£200,000 bid to save Junior University

Council could step in after funding is axed

OLDHAM is battling to save a successful scheme which helps pupils who might otherwise miss out on university.

The council has drawn up plans — including £200,000 emergency funding — to ensure the Junior University (JU) continues despite government cuts.

Set up in 2004 by Oldham Sixth Form College, JU works with schools throughout the borough to improve GCSE results and encourage more pupils to continue to further and higher education.

It is aimed at young people who, with targeted support from mentors, should be able to achieve 5 A* to C GCSE grades, often the requirement for taking A-levels.

Until this year JU was part-funded by a government grant which has been axed.

Emergency budget options drawn up by the council include £200,000 one-off funding for 2011-12. Oldham Sixth Form College has also overhauled JU funding to help ensure its long-term survival.

The options will go before the Oldham Council cabinet on Monday.

Councillor Hugh McDonald, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “If these proposals are approved the remodelled version of the JU programme will have an increased focus on career opportunities in science.

“It will help to make young people more aware of the fantastic new opportunities which the =Regional Science Centre Oldham (RSCO) is offering and also provide them with the study skills they need to achieve the core GCSE qualifications that will enable them to progress into further and higher education.

“The JU programme has been a proven success and has had a significant effect in raising aspirations across the borough.

“Research shows that a significantly higher percentage of those students mentored under JU have gone on to achieve five A*-C grades at GCSE level.

“Our targets for encouraging students to apply for places in further and higher education have also been consistently exceeded.

“The JU programme is absolutely vital to continuing to provide opportunities that support and inspire local students to make the very best of their potential.”

Last year 440 Year 11-pupils took part in the JU, with 89 per cent staying on on in education after the age of 16 and 72 per cent taking A-level or equivalent qualifications.

Both figures are above the averages for Oldham’s schools.

Richard Lee, assistant principal at Oldham Sixth Form College and Junior University manager, said: “The JU project has shown, time and again, how the additional support of our highly-talented mentors can make all the difference in ensuring Oldham students reach their academic potential and continue their studies post-16.”