Hello, For most of us Eton exists in an impenetrable upper class bubble. That could’ve been about to change, after an announcement of plans for a linked academy backed by £1m from the Windsor-based school to be built in Oldham . But now those plans are in jeopardy after a government decision to ‘review’ plans to build more than 40 free schools across the country.
The Department for Education says they want to ensure new schools ‘meet local needs’ and ‘offer value for taxpayers’ money’. Eton college (Image: PA) 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’. But a council source suggested that the review would ‘only be a short pause’ and the project was likely to go ahead. You can read the full story from Charlotte Hall here .
Xmas markets plea I know what you’re thinking, it’s only October. But love them or hate them, Manchester’s Christmas Markets can only be what they are with the traders - and one very popular duo need help. Oi dumplings have shared this ple.
