First Star at Emmanuel College, Cambridge recruits scholars as they complete year 9 and scholars stay with the programme for the next four years. The Programme features a series of monthly Saturday sessions dedicated to academic enrichment, year-round mentoring, and life skills workshops.
The programme includes a three-week summer campus immersion experience hosted annually at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. In addition scholars take part in an Easter residential outdoor adventure retreat.
- No Fees

Emmanuel College, Cambridge Team

Young people in care in Cambridge and Cambridgeshire can follow in the footsteps of our graduate scholars – after completing a First Star programme: 50% progressed to HE and 45% are undertaking further education, training or in employment
GCSE development
Years 1 and 2 see the cohort on campus for 3-4 weeks during each summer and returning each month on the First Saturday. The programme has a strong focus on academic development, particularly supporting scholars in GCSE English, maths and science
Post 16 studies
Years 3 and 4 see the cohort on campus for 3 weeks during the summer and returning each month on the First Saturday. With many post 16 pathways scholars are supported in A’ levels, BTEC, T levels and apprenticeships with sessions focused on careers, leadership, study skills, and vocational skills.
Tutoring
Sessions also include 1-1 sessions & group sessions that follow the VESPA model.
Vision, Effort, Systems, Practice and Attitude
Scholars are offered a laptop to support learning and mediate the challenges of school and placement moves. Online safety and other resources are also provided – we ask for a commitment to support every young person to complete the programme.
Accepting Applications Soon
Contact Rachel our Programme Director for further information and visit our web site to nominate a young person to join the programme
Scholars must :
- be in year 9
and
- have a care plan, be in kinship care or be in special guardianship
We don’t judge select scholars on current education scores or attendance
WE ASK you to commit to the full programme
Scholars can be nominated by carers, social workers, school staff and other adults around them
Scholars can self nominate
Programme Director – [email protected]
Navigation
About
- Meet The Team
- Trustees
- Blog
- Jobs
- Get Involved