PLANS for the new Eton Star Oldham sixth form college will now proceed, Oldham Council has confirmed, after the government completed its national review of the proposals.
The decision means Oldham will become one of the first areas in the country to adopt this new education model, developed in partnership between Eton College and Star Academies. Work will now begin on detailed next steps, including design, delivery and engagement with families and the wider community.
The college is expected to make a significant difference to the life chances of young people locally by helping to remove barriers, raise aspirations and give pupils from all backgrounds access to high-quality academic opportunities, the council said. (
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, welcomed the outcome and said the project will help young people in the borough aim high and achieve their potential. She added that the college will be shaped with input from young people, parents and communities to ensure it delivers for local children.
The new sixth form will be built in Oldham town centre on the current Tommyfield Market car park site, the council confirmed.
The announcement follows more than a year of uncertainty after the government paused plans for new free schools, including Eton Star proposals, to review their value for money and impact. Reports indicate that while some proposed schools were cancelled, the schemes in Oldham and Dudley were given the go-ahead.
The move has been described by supporters as a step towards broadening educational choice in the borough and expanding opportunities for learners post-16.