Oldham students collaborate with international artist to create school mural

Artist Evan worked closely with the students on both the design and the painting

Students at EdStart Schools’ Oldham site have teamed up with internationally recognised artist Evan Barlow to create a vibrant mural at their school, celebrating their identity, local heritage, and community pride.

Evan, known for painting large-scale murals across the globe - including projects for online superstars Logan Paul and Jake Paul, as well as communities in India and South America - worked closely with the students on both the design and the painting.

The mural tells the story of the students and their local area, incorporating references to the suffragettes, the town’s industrial past, and an owl to represent Oldham.

Students were highly engaged throughout the project, with several staying after school to contribute to the artwork, helping to bring their vision to life under Evan’s guidance.

Evan said: “Working with these students has been a fantastic experience.

"They brought real creativity and energy to the project, and it’s been amazing to see them translate their fantastic ideas into such a bold, colourful mural.

"Projects like this show how art can empower young people and give them a sense of pride in their community.”

Luke Willis, Head of School at EdStart Oldham, added: “This mural is more than just a piece of art - it’s a celebration of our students’ voices and creativity.

"Collaborating with someone of Evan’s calibre has been truly inspiring for them, and the project reflects our commitment to engaging those young people who might have been at risk of falling through the gaps in education and showing them what they can achieve when given the right support and opportunities.

"To see the students’ pride in their work on the wall when they come into school every day is brilliant, and we’re very grateful to Evan for bringing his magic to our little corner of Oldham.”

EdStart Schools works with children and young people who have struggled in mainstream education, providing tailored support to help them succeed academically, socially, and personally.

Creative projects like this mural form part of the school’s wider approach to developing students’ confidence, expression, and community engagement.

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