Awards for star students

OLDHAM Education Awards 2016 saw 50 students honoured for their exam successes

STUDENTS from across Oldham have been honoured in a special awards ceremony.

In a huge celebration of educational attainment, 50 young people were hailed for their exam successes at the annual Oldham Education Awards (OEA)

Winners

More than 400 residents turned out to applaud the winners who were chosen from GCSE, A level, vocational and degree level.

The awards, in their fifth year, were hosted by former Oldham Chronicle Business Editor Martyn Torr.

Support was given by the mayor of Oldham Councillor Derek Heffernan and his wife Mayoress Di Heffernan, along with the deputy leader of Oldham Council, Councillor Abdul Jabbar.

Organised by One Community UK, the awards aim to bring the community together to celebrate students' results and boost educational aspirations.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, cabinet member for education and early years, has backed the awards since first attending in 2013.

She said: "The Oldham Education Awards are now an established event on the education calendar.

"Having attended four of the five awards, I know it wouldn't be possible without the hard work that goes into this event from Amin Chowdhury and his team at One Community UK.

"The awards are a celebration of the achievements of Oldham students and recognition of the hard work and dedication of students and Oldham's schools and colleges.

"The awards go from strength to strength and this year over 400 people attended the event.

"Improving education is a key priority for Oldham Council.

Talented

"We have made improvements across the borough in the past twelve months in our exam and Ofsted results and continue to work to implement the nineteen recommendations made by the Oldham Education and Skills Commission."

The celebration of the town's talented young people was held at the Eastern Pavilion on Tuesday, October 11.

Additional awards were presented to two outstanding individuals who inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Garrath Beckwith of Saddleworth School and Kerensa O'Reilly of Waterhead Academy both accepted an award for their contribution to teaching.

Another special honour was given to North Chadderton School, who won the Business Enterprise Award, sponsored by Oldham Enterprise Trust.

Winners collected a framed certificate in front of representatives from schools, academies, colleges and universities as well as family members and friends.

Oldham Education Awards founder Amin Babor Chowdhury said: "At OCUK we set up the awards to honour the students who work so hard to achieve success.

"As founder of the awards I'm delighted that we have reached a fifth year and that they have gained such strong support.

"I hope the awards continue to inspire and motivate young people in Oldham in their learning and education."