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 scheduled to begin next year. The partnership between Eton College and Star Academies aims to provide high-quality education for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Oldham. Council leader Arooj Shah described the project as 'fantastic news' that will raise aspirations and open doors for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The school will offer post-16 education optimised for disadvantaged students with academic talent, with a mission to help many secure places at world-class universities. The project has faced opposition from local councillors and the National Education Union, which called it a 'marketing ploy' that would harm existing sixth form provision.
Oldham Liberal Democrats have challenged claims by council leader Arooj Shah that contracts for the Eton Star Academy are signed, stating no terms exist for transferring Tommyfield Market land to the school. The controversial project involves giving council-owned town centre land to Eton College for a new academy. Critics argue the site could be used for retail, leisure or hospitality instead, and question how many local children will benefit. Council leader Shah defends the plan as bringing a world-class institution to Oldham and recruiting talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds, while denying it will undermine existing education provision.
Woodlands Primary School in Oldham has received planning approval for a single-storey extension to increase places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The extension will provide extra teaching space to meet rising demand for specialist provision and enhance the learning environment for existing students. The school, located on Broadbent Road near Oldham Community Sports Club, received no objections from residents or consultees. Environmental conditions require a landfill gas risk assessment and contaminated land investigation due to the site's proximity to a former landfill. United Utilities requires a detailed drainage strategy with sustainable surface water management. Several trees will be removed but replaced on the wider school grounds.