Our students engage with South Yorkshire Mayor on regional vision

Our students had the opportunity to engage directly with South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard as he set out his vision for 2026.

The Mayor’s keynote address, held at the Barnsley Civic, set out an ambitious vision for the region – touching on key priorities including devolution and strengthening local communities, alongside education, skills, transport, and local economic development.

As part of the event, six Barnsley College students were invited to attend and participate in a live Q-and-A session – contributing their views on the future of South Yorkshire and raising questions on issues affecting young people in the region.

Student Governor Leo Hibberd, who studies Esports at the College, posed the Mayor a question on local transport concessions for students and young people.

Leo said: “As a student who is 18, I don’t reap the same rewards that someone who is 17 is getting – but I am still just a student.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the event and I believe Mr Coppard has South Yorkshire’s – in particular Barnsley’s – best interests in mind, and if he stands by everything he said during the event, I’m excited for the future of Barnsley.”

The College thanks the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority for its continued support and recognition of young voices across the region.