Barnsley College receives Highly Commended prize at British Training Awards

Barnsley College has received national recognition for its digital and AI learning culture, being named Highly Commended at the British Training Awards.

The awards, organised by New Possible, recognise exceptional learning and development across hundreds of organisations, with high-profile judges representing sectors including finance, tech, travel and training.

Barnsley College was shortlisted in two categories: Learning Culture Initiative of the Year and AI in Learning Initiative of the Year. We received the Highly Commended prize in the Learning Culture Initiative of the Year category.

Lee Chapman, Director of AI Integration, represented the College at the ceremony alongside Gill Kelly, Head of Digital and Creative Industries. He said: “It was a proud moment to collect the Highly Commended award and see Barnsley College recognised alongside national and international organisations who are doing innovative work in learning and development.

“What stood out to me was that AI is already changing how people work, learn and solve problems. At Barnsley College, we already have a strong culture of personal development and progression, and our adoption of AI and emerging technologies into this has been a natural step that reflects our ambition.

“As an anchor institution and a key part of Barnsley’s Tech Town status, we have a responsibility to make sure our staff and students are ready to benefit from the opportunities that AI brings.”

The College delivers tailored, curriculum-specific AI training across departments. Staff apply AI within the context of their subject areas to support lesson planning, generate differentiated activities and act as a ‘critical friend’ to review resources.

Every teacher begins with a strong digital foundation. More than 100 staff have achieved Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) status – the highest number of any education institution globally.

Beyond teaching, AI improves operational efficiency. The College has invested in Microsoft Copilot for support staff, automating tasks such as summarising communications, analysing data and drafting content.

The impact even extends to the wider community. A 12-week AI programme, an integral part of Barnsley being named the UK’s first government ‘Tech Town’, enables learners to complete real-world projects using AI.

The recognition reflects Barnsley College’s commitment to building a forward-thinking learning culture, supporting staff to embrace emerging technologies while keeping students’ skills, confidence and future opportunities at the centre of its approach.