Eton deputy head pledges to work with Black Country schools ahead of new sixth-form centre
The deputy headmaster of Eton College has pledged to work with secondary schools across the Black Country in an effort to drive up educational standards in the area.
Tom Arbuthnott, who grew up around Kidderminster, said he had established close relationships with a number of schools in the area since it was announced Eton planned to open a new sixth-form centre in Dudley last year.
The world-famous school, which has educated 20 prime ministers, is awaiting a decision from the Department for Education over plans to build a new sixth-form centre in Dudley town centre. If approved, the new school will be ready to accept its first pupils in two years' time.
Mr Arbuthnott, who taught at schools in Birmingham before moving south, said Eton had now struck a partnership with several schools in the Black Country with a view to sharing expertise and educational resources.
Writing exclusively for the Express & Star, Mr Arbuthnott said his work with other schools in the region had made him realise that Eton's commitment to the West Midlands needed to be wider than just the new sixth-form centre.
He said he had visited The Link Academy – formerly Hillcrest School – in Netherton, the Beacon Hill Academy – formerly High Arcal School – in Woodsetton, and Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy – previously Tividale School – and had been very impressed with what he saw.
"We found them incredibly welcoming, accommodating and we have learnt extraordinary lessons from them all," he said.
"Since those first visits, however, we have realised that our vision is about a great deal more than just the sixth form. Eton’s commitment is now to the area in the broadest sense and the schools and colleges that call it home."
