Mayor of Greater Manchester Visits Hollingworth Academy to See Future Skills in Action

Posted by on 16 May 2025

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester visited Hollingworth Academy in Milnrow, Rochdale, to see first-hand how the school is helping to shape the future of education and technical skills through its pioneering work on the Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc).

The visit highlighted the critical importance of equipping young people with the technical skills needed to thrive in Rochdale’s growing economy and seize the opportunities being unlocked through major regeneration projects like Atom Valley.

Hollingworth Academy is proud to be a flagship school in the rollout of the MBacc, actively contributing to shaping this important regional initiative. It is currently the most engaged school in Greater Manchester in terms of MBacc development, regularly involved in pilot activity, steering groups, and employer partnerships that help define what the MBacc offer looks like in practice.

As part of the MBacc Equalex pilot, Hollingworth Academy is playing a key role in testing how school based learning can align with employability and progression into a range of careers. The school’s careers programme already fully meets all criteria for seven of the eight Gatsby Benchmarks, reflecting a deep rooted commitment to embedding outstanding careers education across all year groups.

The Equalex pilot, developed by The Careers & Enterprise Company and supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, introduces a new model of work experience. Instead of a traditional one week placement, students are offered a minimum of 50 hours of meaningful, tailored workplace experiences between Years 9 and 11, building real world skills and confidence.

During his visit, the Andy Burnham met with pupils and staff, observed vocational learning in action at Hollingworth Academy’s Food Technology, and Construction groups, and delivered an inspiring address to Year 8, and 9 students. He also heard directly from pupils about their careers education experiences and the difference the MBacc is already making to their aspirations.

Mr Robert McGinty, Headteacher at Hollingworth Academy, said “We were proud to welcome the Mayor and share how Hollingworth is leading the way in making the MBacc vision a reality for young people in Rochdale.”

“Our involvement in shaping the MBacc is more than a badge of honour. It’s a reflection of our values — raising aspirations, unlocking opportunities, and making futures brighter.”

Ms Cate Calveley, Teacher and Careers Leader (SLE) added “At Hollingworth, we believe every pupil should leave school with the knowledge, skills, and ambition to thrive — and that’s exactly what the MBacc helps us deliver.”

“This visit was a chance for our pupils to see that what they’re doing in school today connects directly to the world of work, to further study, and to a future full of opportunity.”

The visit reinforced the crucial role schools like Hollingworth Academy play in shaping the borough’s future, helping to secure a strong, highly skilled workforce that can drive and sustain economic growth, innovation, and prosperity in Rochdale.