Plans for an Eton-backed college in Middlesbrough remain stalled a year after the government announced a “pause” on the proposals. The planned free sixth form for 480 students, led by Eton College and Star Academies, was first announced in 2022 and was followed by the previous Conservative government giving the plans the green light in 2023 .

Plans had originally been to take on the first intake of 240 students this year, but in October 2024, no stakeholder was able to give a definitive date for when pupils would be welcomed. At the time, a spokesperson for the Eton Star Partnership did say that progress towards opening Eton Star Teesside was continuing to “gain momentum” . The following week, ministers paused plans to open the new college in Middlesbrough as part of a wider review

See Full Page