Eton-backed free college gets green light

Plans to open a free sixth form centre backed by the elite Eton College has been hailed as a "big vote of confidence in Dudley".

The proposal, first announced in 2023, had been on hold after the Secretary of State announced a review of all free schools in October last year but the move is now back.

The selective sixth form centre would admit 240 students annually, a move Kingswinford councillor Patrick Harley said would enhance the quality of higher education for the students of Dudley and the wider Black Country.

"What an opportunity for the next generation of talented kids that would never get the opportunity had Eton and Star not selected Dudley."

Previously, it was reported the focus would be to admit large numbers of students on free school meals, from disadvantaged postcodes or who would be the first in their families to go to university.

Eton said it would also help pupils with the university application process as well as interview preparation and they will be invited to summer residential programmes at Eton.

Simon Henderson, Head Master of Eton College, said: "We believe this new college will be transformative for young people as well as for the wider communities it will serve."

Dudley, Middlesbrough and Oldham were picked as new sites by the public school, which is working on the scheme with Star Academies, however it is thought the Middlesborough site will not go ahead.

Eton College is a historic school renowned for educating world leaders and royalty and charges fees of more than £44,000 a year.

Star Academies, which will run the Dudley site, is a not-for-profit academy trust with dozens of primary and secondary schools across England.

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