FAILSWORTH and Ashton MP Angela Rayner has shared her optimism for the future of education in Oldham after it emerged that an Eton College school will open in the town.

Last month, it was announced that the prestigious establishment will open three sixth form free schools in Oldham, Dudley and Middlesbrough.

They are areas included in the list of 55 education “cold spots” targeted for additional support by the government’s levelling up agenda.

The post-16 colleges will be modelled on selective sixth forms in the capital such as the London Academy of Excellence.

High-achieving pupils at GCSE from poorer backgrounds will be encouraged to gain top A-level grades, enabling them to study at Oxbridge and other elite universities.

The £44,000-a-year private school has partnered with Star Academies for the scheme, and will bid in the next wave of the Government’s free school programme, with the colleges expected to welcome their first pupils by 2025.

Speaking to The Oldham Times on Thursday afternoon, the Labour deputy leader, Ms Rayner, said: “Anything that inspires our young people to know that they’re just as good as anyone else in the country is a really positive step for me.

“I want to see elitism out of our education system but I also I also want to see the young people of Oldham getting their opportunities and the drive towards further education and tertiary education.

“Young people in Oldham can achieve anything they want to whether that’s Eton, Cambridge or Oldham.

“I know that the best education comes from the kids being inspired locally and I welcome any opportunity that gives to young people across Oldham. They deserve the best.”

Each college will admit 240 students a year with Eton making a financial commitment “in perpetuity” to fund the colleges.

After the announcement, Star Academies chief executive Sir Hamid Patel said: “By harnessing our combined wealth of educational and operational expertise, we are confident that our colleges will produce extraordinary, transformative outcomes, not only for their students but for the wider communities, too.”

He said that the colleges would have a “wider, positive impact throughout the communities of Dudley, Middlesbrough and Oldham”.

“They will become anchor institutions that make a significant contribution by playing a leading role in addressing skills shortages and helping to drive up standards in education.”