Eton backed Star Sixth Form in Oldham was announced by the Tory government in August 2023. The Labour government announced a review of the national programme over a year ago to consider its value for money and added value in local areas of the overall programme (not Oldham specificity) and the priority of special needs provision and school places.
Since then I and others have been asking for updates by letter and parliamentary questions to no avail. I’ve raised in parliament to urge that whether it’s going ahead or not, for the government to make an urgent decision so that parents, the council and other sixth form providers know where they are up to.
The government minister confirmed a decision would be made soon.
I also used this opportunity to put on the record again the need to review apprenticeships in England so far more are advertised when young people are completing exams ahead of summer and well before the September term. At the moment the busiest month for apprenticeships to be advertised is February – six months after exams have finished! I’ll keep pushing on securing improvements to the scheme, especially as the budget will allow for employers to take free placements for apprentices under 25 years old. It has the potential to significantly increase the number available.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 