New Eton College-backed academy coming to Dudley after all as project given go-ahead by Government
Plans to bring Eton College to Dudley borough have been approved nearly four years after being floated.
The plans, first announced in 2022, had been on hold after the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced a review of all free schools in October last year, but on Thursday (December 11) Dudley Council confirmed the move is now back on following an announcement at Westminster.
It means that plans for the Eton Star academy, which will welcome up to 240 pupils per year, can proceed - and the announcement has been warmly welcomed by the leader of Dudley Council.
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.”
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.
Plans had been on hold since then and subject to government review.
Dudley was set to provide land for the college on Stafford Street but the scheme was put on hold when Labour took over in Westminster and called for a spending review.
