Blackburne House Graduation 2025 - Empowering Women, Embracing Hope
- bhmarketing
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 17
Education is the key that opens the door to life’s opportunities. – Baroness Doreen Lawrence
Our CEO, Andrea Rushton, quoted the inspirational campaigner Doreen Lawrence in her words to the audience at our annual Graduation ceremony. These words remind us that each of the women who pass through Blackburne House are not only finishing their hard-earned qualifications, but starting a new chapter in their lives armed with new expertise and hope for a better future.
At Blackburne House, our Graduation gives us a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible achievements of the women who have studied with us over the past year. It's a day filled with pride, hope, and a powerful sense of community.
This year’s Graduation brought together students, staff, friends and supporters to honour the journeys of so many women who have shown remarkable strength and determination. Many of the women who attend Blackburne House are not only transforming their lives through education but battling personal struggles, caring for others or even taking on a qualification in their second language. Our students achieve so much over the course of a single academic year, and recognising those achievements is one of our favourite occasions of the year at Blackburne House.
Among the most powerful moments of the day were the speeches from two of our own students, Robyn and Sophie. They spoke not just of academic success, but of finding confidence, support, and a sense of purpose through their time at Blackburne House. We are proud to share that both Robyn and Sophie, as well as every single student on our Access course, has been offered a place at university in September, and we're thrilled to wave them off to their next adventures.
We would like to thank SingMe Merseyside for performing a medley of uplifting songs throughout the day, making our celebration even more spectacular.
We were also honoured to welcome Kirsty Doyle as our keynote speaker. As the founder of The Kirsty Doyle Club and winner of Project Runway, Kirsty spoke candidly about her creative journey, the challenges of building a business, and the importance of believing in your own voice. Her words resonated deeply with our audience — especially our learners, many of whom are carving their own new paths. Kirsty reminded us all about the power of believing.
This year’s event felt especially meaningful, not only because of the stories shared and achievements celebrated, but also because it reflected something bigger. Blackburne House has recently been shortlisted for a National Diversity Award in the Community Organisation – Gender category, a recognition that mirrors what the day was all about: lifting up women, championing equity, and creating space for opportunity and belonging. It’s an honour that belongs to everyone in our community.
As we close another academic year, we carry forward the voices, strength, and joy of this special day. Thank you to everyone who made it possible — and to the incredible women
who continue to inspire us, we are endlessly proud of you.
Here’s to hope, to growth, and to all that’s still to come.
If you want to join us in gaining skills, confidence and hope in the coming academic year, come to our next Open Day or fill out our enquiry form.
See more photos from Graduation 2025 here.
Photography by Andrew AB Photography
