Gong equals bright future for college

AWARD . . . Richard Lee, associate director for transition and skills with principal Jayne Clarke

PREPARING students for a winning future has seen Oldham Sixth Form College scoop a top accolade at the Educate North Awards.

The college won the Social Mobility Award for helping to close the attainment gap of its students and for raising their aspirations.

The nomination focussed on the college's outstanding links with local secondary schools, which raises students' aspirations for Further Education, and also links with local universities, especially the University of Manchester.

It also looked at how the college prepares its most able students for Higher Education, including the Varsity Programme Tutor Groups, the Oxbridge Group, and the Aspiring Medics and Aspiring Lawyers Programmes.

Richard Lee, Associate Director for Transition and Skills, said: "Over a prolonged period of time, OSFC has dedicated itself to enhancing the life opportunities of young people in Oldham.

Challenging

"We see no reason, despite challenging economic circumstances, why students from Oldham cannot achieve outcomes that will allow them to progress, firstly, to university and, secondly, to the very best universities.

"We are passionate in our desire to equip them with the skills they need to succeed and to embrace the huge challenge of closing the attainment gap.

"Our enthusiasm for facilitating social mobility is undiminished and, despite record results and progression in 2016, we are committed to finding even more ways to help Oldham students raise, and meet, their aspirations for a better life."