Eton Star Oldham school development formally agreed at Tommyfield Market

The Department for Education has formally agreed Heads of Terms for the Eton Star Oldham school at the former Tommyfield Market site, with building work set to begin next year. The partnership between Eton College and Star Academies will create a new post-16 education option for Oldham students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Council leader Arooj Shah welcomed the development, calling it 'fantastic news' for the town's children. She said the project aims to raise aspirations and ensure talent is recognised regardless of background, opening doors for young people who might otherwise miss out on such opportunities.

The school's mission includes helping students secure places at world-class universities. Simon Henderson, Headmaster of Eton College, and Sir Hamid Patel, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said the central location will maximise impact by leveraging resources from across the region and beyond.

However, the project has faced opposition from the start. The National Education Union's Oldham branch called it a 'marketing ploy' that would harm existing sixth form provision. Joint district secretary Nigel Yeo claimed the borough neither needs nor wants the new school, warning of 'profound detrimental effects' on current education services.