Eton College coming to Dudley after government gives go-ahead
Plans to bring Eton College to the borough will go ahead – and the move has been hailed as a “big vote of confidence in Dudley” by the council’s leader.
The plans, first announced in 2023, had been on hold after the Secretary of State announced a review of all free schools in October last year.
But the move is now back on following an announcement at Westminster and has been warmly welcomed by council bosses and education chiefs.
Councillor Patrick Harley said:
“This is a great announcement and one that further enhances the quality of higher education for the students of Dudley and the wider Black Country.
“Whilst it’s been a long time coming I welcome the DfE finally making the decision that adds to the offer for the next generation and further assists in the regeneration of Dudley town centre.
“Eton and Star Academies choosing Dudley is a big vote of confidence in the abilities of Dudley people to deliver.
“What an opportunity for the next generation of talented kids that would never get the opportunity had Eton and Star not selected Dudley as a prime location.”
Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children and young people, said:
“This is fantastic news for Dudley’s young people and a tremendous boost for our borough’s future.
“Bringing Eton’s expertise and Star Academies’ proven excellence right here to the heart of the Black Country, will unlock life-changing opportunities for the next generation of bright, ambitious students who might otherwise never have access to such quality education.
“It’s a powerful endorsement of Dudley’s potential – showing that with our talented young people and supportive community, we’re a prime destination for innovation and growth. I’m thrilled to see this project move forward, enhancing our children’s services and inspiring even greater achievements across the Black Country.”
Simon Henderson, Head Master of Eton College, said:
“We are delighted that, following a period of review, the Department for Education has now confirmed Eton and Star’s plans to open a sixth form college in Dudley.
“We believe this new college will be transformative for young people as well as for the wider communities it will serve.”
Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said:
“Now the programme of delivery must begin as we turn our vision into reality. Eton College and Star Academies recognise the enormous amount of work that still needs to be undertaken if the new college is to have the transformative impact we believe it can.
“As part of this, today we start a new outreach programme. We hope to work with schools and other colleges throughout the region to make sure Eton Star Dudley is not only hugely impactful for its students, but that it adds to the wider educational ecosystem. We will also be progressing with our plans to develop cutting-edge facilities and designing a world-class curriculum that opens doors for young people to access the best opportunities, as well as contributing to the local community and economy.”
Back in 2023 Eton College and Star Academies announced plans to open three selective sixth form colleges in the state sector in the next five years. Along with Dudley, Middlesbrough and Oldham were the other two.
Last year the authority announced part of a council car park in Stafford Street in Dudley town centre would be cleared to allow the college to be built.
It has been on hold since then and subject to government review.
The new college will welcome up to 240 pupils per year.