trailblazing rollout of AI to improve public services, local schools, NHS care, and jobs and skills.

The Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary was shown around the £16m Barnsley College University Centre, as part of a wider tour of Barnsley to mark the announcement.

She spoke to students and teachers as well as experiencing some of the cutting-edge technology that will see Barnsley College support the Tech Town scheme – which promises digital and AI courses for residents.

Barnsley College Principal and CEO David Akeroyd said: “This visit from Microsoft’s UK leadership recognises the pioneering work taking place at Barnsley College to embed digital innovation across our curriculum and culture.

“From AI to immersive technology, we are equipping students with the tools, confidence, and knowledge they need to thrive in the future economy.

“We would like to thank everyone from Microsoft for their time and engagement. We know it was an incredibly rewarding experience for our students to hear from the true global experts in computing and AI.

“Barnsley College is committed to transforming lives, and that means being at the centre of the transition to AI and emerging technologies, to ensure our students leave us fully prepared for the world that awaits them.”

Barnsley College has the highest number of Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Experts worldwide. The programme was developed by Microsoft to identify teaching staff who actively use technology to create inclusive, student-centred learning environments – preparing students for the future by embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. MIE Experts must complete training and provide evidence to be accredited through a rigorous application process.