AUTUMN ⁄ WINTER 2026
THWACK!
INSIDE COBHAM HALL
From country house to boarding house
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KEEP THE FAITH
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Tailored
not uniform
When it comes to a good education, one size does not necessarily fit all. MPW is one of the UK’s leading independent fifth- and sixth-form college groups, offering a distinctive alternative to traditional schools. Our colleges blend a highly flexible curriculum and unparalleled individual support with a socially relaxed, mature environment. A levels and GCSEs in over 40 subjects, plus Easter Revision courses, retakes and Year 12 transfers Outstanding 1:1 academic and pastoral support Oxbridge-style tutorial groups with nine students or fewer Excellent results and progression to top tier universities Easter Revision courses Best in class inspection reports from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Discover MPW for yourself Visit www.mpw.ac.uk or call us to book your visit.
London
020 7835 1355
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Support for students is ‘tailored not uniform’. Teachers make the most of the very small class sizes to provide individual feedback. MPW London Independent Schools Inspectorate Report
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Lancing College
Preparatory Schools, Senior School & Sixth Form
The Lancing College Family of Schools Lancing College
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CONTENTS AUTUMN WINTER 2026
Up Front 18
20
23
Lunch with School House Patrick Kidd tucks in at Bradfield College with headmaster and old schoolfriend Jeremy Quartermain Heads of School Annabelle Spranklen meets two bright young minds at Rugby School How Did I Get Here? Baroness Hale, former president of the Supreme Court, reflects on her career
Regulars 26 28 30 33 38
40
46
53
55
60
65
Prep News Senior News New Developments School House Awards 2026 Off Games Eleanor Doughty discovers Bede’s Senior School’s wild side Behind the Gates The ins and outs of prep school life at Dorset House, by Kat Brown The Trailblazer Aatif Hassan walks Alice Smellie through his journey from struggling student to education pioneer How to Talk to Your Child About... Honesty Is it ever OK to lie to your child? Emily Samuel weighs in The Best School... Art Rooms From city to country, these schools are buzzing with creative spaces. By Evie Calver Insiders’ Guide Three experts break down the basics of what first-time boarders can expect Pillar to Pillar Eleanor Doughty explores the aristocratic backstory of Cobham Hall
ON THE COVER Thomas’s College in Richmond. Photographed by Hester Marriot
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CONTENTS AUTUMN WINTER 2026
Features 70
Going, Going... Green Annabel Heseltine digs into how schools are rewilding their grounds 78 Wide World Pupils are broadening the borders of language learning, finds Alice Smellie 85 Keep it in the Family Sybilla Hart admires the magic of rare family-run sixth forms 88 A Question of Faith A Catholic education entices more than just religious families, discovers Bess Twiston Davies 94 How Do You Do? Philip Womack gets a lesson in preparing for ‘big school’ at Brighton College Prep Kensington 98 Making a Racquet Rachel Hosie investigates padel’s big boom and how it reached schools 102 Bright & Beautiful How do prep-age children work at a higher level? Susie Mesure finds out
School’s Out 108 Wholesome in a Hurry Family content creator Victoria McMinn’s go-to dinner recipe for kids 110 Culture Kit Evie Calver’s rundown of the must-book events of the season 112 Library Corner School literature staff share their top picks for kids of all ages 114 A Teen’s Ransom Can a bibliotherapist cure teen screen addiction? Lucinda Baring finds out 116 The Town Behind the School Annabelle Spranklen’s guide to the Welsh home of Habs Monmouth 118 Great Escapes A trio of travel gurus share their best ever holidays with children 121 My Favourite Teacher Sathnam Sanghera remembers his English teacher and ‘second mum’
Directory
n >
70
123 Nurseries 129 London Schools 159 Country Schools 203 Directory
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Registered Charity No: 309681
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OVER 100 SPORTS & ACTIVITIES OXFORD, CAMBRIDGE, IVY LEAGUE 100 ACRES OF OUTDOOR SPACE A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB Find out more about the school’s robust mobile phone policy which has seen landlines re-installed in boarding houses
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EDITOR’S LETTER
55 EDITOR’S PICKS
1
3 2
1. What Did You Do Yesterday?, the fantastically surreal podcast in which broadcaster Max Rushton and comedian David O’Doherty ask people what they did yesterday. That’s it. It’s truly the centre of the universe. 2. Christopher’s Cordials, hands down the best of their kind. Just add soda water or tonic water. Light, fun and delicious. 10/10. 3. My Garmin Vívoactive 5 watch. I’ve started running again and I’m addicted to watching my heart rate go up as I climb Lincolnshire’s very few (modest) hills.
