GROUND-BREAKING PARTNERSHIP TO IMPROVE LIFE CHANCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS ROCHDALE

Posted by on 5 Mar 2024

A sustained academic engagement programme has been launched in Rochdale. This is a ground-breaking university access initiative, an extraordinary coalition – made up of the University of Cambridge; St John’s College, Cambridge; Pembroke College, Oxford; Rochdale Sixth Form College; The Altus Education Partnership; Rochdale Council and Rochdale Development Agency – to bridge the gap between untapped potential in Rochdale and the world-class education found at Oxford and Cambridge.

The Atom Valley Education Challenge Consortium (AVECC) will build on existing long-term strategic relationships to deliver a programme of sustained academic engagement for the brightest young minds, initially focused on the borough of Rochdale.  However, those behind the initiative are committed to a long-term vision to ultimately develop a blueprint that other regions in the UK can learn from.
Cambridge University Vice Chancellor, Debbie Prentice, said, “It was inspiring to hear from students, parents, teachers and other education leaders, and all of those who are working so hard to help local young people. I am pleased to support this initiative. We want to encourage more talented students across the region to think about Cambridge as an option for their studies.”

The AVECC aims to give all those with the necessary academic talent the opportunity to benefit from the unique mixture of tradition and innovation to be found at Oxford and Cambridge. The project aims to create a continuous “pipeline” that identifies and selects the brightest young minds, those with academic potential, especially without any knowledge of university experience within their family, from primary school through to post 16. Students on the initiative will be supported by dedicated events to achieve the necessary academic outcomes to first achieve an Oxbridge place, and then thrive when they get there.

Rochdale Sixth Form Principal, Karl Smith, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, “This memorandum represents a landmark moment for Rochdale Sixth Form College, Altus Educational Partnership and the wider Rochdale community. This historic partnership will ensure that students at RSFC will receive unparalleled guidance and support from tutors hailing from Cambridge and Oxford Universities and will empower our students to further strive for academic excellence and unlock their full potential.  By facilitating academic development opportunities, RSFC seeks to foster a culture of excellence, inspire young minds and provide them with the necessary skills to pursue the very best institutions within higher education.”

The coalition will play a major role in contributing towards the vision of the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone which has set out to support developing a cluster of high quality, innovative businesses across three development sites in Bury, Oldham and Rochdale which will create 20,000 new jobs and 7,000 new homes through a unique public-private partnership. 

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said, “Opening up opportunities for young people is a key part of our vision for Atom Valley. We want to create economic and educational opportunities that are accessible to everyone, regardless of your background. This partnership, which will see Rochdale collaborate with two of the world’s leading universities, also demonstrates the momentum we are building at Atom Valley.”

The programme will be embedded in Rochdale and Atom Valley, drawing on expertise held locally and across Oxford and Cambridge to give students a richer learning experience than the traditional Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) approaches.

Heather Hancock, Master of St John’s College, Cambridge, said, “For over 500 years, St John’s College has had deep connections with the north west of England. These links are as important to us as ever and as a proud Lancastrian, I am especially delighted that St John’s is a founding partner in this new consortium. There are highly talented pupils in Rochdale today who can and should set their academic sights high. Our practical support and expert advice will help to build their confidence, preparedness and determination to study at the most competitive universities, including – I hope and expect – our own inspiring college in the University of Cambridge.”

Sir Ernest Ryder, Master of Pembroke College, Oxford, said, “In its 400th year Pembroke College is proud to celebrate its strong access and outreach work with schools and colleges in Rochdale, Greater Manchester and across the North West. For more than 10 years, we have been helping our brightest students to develop their confidence and skills to go to the University of their Choice. We are delighted to welcome many of them to Oxford. This is an inspirational collaboration that we hope will become a model for others, building on a collaboration that brings the public and private sectors together in our common purpose of advancing knowledge and identifying those who will serve our communities well in the future.”

Councillor Neil Emmott, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, went on to say, “This initiative is an incredible opportunity for young people of Rochdale and a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to unlocking academic potential. Together, we will pave the way for a brighter future in Atom Valley and beyond”

Chris Dobbs, Director of AVECC, stated, “I am delighted to be leading this exciting project. Having taught in Rochdale for the past 20 years, I know that there are many talented young people throughout this borough and in other places just like Rochdale. I believe this project is going to provide them opportunities to study at world leading universities which hitherto have not existed.”

Partners within the consortium will collaborate to deliver sustained programmes within the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale, with plans to expand operational activities to other areas within Atom Valley, Greater Manchester, and nationally. The initiative will encompass engagement across various age groups, from primary education to employment, fostering long-term cultural and academic change within schools and colleges.