Eton College sixth-form review welcomed by MP

A decision to reconsider plans to open an off-shoot of a world-famous independent school in the north-east of England have been welcomed.

Eton College and academy trust Star Academies want to open three sixth-form colleges in Middlesbrough, Dudley and Oldham to help students from deprived communities secure places at top universities.

But Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has asked officials to review all the mainstream free schools approved by the previous Conservative government.

Middlesbrough and Thornaby Labour MP Andy McDonald said it was important to find the best use of taxpayer money.

"We can't follow the whims and flight of fancy of one politician or another," McDonald said.

"We have to look at what is going to give our young children the best chances in education."

Some education providers on Teesside had raised concerns the new college - which would admit 240 students annually - would "cream off the bright kids" from local schools.

Phillipson said, during the last government, "substantial funds" had been allocated to the programme when some of the money could have been better used to improve the deteriorating condition of existing schools and colleges.

Eton, where many of the country’s prime ministers studied, had said it would contribute about £1m a year per college.

The Eton Star Partnership said it was not surprised by the education secretary's announcement given the current fiscal situation.

"We remain completely committed to our plans to open a transformative sixth-form college in Middlesbrough," a spokesperson said.

"We believe Star Academies and Eton’s joint vision will transform the lives of very many young people across the Tees Valley if it is approved."

The new college was initially expected to open in Middlesbrough 2025, but building work is yet to start.

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