First Star Emmanuel College Cambridge

We will be recruiting scholars for our programme starting in summer 2025.

These Scholars will have completed Year 9 by the summer and will begin Year 10 in September 2025, when the first Saturday sessions will be held.

Here's How It Works

Nourishing Their Creative Spirit

Designed for young people at all levels of learning. Each month we deliver 6 hours or more of fun, interactive lessons to help young people get the grades they need for the career they want.

Residential Experiences

On campus stays - exciting activities that challenge young people and offer them a chance to do and learn something new.

Includes activities like high ropes, team building, canoeing, business, engineering, science and creative sessions; mentoring and introductions to HE sessions; building to include supported university visits and much more.

Make New Friends

This is a safe place for young people in care. It's a place to fit in, have fun, make mistakes and try new things.

University Simulation Experience

Scholars spend their time on campus at Emmanuel College Cambridge for 3 weeks during the summer holidays. They will live in the halls of residence, have their meals in the canteen, experience university life, engage in workshops and taster sessions on various degrees.

Support & Mentorship

Our focus is to provide training and long-term support. The programme runs for 4 years. Focusing on GCSEs & college support, university & career preparation, life skills, leadership, employability training and readiness for independent living.

Graduation photo of Scholars from the First Star at St Mary’s Twickenham programme

The Benefits

Friendship

Everyone here has a common goal – Success. What that looks like for each scholar varies but the support and guidance that everyone shows each other is  hugely important.

Track Their Progress

Once a scholar is enrolled on a programme carers and virtual schools receive an on going update.  In addition Directors support progress, joining PEP meetings and liaising with schools. 

Adventure

Unlock all the joys of summer at our residential programme – learning new skills, creating unforgettable memories with life long friends, eating good food and getting support from other people on the same journey as you.

Tutoring

Monthly learning and activities, 1-1 sessions & group sessions that follow the VESPA model. 

Vision, Effort, Systems, Practice and Attitude

Scholars are offered a laptop to support learning. Online safety and other resources are also provided – we ask for a commitment from those working around the child to support every young person to complete the programme. 

Contact

Rees Campbell

Cambridge Lead

Email: [email protected]

The objective of this initiative is to improve outcomes for looked-after children by boosting their engagement in higher education. The First Star Scholars programme at Emmanuel College Cambridge offers regular monthly sessions and two annual residentials, conducted on campus. .

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.

 

Scholars were asked to write a paragraph about what First Star Scholars means to them and the benefits it provides.

First Star Scholars have helped me in several ways. It got me through my GCSEs and is helping me with my future. Everyone is accepted, we are treated equally. We have been given vast opportunities to learn.

The thing I love about First Star Scholars is that they teach us in an interesting way, so everyone succeeds. My favourite part is the residentials as we get educated and get up to fun things.
First Star Scholars is a programme that helps children in care to see that they aren’t alone. As a child in care, I have found that it can be normal to be in care.

I have learned how to cook, make good friends. If it wasn’t for First Star Scholars, I wouldn’t have met any of my close friends. In one of our sessions, we met other children who are in care from around the country. As someone being in care, and having trust issues, First Star Scholars has helped me to get to where I am now. I started in 2021, and every easter and summer we have a residential. The leaders always help us and make us want to
First Star means a lot to me because it gives me an opportunity to meet people that have had a rough start to life like I have.

First star also gives you an opportunity to go out on days out and enjoy it with your friends.

One of the skills that I have developed while being with First Star is that my confidence has increased. It has increased because of the new surrounding and the positive influences that I have been surrounded by.
UoW Scholar
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First Star Scholars is an opportunity not many teenagers get and is one I truly appreciate. It has honestly transformed my life, helping with my exams, confidence, and social skills.

The countless trips we have been on has increased my enjoyment of my education and my awareness or career and university opportunities. I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given.



UoW Scholar
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First Star Scholars is a place where you can have fun while you learn. The skills I have developed whilst I have been here is better understanding of my Maths and English. When I first came, I was a nervous child now I am a confident scholar. Since I have been here, we have done: glow in the dark gold, rock climbing and trips to other universities. I am so thankful to this programme because it has helped me catch up with my GCSE’s, so I have the best chance to improve. have a good time. One of the leaders makes us laugh because of his jokes. Thank you for taking your time to read this.
Uow Scholar
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