Our pledge
At Oldham College, we proudly welcome and support refugees, asylum seekers and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) learners as valued members of our community.
As a prospective FE College of Sanctuary, we support the ‘City of Sanctuary’ vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all, offering sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution. We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within our work.
We pledge to:
- Actively foster a culture of welcome, safety and inclusion throughout the entire College community
- Ensure every learner has an outstanding and fair experience from pre-enrolment through to progression opportunities
- Offer comprehensive training and awareness programmes for all staff on issues related to refugees, asylum seekers, trafficking and migration
- Increase awareness of sanctuary-related issues among learners and the broader community
- Celebrate the contributions of sanctuary seekers and migrants to the UK, including holding events such as Refugee Week across the College
- Empower ESOL learners through active participation and projects within the College and the local community
- Cultivate a lasting culture of welcome by expanding participation opportunities for sanctuary seekers
- Promote the voices of the Oldham community and work in partnership with external agencies such as the Multi-Faith Forum
- Be a trauma-informed institution, recognising the impact that individuals’ journeys of igration can have on learners.
Support for Sanctuary-Seeking learners
For our asylum and refugee students there are many ways in which we can support them to overcome the unique challenges of their situation. Together with government agencies, community partners and other education providers, we support with:
- A range of language support courses to help improve language skills and educational integration
- CV writing, job applications and interview skills through our Careers team
- Residency, financial and childcare needs
- A dedicated lead for the College of Sanctuary application project
- Physical and mental wellbeing
- Community outreach, events and social action projects to encourage integration of communities
- Our Elevate (citizenship) Programme, which aims to help students understand social, legal and cultural expectations of life in modern Britain.
For further information on the support available, please email David Littlewood, Oldham College’s Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and College of Sanctuary Lead.
English language course opportunities
Oldham College offers a wide range of courses, however, if English isn’t your main language, our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses can help you improve your speaking, writing and listening English language skills. ESOL courses are available for all ages, leading to nationally recognised qualifications, further study and improved employment opportunities.
Our ESOL team has created a tailored, multilingual welcome package that includes induction events, meet-and-greet sessions and personalised pastoral support to help every learner settle, connect, and thrive.
We recognise the unique experiences and strengths sanctuary-seeking learners bring, and we are committed to providing high-quality teaching, a named contact for dedicated support and staff trained to understand the challenges of forced displacement.
Through workshops, learner-led activities and a strong College of Sanctuary pledge, we work together to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where every learner can achieve their goals and enrich the wider Oldham community.
Help with the costs of coming to college
Sanctuary-seeking learners can apply for financial support for some of the costs of attending college through the Oldham College bursary. The aim of the bursary is to support learners and alleviate any financial barriers they may face, enabling them to attend college and engage fully in their education.
For eligible adult asylum seekers, the bursary can provide weekly travel payments directly into their bank account. If learners do not have a bank account, the bursary team has guidance available to help them open one, and the College can also provide supporting letters as a form of identification for this purpose.
The bursary can also support adults with the cost of any educational trips they are required to attend and may be able to offer additional support in hardship cases, such as help with meals. For eligible 16–18-year-old asylum seekers, the bursary can provide all the above, as well as support with essential books, equipment, and specialist clothing required for their courses.
Learn more about financial support
Childcare support
Asylum-seeking learners who have children can also apply to access support with the cost of childcare on timetabled college days. This can be provided either through our onsite college nursery Butterflies or an approved offsite private provider.
Additional funding support
There are specific funding options available for refugees and asylum seekers looking to gain new skills through education, dependant on the type of funding applied for. For more information, visit Refugee Education UK.
Key college supporters
- David Littlewood, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and College of Sanctuary Lead
- Alan Benvie, Vice Principal of Student Experience and Inclusion
- Nerissa Roberts, Head of Faculty for ESOL
- Paul Williams, Programme Leader for ESOL Bridging
- Amelia Leach, Bursary and Customer Enquiries Manager
- Yvonne Hoyte, Careers Manager
- Sharon Figgins, Head of Data, Funding and Exams
