Jim McMahon impressed by Oasis Academy Oldham students

Students from Oasis Academy Oldham with Jim McMahon, Member of Parliament for Oldham and West Royton

Students from Oasis Academy Oldham grilled Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham and West Royton, during his recent visit to the academy.

The MP was at the Hollins Road school after accepting an invitation to see for himself the progress that has been made following the school’s best-ever GCSE results and its continued support of a number of wider education initiatives in the town.

During his time at Oasis Academy Oldham Mr McMahon had a briefing with the Principal, had a robust debate with students about their views on the town's future and took the opportunity for a brief tour.

Mr McMahon said: “The meeting with the Principal, Nigel Whittle, was informative and very optimistic and I am sure the school will continue to grow and improve.

“The real eye-opener for me, however, was the maturity of the Student Council who asked me a number of questions. They were not afraid to take me to task and engaged well. I enjoyed the session very much.”

During this debate Mr McMahon stressed how important it was for young people to play an active role in their community.

Deborah Okanlawon, a Year 11 student who was part of the panel to meet the MP, said: “I really enjoyed the day. He told us that we should not just wait for other people to make the changes we want to see in our town, we should go out there and do it ourselves.

“He made me think that we could do anything if we set our mind to it.”

Mr McMahon was also keen to hear more about how Oasis Academy Oldham had closed the attainment GAP between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged students to just four percentage points and significantly improved its Progress Eight figure.

Nigel Whittle, Principal, added: “It was a fantastic opportunity to sit down with Jim to show him the progress that Oasis Academy Oldham has made in recent years and share our ambitions for the future.

“What was clear is that we are all working together to improve and enhance the education and aspirations of young people across the town.

“I was particularly proud of our student council who asked their MP some very pertinent and considered questions. It was great to see their interest not just in local politics, but also how passionate they are about Oldham.”