O
n the day I am writing this editor’s letter, I have just been asked to speak at my old school’s speech day at the end of the summer term – an incredibly charming request that made me feel quite emotional. I loved school and don’t mind saying that I was a regular at speech day – I have all the programmes with my name in stored in a box file. To be asked, at the tender age of 33, to return on the biggest day of the year to talk to pupils and staff is unbelievably flattering. There are few things I love more than going back to my school and talking to children; it doesn’t feel so long ago, though it is now 20 years, that I was there myself, gazing wondrously at the guest speakers we were lucky enough to meet. To have evolved into such a person myself feels premature and extraordinary. Working in and around independent schools, like my old school, and to talk to the inspirational teachers, leaders and pupils there, remains a happy privilege – and this issue celebrates some of the highlights of the sector today. Indulging in my love of social history, this issue introduces a new feature called Pillar to Pillar (p65), a series that will look at the back story of the buildings behind schools across the country. The first of these is Cobham Hall in Kent, the former home of the earls of Darnley. Lady Harriet Bligh spoke to me about her childhood there – not just as a family member living in the house, but also later as a schoolgirl. It’s a gorgeous story that I was so glad to come across. Meanwhile, child psychotherapist Emily Samuel is back with her valuable advice – this time on whether it is ever right to lie to your children (p53) – and on page 98 Rachel Hosie investigates how padel is spreading across schools nationwide. One of the magazine’s former editors, Annabel Heseltine, returns to this issue with a feature on how schools are tackling conservation education (p70), and I am delighted to welcome writer Bess Twiston Davies to School House with her feature on the evolution of Catholic schools (p88). This issue also brings a new back page interview in the form of My Favourite Teacher, kicking off with journalist and author Sathnam Sanghera’s reminiscences about his beloved English teacher Robin Roberts (p121). And on page 23, former president of the Supreme Court Baroness Hale reflects on her long, happy career in law. I hope you enjoy reading the issue as much as we loved putting it together.
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UK BOARDING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2025 & 2026
UK CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2025 & 2026
THE SUNDAY TIMES
JOIN US AT AN OPEN MORNING BRIGHTONCOLLEGE.CO.UK BC 298 hCollege.indd x 225 w School Brighton 1 House - BCO 7438.indd 1
13/05/2026 10:02 17:27 29/05/2026
EmPoweRIng eVeRy GIrl tO FloURisH Whole School Open Morning Saturday 26th September Sixth Form Open Morning Saturday 10th October
CONTRIBUTORS ALICE SMELLIE
Alice has been a journalist for three decades, covering a wide range of topics for national newspapers and magazines – from education, health and consumer pieces to in-depth investigations. She is co-author of Cracking the Menopause with Mariella Frostrup, co-founder of the campaign group Menopause Mandate, and writes extensively about women’s health.
ANNABELLE SPRANKLEN
Annabelle is a luxury lifestyle and travel journalist and has written for publications including Condé Nast Traveller, The Telegraph, House & Garden, The Standard and Spear’s. When she’s not travelling the world writing about the super-rich, she’s adjusting to life in a wonky cottage in West Sussex, where she recently relocated with her family from London.
Girls 11-18 • Boarding & Day
Wykham Park, Banbury, Oxfordshire | www.tudorhallschool.com
Bess is a senior news reporter for The Tablet magazine, the only weekly Catholic publication in England and Wales. She is also an occasional contributor to the obituaries section of The Times and lives part of the year in Alicante in south-eastern Spain, where she works as a translator from Spanish to English.
PHOTOS: PHILLIP BANKS
BESS TWISTON DAVIES
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CHAMPIONING KINDNESS
/
ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE
London education. Reimagined. Visit us: thomas-s.co.uk
BE KIND. BE YOU. BELONG. BE THOMAS’S.
