Young people from Oldham complete a life-changing week at Eton College

Nearly 20 students from Greater Manchester have returned home after completing a life-changing five-day residential programme at Eton College. . . thanks to growing partnerships with schools across the region.

The students were among almost 60 Year 10 pupils from state schools across England selected to take part in the Eton Connect Summer School, a free residential programme designed to build confidence, leadership skills and aspirations. 

This year's Greater Manchester cohort included students from North Chadderton School and The Oldham Academy North, alongside pupils from schools across Rochdale, Manchester and Bolton. 

Hosted entirely free of charge at Eton College, the programme combines the College's acclaimed Skills for Success course with a packed programme of extracurricular activities, including boarding in Eton houses, team challenges, talent evenings and social events. 

Throughout the week, students developed communication skills, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and creative problem-solving while experiencing life in one of the world's most historic educational settings. 

The significant participation from Greater Manchester follows extensive engagement with schools across the region through the Eton Star Oldham project. This has helped establish strong relationships with local education leaders and created opportunities for more young people to access Eton's wider outreach programmes. 

Eton Star Oldham will be a new state-funded sixth form college being developed through a partnership between Eton College and Star Academies.  The college will serve talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across Greater Manchester, providing an academically ambitious education alongside extensive university preparation, mentoring and enrichment opportunities. 

The College and Star Academies continue to work with schools, communities and stakeholders across Oldham and the wider Greater Manchester region as plans for the Eton Star Oldham sixth form college progress. 

Tom Arbuthnott, Deputy Head (Partnerships) at Eton College, said: "The Eton Connect Summer School is about opening doors, building confidence and showing young people that there should be no limits on their ambitions. 

“It has been a genuine pleasure to spend time with this year's students and to see first-hand their enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to embrace every opportunity the week has offered. Meeting so many talented young people has been fantastic. 

"Our growing relationships with schools across the region have enabled more young people to benefit from opportunities like this. We hope every student leaves with greater confidence in themselves, new friendships and the belief that they can achieve exceptional things." 

Nabiha, a student at The Oldham Academy North, said: "I wasn't quite sure what to expect before I arrived, but it's been one of the best experiences I've ever had. I've met amazing people from across the country, challenged myself to try new things, and learnt so much about confidence and teamwork. It really made me think differently about my future and what I can do." 

Mrs N Kennerley, Headteacher, E-ACT The Oldham Academy North, commented: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Eton College for providing two of our students with the incredible opportunity to take part in this year's Skill for Success programme. 

“This truly once-in-a-lifetime experience has enabled our students to step outside their comfort zones, meet young people from across the country, and develop valuable new skills in a supportive and inspiring environment. The confidence, resilience, and aspirations they have gained will stay with them long after the programme has ended. 

“We are immensely proud of the way our students represented our school and grateful to Eton College for their commitment to widening opportunities for young people. Experiences such as these can be transformative, and we thank everyone involved for making it possible.” 

Pete Kirkbride, Chief Education Officer at E-ACT, added: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for students from E-ACT The Oldham Academy North to experience something truly memorable. Programmes like Eton Connect matter because they open minds, open doors, and help young people see what is possible for their future. 

“What is so powerful about experiences like this is that they give students the confidence to step into new environments, build new relationships and imagine different futures for themselves.  

“Our students have returned with greater self-belief, new friendships and memories that will stay with them for years to come. This is exactly what purposeful partnership should do, create opportunities that make a lasting difference to young people’s lives.”