Where Schools Belong
Distinctive Schools, Shared Purpose.
Contents 1.
A Message from the Head of Pembroke Education
5.
Our Initiatives
2.
Our Story
6.
Our Schools
3.
Our Vision and Aim
7.
Our Future
4.
Our Values
A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF PEMBROKE EDUCATION
1.
A Message from the Head of Pembroke Education
A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF PEMBROKE EDUCATION
At Pembroke Education, we believe a child’s education is one of the most important journeys we can share with families. It is a privilege for me to help create environments where children feel known, valued and inspired to discover a lifelong path of learning. Each of our schools has its own distinctive character, identity and proud heritage. Yet together they share a belief that the power of education is to open doors, develop character and prepare young people for an ever-evolving world, a world that is more theirs than ours. Pembroke Education is a group that unites schools, not to become the same, but to become stronger together. By sharing expertise, ideas, experiences and resources, we can enhance the educational experience for our pupils and create greater, more exciting opportunities for them. Equally, we are strengthening the foundations of our schools and supporting the people who make them exceptional, ensuring each school is equipped to meet the possibilities and challenges of the future with resilience and purpose. We shape bright futures for every school, leader, teacher and learner and are building a community where ambition, belonging and collaboration help our schools thrive, just as they help our pupils to, with intent, confidence and heart. I very much hope you enjoy discovering what Pembroke Education’s schools have to offer.
Mr Will Phelan, Head of Pembroke Education
OUR STORY
2.
Our Story
OUR STORY
Pembroke Education was established in 2026 by Clifton High School and The Downs Preparatory School. Bringing together schools with proud histories, distinctive identities and a shared commitment to meaningful, future-focused education, the group was created to build on the strengths of each school while creating new opportunities through collaboration. Founded on strong heritage and shaped by a common belief in the transformative power of education, Pembroke Education provides a clear and confident framework that enables each school to retain its character and child-centred ethos while benefiting from the strength of a connected educational community. A central Board of Governors and Executive Team provide strategic leadership and oversight across the group. Bringing together a breadth of expertise and experience, they support collaboration, long-term planning and effective decision-making, strengthening the foundations of our schools while preserving the qualities that make each one distinctive. Through shared ideas, experiences and resources, we enhance opportunities for pupils and colleagues and help our schools grow with purpose.
OUR STORY
Our Founding Schools Clifton High School and The Downs Preparatory School have long been recognised for their commitment to educational excellence, strong communities and an individual approach to nurturing young people. While each school remains distinct in character, culture and history, together they share a belief that children thrive when they feel known, valued and inspired. The creation of Pembroke Education reflects a progressive approach, bringing together two successful schools that recognised the opportunity to achieve even more through partnership while preserving what makes each school unique.
Clifton High School and The Downs Preparatory School
OUR STORY
Our Name Pembroke means
head-land \ ˈhed-lənd \ noun The name Pembroke reflects both our founding schools, shared history and our group’s ambitions for the future. It takes inspiration from the historic road and landscape that once directly linked our founding schools: Clifton High School’s early home on Pembroke Road and the adjoining renowned Clifton Downs, from which The Downs Preparatory School takes its name. The name also carries associations with it’s meaning a headland or edge of the land, that looks outward to the horizon. Rooted in the heritage of our schools yet always looking ahead, Pembroke Education represents strong foundations, a connected past and a confident vision for the future.
OUR STORY
Left to right: Mr Luke Goodman, Senior Deputy Head Clifton High School, Mr Michael Stewart, Director of Finance, Mrs Debbie Isaachsen, Deputy of Pembroke Education, Mr Will Phelan, Head of Pembroke Education, Mrs Louise Brennan, Director of Estates, Mrs Rebecca Brown, Director of External Relations, Mr Jonathan Barclay, Director of Integration and Group Strategy
OUR STORY
The Pembroke Education team is made up of accomplished executive and governance leaders from across our founding schools. Together, they bring decades of experience and knowledge in education, school and group leadership, and commercial operations. Combining educational expertise with strategic and business insight, the team works to strengthen opportunities for our pupils, support our staff, and help our school communities thrive.
Left: Dr Peter Bodkin, Chair of Governors Right: Mr Jason Collard, Vice Chair of Governors
OUR VISION AND AIM
3.
Our Vision and Aim
OUR VISION AND AIM
Everything we do is guided by a clear vision and purpose. Together, they define our ambitions for Pembroke Education and the role we play in shaping the future of learning.
Vision To build a community of schools where shared excellence and collaboration shape bright futures for every learner.
Aim To support and strengthen our collaborative community of schools to deliver exceptional, future‑ready education in their own individual way.
OUR VALUES
4.
Our Values
OUR VALUES
At Pembroke Education, our values are the foundations on which our community of schools stands.
Ambition Ambition is our forward-looking foundation. We believe in purposeful ambition grounded in possibility, setting high expectations that encourage learners, staff and schools to progress with clarity and intent. Our ambition is not about pressure or comparison, but about ensuring education remains relevant, meaningful and ready for the future.
Belonging Belonging creates the security from which confidence grows. For us, belonging means every school, learner and colleague is known, valued and supported, while still retaining their own identity and independence. It strengthens wellbeing and trust and it enables individuals and communities to move forward with assurance and connection.
Collaboration Collaboration is the strength that binds us. We are at our best when we work together, sharing insight, expertise and responsibility openly and thoughtfully. Collaboration shapes how we lead, how we support one another and how we build sustainable strength, enabling us to achieve more together than any one school could alone.
OUR STORY
5.
