Doncaster specialist college celebrates students' success

Students who have overcome obstacles, embraced opportunities and achieved the seemingly impossible, have celebrated their success marking the end of college life and the transition into work.

Teachers, students, family and friends were joined by mentors from local businesses as Harrison College, Doncaster, staged a memorable awards ceremony at The Crown Hotel, Bawtry.

The college is a multi-award-winning specialist business, enterprise and employability provider for post-16 education for neurodiverse young people.

Founded seven years ago by principal Gemma Peebles with just one student, it has grown to a roll of around 70 from Doncaster and the surrounding area.

Guests were told a variety of student stories about how they had progressed through college, gained new skills and self-confidence and astounded employers during work placements.

At the ceremony, students received a range of awards with special accolades going to those who excelled in leadership, belief, achievement and exceeding expectations. Student of the Year was Theo Martin.

He said: “I could not believe it. I thought it would go to someone else. I am lost for words, it is such an honour.

“At first I thought Harrison College would be just a normal college but it proved to be so much more. It really opened my eyes to opportunities and it helped me get a job as a returns processor with logistics company GXO.”

A special legacy award was also presented to long-time supporter and business consultant Steve Dixon, of Thorne, the first time the college has honoured one of its mentors.

Mrs Peebles said: “Without our partner businesses we would not be able to change so many people’s lives. We are always astounded by the level of support we receive.

“We offer different solutions in education but without businesses this would not happen. And every so often special people walk through our doors and never leave.

“Steve worked outside of education and working with us was outside his comfort zone. But he has a zest for life like we have never seen before which is why we’d like to thank him for all his efforts.”

Steve said: “I got talking to Gemma at a networking event and I had never worked with education before but thought I’d give it six months. Four years later I am still involved with the college because the students and teachers are absolutely inspirational.

“Sometimes I just sit in the classroom with the students, others times I dive in offering help with CVs, interview techniques and charity appeals.

“It has really surprised me what the students can do and achieve and if I had my time again I would do even more with them.”

Mrs Peebles added: “Looking across this room I see determination, resilience, courage and success. I see young people who have worked incredibly hard to overcome obstacles, embrace opportunities and achieve things that may once have seemed impossible.

“They came to us with dreams – some bold, some quietly held – and together we turned those dreams into plans and those plans into action.

“They have shown that with the right support, the right mindset, the right environment, there are no limits to what they can achieve.”