Eton Star Sixth Form Oldham 2025-12-01
2025-12-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The previous Government announced the free schools for sixth-formers programme over two years ago. The local authority, parents, and other sixth-form providers have been waiting over a year since this Government announced a review of that programme.
What is her planned timetable for making a decision on the proposed Eton Star sixth-form college in Oldham? Can I urge the Government to give clarity on that programme before Christmas?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The exact timetable was not provided, and no specific date before Christmas was mentioned.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a mismatch between the time when most apprenticeships are advertised and when young people leave school. Many vacancies are only available in February, six months after students have left school.
Can I ask the Government to pay some attention to the mismatch between apprenticeship vacancies and when children are leaving school? So few vacancies are advertised in July and August; the highest number of vacancies is in February, six months after young people have left school. Surely there is a mismatch?
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank my hon. Friend for raising that point. As somebody who was a teacher in Oldham, I know many of the institutions he is referring to, and I particularly know about the great work that is done by Oldham sixth-form college and the secondary schools in his constituency. We want to make sure that where we are spending significant sums on capital investment, which the Budget and the spending review allow us to do, it reflects the Government’s priorities around special educational needs and extra school places. We want to get that right, and we will provide an update very soon to my hon. Friend and others.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific issue of apprenticeship vacancy timing was not addressed directly; the answer focused more on general educational priorities and capital investment.
Response accuracy