Oldham's 200 Varsity Academy students celebrate in style

Oldham Sixth Form College held two celebration evening events to salute the 200 senior school students who have completed their Varsity Academy programme.

Over the last year, the students visited OSFC four times between November 2022 and September 2023.

On each visit, the students attended four sessions - in Science, Maths, English and Humanities.

Alongside the in person sessions, the students also had the opportunity to enter competitions in all four areas, submitting their work to be judged.

On the celebration evenings, the students attended an applicant interview before they were celebrated in a Graduation Ceremony and awarded their certificates.

The students were also photographed with their friends and family to mark their achievements.

Feedback from the students and parents of those involved has been overwhelmingly positive.

"The programme has been a fantastic opportunity for our daughter to discover an alternative way of learning in an environment she is not used to. As a family, we are very grateful for the opportunity she has had," said one Royton and Crompton Academy parent.

"Varsity Academy was great! I really enjoyed being able to meet students from different schools in my lessons. I also enjoyed being able to experience what college life was like," added a Newman RC College student.

Sarah Deardan, an English teacher at Saddleworth School, said: "The Varsity Academy has provided our pupils with an invaluable opportunity to work collaboratively with all other Oldham schools.

"In each session students have been challenged to think beyond their current understanding in core subjects, developing them academically.

"The course has also helped students focus more acutely on their next steps and begin to formulate ambitious plans for the future.

"I can only thank OSFC for coordinating such a wonderful course for our pupils."

"As Principal, I remain extremely proud of Hathershaw’s young people," said Mark Giles, Principal at Hathershaw College.

"I am delighted to have so many of our key stage 4 students involved in OSFC’s Varsity Programme, inspiring the next generation of students to work hard to attend some of the best universities in the country. 

"I am very grateful to have such a good Trust partner."

Richard Lee, Assistant Principal and Varsity Academy Coordinator, is proud of the success of the programme.

He said: "Our college mission is to transform students’ lives through academic excellence and outstanding support and the Varsity Academy epitomizes our philosophy.

"Students aspiring to the most competitive universities and courses need to start thinking about, and working towards, that goal before sixth form.

"We are delighted with the achievements of the first cohort of students and are very grateful for the support of their schools."

Today (Monday), a new cohort of students will attend a launch evening to prepare themselves for the second year of Varsity Academy.

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