Help now for future students

TEENAGERS in Oldham will get help to apply for university places as part of a £21m programme.

The Aimhigher Associates scheme has recruited students from North-West universities to give support to local youngsters who have the potential to progress to higher education.

Students will share their own personal experiences aimed at smoothing the way from school and college to university life.

Bass Abdul is from Aimhigher in Oldham — the organisation that works to increase the number of disadvantaged young people who go on to higher education.

He said: “The scheme will support the building of long-term relationships between university students and pupils in Oldham before they take their GCSEs.

“We hope the relationships will develop over time with Aimhigher Associates on hand to provide support and guidance to pupils as they make important decisions about their education which will affect the rest of their lives.”

Schools involved in Oldham are Failsworth, Grange, Kaskenmoor, South Chadderton and Radclyffe. As far as possible, those taking part will be students with experience of the Aimhigher programme having themselves come from a state school or college or a similar background to the pupils they are working with.

John Selby, director of education and participation at the Higher Education Funding Council for England said: “The Aimhigher programme delivers a broad range of targeted activities to help break down the barriers of disadvantage that can prevent pupils from non-traditional backgrounds from progressing to higher education.

“This will be a significant new element.

“Aimhigher Associates will receive special training and schools will receive support to carry out this important role.

Crucially, the Associates will come from a similar school background to their mentees, putting them in an ideal position to advise their younger counterparts on the opportunities available to them.”