The European Sponsorship Association is extremely proud to announce the results of the 2026 ESA Sponsorship Diploma.
Another 66 students from 11 countries have successfully completed this year’s course, taking the alumni total to 898 since the prestigious qualification was launched in 2012.
Three Distinctions were achieved this year, led by Scott Reed, Senior Partnerships Executive at Liverpool FC, who was named Top Graduate with a final mark of 76.86%. Distinctions were also earned by his Liverpool FC colleague Faye McCann and by Murat Önhon, one of this year’s ESA Sponsorship Diploma Scholars and the Diploma’s first-ever student from Türkiye.
The Top Set Brief award went to Cameron Schuster-Bruce, Account Manager at WPP Media / Essence Mediacom, who was one of 22 students to earn a Highly Commended rating. In an unusually high-achieving class, 38% achieved either a Distinction or a Highly Commended grade.
All graduates will be eligible to use the prestigious Dip ESA suffix and to network with fellow accredited professionals in the ESA Sponsorship Diploma Alumni Society, launched in 2022.
The 2027 ESA Sponsorship Diploma is open for enrolment with a £500 early bird discount (plus additional ESA member discounts) for those who sign up by 27 November 2026.
Course Director Peter Raymond said: “I’ve really loved spending time with the charismatic and enthusiastic Class of ‘26. Their results yet again showcase the talent that is going to supercharge and safeguard our industry’s future. I’m not sure we’ve ever had 38% of the class achieve either a Distinction or a Highly Commended grade before. That’s some achievement.
“Special commendation goes to the highly successful commercial team at Liverpool FC, who showed their commitment to training by entering five students, three of whom finished in this year’s top eight. Massive congratulations to Top Graduate, Scott Reed, possibly the youngest ever to take the accolade and clearly now in the first team straight out of the Liverpool Academy.
“My heartfelt accolades to everyone who survived and flourished during the industry’s most beneficial challenge, and who now have all the tools they need to thrive in their future careers. Whatever grade was achieved, these results represent a job very well done. I’m thrilled for you all.”
After 15 years as Founding Course Director, Peter Raymond will now hand the reins to Sophie Morris, who will oversee the ESA Sponsorship Diploma starting in 2027.
ESA Chair Stuart Wareman added: “Congratulations to all 66 graduates of the 2026 ESA Sponsorship Diploma. Completing the course alongside demanding day jobs takes real commitment, and this year’s results show the depth of talent coming through our industry.
“It’s especially pleasing to see two Scholars among the top performers, which is proof of the difference the Scholarship makes in opening doors to create a more inclusive professional community. On behalf of the entire ESA community I offer my congratulations and thanks to Peter Raymond, who has overseen the remarkable growth of this course right from its inception.
“The Diploma remains the flagship of ESA’s professional development programme as the world’s leading professional qualification in sponsorship. I would encourage anyone looking to take the next step in their sponsorship career to join the Class of ‘27.”
Key dates
- ESA Sponsorship Diploma enrolment (early bird): 27 November 2026
- Scholarship application deadline: 27 November 2026
- ESA Sponsorship Diploma enrolment (final): 21 January 2027
- Course begins: 22 January 2027
To reinforce ESA’s commitment to a diverse and progressive workforce in our industry, the ESA Sponsorship Diploma Scholarship offers free tuition to successful candidates who meet the criteria (and pass an interview with the Education workstream). ESA is committed to developing an inclusive sponsorship community and welcomes applications for the 2027 Scholarship by 27 November 2026.
