Hulme alumni opens doors for aspiring medics with exclusive Manchester Royal Infirmary placements

Hulme Grammar medical students busy in class

As A-level students across Oldham prepare to collect their results this Thursday, Hulme Grammar is celebrating a brand-new opportunity for Sixth Formers aiming for a career in medicine - thanks to the generosity of one of its own alumni.

Dr Jonathan Schofield, who left Hulme in 1996 and is now Consultant in Acute Medicine, Diabetes and Lipidology, and Associate Medical Director at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), has created an exclusive annual programme for Hulme pupils.

From the next academic year, three Sixth Form students will be guaranteed a one-week placement at MRI - an opportunity rarely available due to the hospital’s 18-month waiting list and high volume of requests.

Each successful applicant will be personally selected by Dr Schofield based on a short personal statement.

During their placement, they will shadow him and his team, gaining first-hand experience across acute medicine, diabetes, lipidology and more.

Students will also be encouraged to create short video diaries of their experience, inspiring younger pupils and giving the wider school community a behind-the-scenes look at life inside one of the UK’s leading hospitals.

“This programme is about showing talented, committed students what a career in medicine really involves, and helping them take that crucial first step,” said Marc Hornby, Director of Development at Hulme Grammar.

“Opportunities like this are normally out of reach for most school leavers, so having one of our alumni create a pathway based purely on merit is incredibly exciting."

The initiative underlines the strength of Hulme’s unique alumni network, which plays a vital role in shaping the Sixth Form experience by opening doors, offering mentoring, and guiding pupils into competitive professions.

Applications for the work placements will open to Year 12 pupils in September, with experiences taking place during school holidays throughout the year.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.