Our Initiatives
OUR INITIATIVES
The Pembroke Award The Pembroke Award is a bespoke award created by Pembroke Education. It provides a structured outdoor learning pathway for pupils from Years 3 to 8. Built around the three strands of Nature, Exploration and Bushcraft, the programme encourages curiosity, resilience, teamwork and independence through progressive learning experiences. Pupils work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold achievement levels, developing practical skills, confidence and a lifelong appreciation of the natural world. The programme culminates in the internal accreditation of The Pembroke Award, recognising each pupil’s achievement while fostering transferable life skills that support learning, personal growth and future success.
Educational Excellence Pembroke Education creates opportunities for schools to share expertise, strengthen teaching and learning, and extend academic provision. Through collaboration between colleagues and across school sites, pupils benefit from enhanced learning experiences, broader subject expertise and access to the diverse facilities, spaces and learning environments found across the group. By drawing on the unique strengths of each school, we create richer educational opportunities while supporting high standards and outstanding outcomes for every learner.
OUR INITIATIVES
Enrichment & Opportunity By working together, Pembroke Education is able to provide a wider range of opportunities beyond the classroom. Pupils benefit from access to specialist facilities, shared events, leadership opportunities, creative experiences and an expanding programme of sporting, cultural, performing arts and co-curricular activities. These experiences broaden horizons, nurture talents and help every child discover and develop their individual strengths and confidence.
Community Partnerships Pembroke Education is a collaborative community of schools that brings together pupils, families, staff and the wider community through shared opportunities and experiences. By strengthening connections across our schools and building meaningful partnerships, we create a sense of belonging and extend the positive impact of our educational communities and beyond. Families also benefit from a cross-school sibling discount, recognising and supporting those with children attending Pembroke Education schools.
OUR INITIATIVES
Staff Development Collaboration enables colleagues to share insight, expertise and responsibility openly and thoughtfully, strengthening professional practice across the group. Through shared training, professional networks, mentoring and leadership opportunities, staff benefit from a connection that supports growth, innovation and continuous learning.
Innovation & Future Skills Pembroke Education is committed to a meaningful, future-focused education that equips young people to thrive in a changing world. By exploring emerging technologies, encouraging creativity and developing essential future skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, communication and critical thinking, we prepare pupils with the confidence and capability to embrace tomorrow’s opportunities. This commitment extends beyond the classroom and into the way our schools operate. We encourage and share innovation in systems, processes and professional practice, empowering colleagues and schools to embrace new ideas, improve efficiency and enhance the educational experience for pupils and families alike. By combining forward-thinking approaches with educational expertise, we create environments that are responsive, relevant and ready for the future.
OUR SCHOOLS
6.
Our Schools
OUR SCHOOLS
Clifton High School A dynamic co-educational day-through-school for 3-18-year-olds in the heart of Clifton Village, Clifton High provides a nurturing, forward-thinking and values-led education. Rooted in the values of Curiosity, Empathy, Love and Direction, the School combines outstanding pastoral care, small class sizes, a broad and diverse curriculum, and a personalised approach that enables pupils to realise their individual brilliance. From Pre-School to Sixth Form, pupils benefit from a holistic education that prioritises wellbeing, academic and personal development, as well as a strong sense of belonging within a warm and inclusive community.
Contact Clifton High School College Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3JD 0117 973 0201 admissions@cliftonhigh.co.uk cliftonhigh.co.uk
OUR SCHOOLS
The Downs Preparatory School Set within 60 acres of stunning parkland, The Downs provides a traditional prep education rich in character development, independence and outdoor learning, families an established choice of senior school destinations. As a truly independent school, it cherishes childhood, nurtures individuality and a love of learning through passionate teaching, exceptional outdoor spaces and a welcoming community where every child feels at home. Guided by the values of Explore, Express and Excel, it fosters curiosity, confidence and resilience, preparing children for the future with compassion and purpose.
Contact The Downs Preparatory School Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PF 01275 852008 office@thedownsschool.co.uk thedowns.school
OUR SCHOOLS
Bertie’s Nursery Set within the beautiful grounds of The Downs Preparatory School, Bertie’s Nursery provides an inspiring start to every child’s learning journey. For children aged 6 months to school age, Bertie’s nurturing environment encourages curiosity, creativity and confidence through play, exploration and discovery. Guided by a holistic approach to early years education, children benefit from joyful learning experiences, outdoor adventures and dedicated care. In a safe, stimulating and supportive environment, every child is encouraged to flourish, develop independence and reach their full potential at this formative time.
Contact Bertie’s Nursery Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PD 01275 217510 office@bertiesnursery.com bertiesnursery.com
OUR FUTURE VALUES
7.
Our Future
OUR FUTURE
Pembroke Education’s ambition is to build upon a community of schools where shared excellence, collaboration and a clear sense of purpose shape bright futures. By bringing schools together with this shared vision, the group seeks to deliver outstanding educational outcomes while ensuring education remains future-ready. At the heart of our vision is a commitment to helping every child feel cared for, valued and inspired to learn in an environment where they belong and can thrive. This is extended to supporting families across the group’s communities and creating experiences for staff members that allow them to feel part of a family. For our schools, Pembroke Education represents more than a shared name. We are committed to honouring our individual heritage and strengths, while creating future opportunities to grow together for generations to come. We seek to protect what makes each school exceptional while embracing innovation, collaboration and shared expertise. This approach provides a strong framework for which to develop with confidence and ambition. It allows us to share knowledge, strengthen learning opportunities and create environments that instil a love of learning from the very beginning of every educational journey.
CONTACT
Contact You can find further information on Pembroke Education on our website www.pembrokeeducation.com, including the full Governance and Executive Teams as well as our latest news.
You can also follow us on social media: @pembroke.education Pembroke Education
If you would like to contact us directly please email; enquiries@pembrokeeducation.com or write to us Pembroke Education, College Road, Bristol, BS8 3JD
Where Schools Belong
www.pembrokeeducation.com enquiries@pembrokeeducation.com