Committee plan told Eton-backed plan for Dudley may be in doubt
Plans for a new Eton-backed college in Dudley have been thrown into doubt after the government announced a funding review.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced a pause in plans to fund 44 new schools including the proposed Eton Star Academy earmarked for Dudley town centre.
Dudley Council has agreed to provide land for the new sixth-form college and the terms of the potential lease were debated at a meeting of the authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on November 6.
Committee chairman, Cllr Shaun Keasey said: “Events may have overtaken us on this as the government has paused the rollout of these academies.
“It is a big decision for Dudley, it could move the town forward or could be a white elephant.
“I think it is right the scrutiny committee should have the opportunity to question the leader.”
Dudley’s deputy leader, Cllr Paul Bradley was at the meeting, standing in for his boss, Cllr Patrick Harley, who was ill.
Cllr Bradley said: “It’s a really good move to bring Eton to Dudley, the potential footfall is one thing but we are looking at underprivileged children using the facility.
“From a social and economic value the school would be very, very beneficial to us.”
The government review will include officials questioning education bosses in Dudley about whether the borough needs another college before funds are released to pay for it.
When she announced the review in parliament, Bridget Phillipson MP said: “We will look at whether they will meet a need for places in their local area and offer value for taxpayers’ money.
“We will also take into account whether projects would provide a distinctive curriculum and any impact on existing local providers.
“Our priority is to ensure children thrive in education, whatever type of school they are in – including free schools.
“Capacity varies from place to place, so we will continue to open new schools where they are needed.”
The Eton Star academy was set to be built on the car park in Stafford Street and open in 2027 to provide places for 240 students.
A spokesman for the Eton Star Partnership said: “This does not come as a huge surprise given the current fiscal situation, and we intend to fully engage with this process.
“We remain completely committed to our plans to open a transformative sixth form college in Dudley.
“We believe Star Academies and Eton’s joint vision will transform the lives of very many young people across the Black Country if it is approved.
“The Eton Star Partnership remains committed to doing everything it can to improve social mobility for young people.”
Speaking at the committee meeting, Cllr Ryan Priest claimed there was already plenty of college places in Dudley.
He said: “What problem does having Eton solve? It is a prestige thing, there is no need to increase capacity.
“Pressures in education are around staff, if we are going to facilitate Eton they are not going to apply for Dudley or Halesowen.
“Eton is going to get the best staff, that seems incredibly unfair.”
