Oral Question·Department for Education
“What her planned timetable is for making a decision on the proposed Eton Star Sixth Form College in Oldham.”
Tabled: 25 November 2025Answered: 1 December 2025
Asked by
Jim McMahon
Labour (Co-op) — Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Education
Answer from Hansard
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
In 2017, the Government’s spending watchdog estimated that free schools would create 57,500 surplus places. This Government took the sensible, pragmatic decision to pause a number of proposed free schools due to real concerns about value for money. We recognise the need for clarity, and we will provide a substantive update on this project and others in the mainstream pipeline review very soon.