Eton-linked school in Greater Manchester to be put 'on pause' under government review

A project to bring an Eton-linked school to Oldham town centre could be in jeopardy after a government decision to ‘review’ plans to build more than 40 free schools across the country. The Eton Star Academy was recently tipped to take over the Tommyfield Outdoor Market, with planning applications expected to be submitted in November.

But the selective state school, backed by a £1m starter boost from the elite boarding school, has been put under review as part of a Department for Education scheme to ensure new schools ‘meet local needs’ and ‘offer value for taxpayers’ money’.

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Baroness Jacqui Smith of Malvern, a minister for education, told the House of Lords on October 22 she was asking officials to ‘look into’ 44 mainstream free schools planned by the last government. Eton’s three projects with Star Academy in Oldham, Dudley and Middleborough are among the schools under review.

Baroness Smith criticised the Conservative government for their focus on financing new projects, suggesting some of the funding ‘could have been put to better use improving the deteriorating condition of our existing schools’.

A council source suggested that the review would ‘only be a short pause’ and the project was likely to go ahead.

And council leader Arooj Shah said she ‘understood the financial challenges’ faced by the government. But added: “Every Oldham child, no matter where they live or whatever their background, is entitled to the opportunities which can help them fulfil their potential. The Eton Star Oldham proposal supports us in achieving this ambition. We're confident in the difference this project will make to the