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In 2013, Eton College builds on its extensive public benefit work by taking on the role of sole educational sponsor of Holyport College.

Holyport College is a new, non-selective co-educational state secondary school with a Christian ethos, which opens in September 2014. The school will be modelled on an independent boarding school with pupils divided into houses and doing homework at school even if they are day pupils. Situated in a village in the middle of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, close to Eton Dorney, Holyport College will be a mainstream 11-19 school for day pupils from the local area and for boarding pupils from local families and from further afield. 45% of the pupils will be boarders, who will come from a wide range of backgrounds but with specific provision being made for looked-after children, children on the edge of care and those from armed forces families (Windsor is home to two army barracks). By 2020 there will be 500 pupils, of whom 225 will be boarders. Eton believes in the beneficial, even transformative, influence of good boarding schools and sees Holyport College as a way of sharing its pastoral experience and educational ethos to make a long-term contribution to its local community.

Tony Little, Head Master of Eton said: “We believe in the vision for Holyport College as a new state boarding school and see its geographical proximity to Eton as a real opportunity. We have a leading role on the Governing Body and will help shape the school ready for opening in September 2014. We look forward to sharing a number of our facilities and activities and developing educational initiatives for the benefit of pupils of both Colleges.”

Education Secretary Michael Gove said:

"The partnership between Eton College and Holyport College is inspiring.

"Eton College's heritage of distinguished academic and co-curricular excellence will be of benefit to all Holyport's pupils, and will allow them to enjoy exceptional facilities while attending a Free School.

"This is an outstanding example of a state-independent education partnership."

Holyport College is established as an academy trust, which is a separate charitable entity from Eton. Eton’s sponsorship will be undertaken through the provision of staff time and expertise, and sharing educational experience and facilities. Established under the Government’s Free Schools programme, Holyport College will be funded by the Department for Education.

Website information: www.holyportcollege.org.uk