Eton Star College plans won’t fix Oldham’s education say Oldham Liberal Democrats

Plans for an Eton College in Oldham means millions of pounds of education investment into the town will be spent on getting tens of students to high-end universities, not addressing the town’s chronic issues getting thousands of 11–16-year-olds better results at GCSEs, say Oldham Liberal Democrats.

Lib Dem councillors met with a representative from the school to discuss the plans, but were left at an impasse, as they said plans simply do not address the education issues in the borough.  

Councillor Helen Bishop (pictured below) said: “We need to transform the outcomes in Oldham for the children who are simply not getting good enough results at GCSE to even get close to this ‘hothouse’ for students who want to get into Oxbridge. 

“I don’t understand how decision makers in the Department for Education and from the former Labour administration at Oldham looked at the issues here and decided ‘This is how we’ll spend people’s hard-earned money.’” 

Photo credit: Oldham Council.

The plan for the Eton Star Academy is to take around 240 students a year who are currently slightly underperforming – typically getting 7s at GCSE – and taking them up to the level needed for top level universities.  

Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said: “Oldham Council and the Department for Education have a huge amount to answer for as to why this appears to be the only project on the table. It smacks of poor planning and accepting the first offer, not the right offer. Our children deserve better. 

“This is simply the wrong offer in the wrong place. No matter how good it is, it doesn’t address the real problems.” 

In response to this, a council spokesperson said they want every young person to have access to the opportunities that are right for them, adding: “Whether that's through apprenticeships, technical education, employment or progression to the country's leading universities. Eton Star Oldham will be an important addition to that offer. 

“The proposals for Eton Star Oldham were subject to a detailed review by the Department for Education before approval was granted, demonstrating confidence in the benefits this new education model can bring to Oldham and its young people. 

“Star Academies have significant experience in supporting secondary schools and improving Key Stage 4 outcomes, and they will bring that expertise to Oldham. 

“This investment will give local students access to a high-quality academic pathway, helping more talented young people fulfil their potential without having to leave the borough. Alongside this, work continues across the wider education system to improve outcomes for all children and young people, from early years to higher education and beyond." 

A Labour Party spokesman said “The Labour Party are the party of aspiration here in Oldham, and we have always put opportunity for young people first. Two very experienced education providers with a proven track record of delivering outstanding opportunities for young people will come together with Eton Star Oldham, a proposal which was supported by both the last government and the current government. We will never apologise for being ambitious when it comes to our young people.” 

Eton was also contacted for a statement.