The exact location of a new “transformative” Eton-linked college has been revealed for the first time. Eton Star Oldham, a state college aimed at helping disadvantaged young people gain entrance to top universities, will be built on the site of the current Tommyfield open-air market.
The elite boarding school has announced plans to open a new sixth form in Oldham with state school trust Star Academies in August 2023. But exact details of the college for 16-19 year-olds have been kept under wraps.
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Traders currently using the open-air market will be relocated to a brand new market hall attached to the Spindles Centre, due for completion in spring 2025. The “state-of-the-art” college would then be built on the site, which includes the market car park.
The site will still need to be formally approved by Oldham Council’s cabinet, which council sources say is expected to happen in September.
Oldham Council leader Arooj Shah hailed the project as an “exciting and significant” moment for the borough.
Councillor Shah said: “This means that everyone benefits from a first-class education, regardless of their background or location, and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
“[The Tommyfield market plot] “This is a fantastic location for the college to be based. It will add vibrancy to our town centre, which we are rapidly transforming into one of the most exciting in Greater Manchester. The new state-of-the-art building will be a great addition to the excellent sixth form education we already offer.”
The council chairwoman added that she expected the new college to “also increase footfall” in the city centre and help local businesses.
Simon Henderson, Principal of Eton College, added: “Every time I am in Oldham I am struck by the ambition of the council’s vision for the town, the commitment of local schools and colleges to working in partnership and the community’s belief in the transformative power of education.
“The location of the new Eton Star Oldham High School reflects all of this, and we intend to create a civic centre which, working with others, will help to create new opportunities for young people in Oldham and beyond.”
The new school will aim to bring “the best of what” Eton College and Star Academies, one of the country’s most successful state schools, to its 480 pupils.
Eton headmaster Simon Henderson had previously said the school would be “selective”, but would not select gifted pupils from surrounding schools. Instead, it was looking for “bright youngsters” who were struggling to translate their knowledge into A-levels, prioritising children from “lower income” families and children in care.
Currently, only 36% of young people in Oldham gain these qualifications after leaving secondary school.
Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said the college aimed “not only to help Eton Star Oldham students achieve transformative outcomes but, by working collaboratively with local schools and other educational institutions, to boost outcomes and expand the opportunities available to every young person in Oldham.”
Oldham College will be one of three Eton-sponsored schools opening in the North and Midlands, along with Dudley and Middlesbrough. All three areas have been included in the government’s list of 55 “cold spots” in England – those identified as having the lowest educational outcomes – as part of its catch-up programme.
The elite private school has pledged to invest an extra £1m a year in each new school, on top of the government’s own funding through the free school programme. The all-boys boarding school in Eton, Berkshire, has produced 19 prime ministers and is the alma mater of Boris Johnson and Prince William.