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C H EAM SC HOOL H e a d l e y, B e rk sh i re
CONTRIBUTORS SYBILLA HART
Sybilla is a mum of five and lives on the Essex/Suffolk border. She writes for The Telegraph, The Field, Daily Mail and The i Paper on motherhood, education and the countryside. She is never happier than when she is walking her five dogs in the Peb valley near her home and visiting the mudflats of North Norfolk and loves speaking to parents and children alike about education.
AN
TO BO
O
“A wonderfully happy, buzzy school” Good Schools Guide A co-educational day and boarding school set in the Berkshire countryside for children aged 3–13
Join us for our next Open Morning on
th
Saturday, 26 September
admissions@cheamschool.co.uk CUR IO US MI N DS | KIND H E ART S | COM MU NI T Y SPI RI T
Kat is author of No One Talks About This Stuff on infertility and It’s Not a Bloody Trend on adult ADHD diagnoses, and her writing appears in The Telegraph, The Times, The Independent, Stylist, Grazia and The Guardian. Her favourite author is Jilly Cooper and she is a fi xture on Rivals: The Official Podcast. She lives in south London with her husband and their animals.
PHILIP WOMACK
Philip is the author of several children’s books, including Ghostlord, The Arrow of Apollo and How to Teach Classics to Your Dog. Educated at Lancing and Oriel College, Oxford, he formerly worked as a tutor. He now writes for The Telegraph and The Spectator, and is a contributing editor for Literary Review. He lives in London with his wife, children and a lurcher.
PHOTOS: TROIKA BOOKS; PAUL CALRKE
S
C
K
KAT BROWN
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DEFINING FUTURES
Eleanor Doughty Editor
Expert Teachers | Personalised Pathways | Built In Oxford
Discover our ambitious sixth form college.
Camilla van Praagh Publisher Editorial Director Lucy Cleland Deputy Editor Lucinda Baring Sub Editor & Production Assistant Evie Calver Features Writer Tessa Dunthorne Creative & Production Director Parm Bhamra Design & Production Manager Mia Biagioni Contributing Editors Patrick Kidd, Annabelle Spranklen, Kat Brown, Emily Samuel, Alice Smellie, Bess Twiston Davies, Rachel Hosie, Annabel Heseltine, Susie Mesure, Philip Womack, Sybilla Hart Digital Director Rebecca Cox Digital Editor Ellie Smith Digital Culture Editor Olivia Emily Digital Style Editor Charlie Colville Digital Assistant Isabel Dempsey Publisher, Country & Town House Ellie Rix Head of Fashion Emma Marsh Head of Beauty Bandi Manzini Head of Interiors Emma Redmayne Senior Account Director, Homes & Interiors Olivia McHugh Account Director Serena Knight Junior Account Director, Hotels & F&B Cosima Woodard Digital Business Development Director Joey Goldsmith Project Management & Sales Support Executive Charlotte Ryan Technical Director Mark Pearson Chief Financial Officer Gareth Morris Finance Controller Lauren Delgado Finance Administrators Ria Harrison & Klodi Sade Human Resources Consultant Zoe Jones Chief Commercial Officer Tia Graham Chief Operating Officer James Thrower Managing Director Jeremy Isaac Editorial enquiries eleanor@schoolhousemagazine.co.uk Advertising enquiries camilla@schoolhousemagazine.co.uk
Study at Oxford International College and prepare for the world's leading universities through expert teaching, personalised pathways and an education built in Oxford.
Scan the code today and chat with us on WhatsApp Explore the OIC experience at oxcoll.com
SCHOOL HOUSE is a biannual magazine published with Country & Town House magazine and distributed to AB homes in Barnes, Battersea, Bayswater, Belgravia, Brook Green, Chelsea, Chiswick, Clapham, Coombe, Fulham, Hampstead, Highgate, Holland Park, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Mayfair, Notting Hill, Pimlico, Putney, Richmond, South Kensington, St John’s Wood, Wandsworth and Wimbledon. It is also on sale at selected WHSmith, Sainsbury’s, M&S, and Waitrose stores and independent newsagents nationwide. School House is published by Country & Town House Ltd, Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL (tel: 020 7384 9011). Registered number 576850 England and Wales. Printed in the UK by William Gibbons and Sons Ltd, West Midlands. Paper supplied by Gerald Judd. Distribution by Letterbox. Copyright © 2026 School House. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Materials are accepted on the understanding that no liability is incurred for safe custody. The publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. All prices are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. While every care is taken to ensure all information is correct at the time of going to press, it is subject to change, and School House takes no responsibility for omissions or errors.
