Oldham Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Councillor Helen Bishop said, “This is clearly something that is going to benefit students who are already high achievers, but what about the impact on our excellent, existing Sixth Form College?”  

“If they were sincere about wanting to help, Eton could simply provide funding to support and extend the existing provision. Overall, this scheme does nothing to address the inadequate performance of many secondary schools in Oldham, nor does it do anything to bring about the wholescale reforms needed in secondary education to tackle systemic failings and improve the life chances of all our young people.”

“School absences are spiralling, and young people are voting with their feet. Standards are inconsistent across the borough. In many areas of Oldham, there just isn’t a well-performing school to send your children to.  Are we saying we want to roll up our sleeves, change the culture and drive improvements in our schools or are we just happy to sit back and clap at this distraction?”

“It is disappointing, during GCSE results week to see Labour peddling the line that having an Eton school in Oldham means that the town might now produce a future Prime Minister. We should be fighting to ensure any school in Oldham will give them the platform to do so. Given the damage done to the nation by Eton’s last two Prime Ministers – Cameron and Johnson – they could do a damn sight better”

“We should be striving to build an education offer where the best school is your local school, one which caters for all learning types, not indulging in the idea that what Oldhamers need are the crumbs from the table.  This has all the hallmarks of an archaic education system failing to learn its lessons.  Our state schools suffer as a result. All that glitters is not gold, and thinly veiled, flashy, and yet shallow gestures such as this should not detract from the serious and all-inclusive reforms necessary.”