Eton's lessons on increasing number of state boarders

Eton College could help state schools set up their own boarding houses.

The private school, which is backing plans to increase the number of state boarding school places, has been in talks with at least two state schools.

It comes after Eton agreed to send staff to teach at a new free school in Newham. It has also pledged to increase the number of its pupils on scholarships and bursaries from 20 per cent to 33 per cent, and to offer 70 free places. Sixth-formers are mentoring students taking A-level maths at neighbouring Slough and Eton Church of England College.

Tony Little, head master of Eton, told the Independent that the number of state boarding schools will grow as more schools become academies.

He said: "As they develop specialisms in areas such as sports and music, they will be attracting students from further afield for whom boarding could have a positive impact."