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HELLO CO-ED
Renowned for exceptional pastoral care, small classes and personalised learning, Heathfield School is founded on integrity, ambition and innovation. Students thrive in a close-knit, inclusive environment where confidence grows and passions are discovered. Offering the ultimate in flexible day and boarding options, Heathfield’s boutique size is rich in opportunity - ideal for families seeking a forward-thinking education.
Discover Heathfield for yourself at one of our open events
A leading co-ed day and boarding school, 11-18 years
heathfieldschool.net | +44 (0) 1344 898343
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Small School Big Opportunities
18/06/2026 12:32
IMAGINE a place where your child can truly thrive
At Haileybury, we believe in discovery, connection and joy. Our outstanding academic results are just the beginning; from world-class sport and adventurous outdoor learning to drama, music, and scientific research, we want every pupil to feel inspired and empowered to develop their potential in a vibrant, supportive community.
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“ The co-curricular and academic enrichment programme is a significant strength of the school.” ISI Inspection Report - October 2025
27/11/2025 pm 18/06/2026 4:02 12:29
UP FRONT SCHOOL PET
M
Midnight and Moose, rabbits, Hazlegrove Prep School
idnight (pictured above left) and Moose (right) are Hazlegrove’s resident rascals. In the winter the pair of regular escape artists were found roaming the nearby woods, and last year they disappeared after burrowing out of their home in search of adventure. Happily, 24 hours of exploring was enough – and they promptly returned for warm food and cuddles with pupils. The cheeky rabbits – one a Rex, the other a Lionhead – arrived at Hazlegrove almost four years ago as unofficial therapy animals for the children. Their presence is particularly comforting for young boarders, bringing a sense of home and routine, and in the evenings, pupils visit their enclosure in the school’s farm to pet
and feed them – savoy cabbage is a firm favourite. Playing dressup is also much loved by both kids and bunnies, with chilled-out Moose particularly fond of wearing her edible straw sombrero. The rabbits aren’t sisters, but they certainly have some sibling rivalry. ‘Midnight thinks she is in charge and tries to boss Moose around,’ says school psychologist Amanda Benbow, ‘but Moose usually wins and runs away with the carrot into the tunnel!’ Their enclosure is filled with places to hide and, of course, treats, frequently topped up by Hazlegrove’s two farm monitors and the Young Farmers Club, who are responsible for the rabbits’ care. As for what the pupils love most about Midnight and Moose, it’s simple: ‘They are soft, fluffy and so nice to cuddle.’ Evie Calver ■ countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUNTUMN WINTER 2026 —— 17
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UP FRONT
‘I
t feels like I’ve been here forever,’ Jeremy Quartermain says as he shows me around Bradfield College. He has been its headmaster for one year, but there is a timeless quality about the school that makes you feel at home. It occupies most of the brick and flint houses in this Berkshire village and has sublime views of the North Wessex Downs; there is a sense of permanence and old English stability.
LUNCH WITH SCHOOL HOUSE At Bradfield College, Patrick Kidd meets head Jeremy Quartermain for soup, strudel and school chat
Sadly, there’s no time to visit the Old Boot. I’ve come to sample lunch and catch up with an old friend. I’ve known Quartermain for more than 30 years, having been at Colchester Royal Grammar School and Cambridge together, and visited him when he was a master at Gresham’s and Brentwood and then head at Rossall. Bradfield is his first school, however, with an outdoor Greek theatre. The auditorium, cut into a chalk quarry, opened in 1890 with Sophocles’ Antigone and over the summer staged Euripides’ Medea – mostly in ancient Greek, of course – with Quartermain’s eldest daughter (of three) in the chorus. Another gem is the study centre in the deconsecrated St Andrew’s Church. Opened in 2024, the library resembles a high-class Blackwell’s, with a room for quiet work in the 16th-century tower and modern languages around the font where the Princess of Wales was baptised. It is watched over by a portrait of the magnificently whiskered Thomas Stevens, who inherited the manor of Bradfield in 1842, asked the great Gilbert Scott to redesign the church and then built a school around it. As we leave the library, I spot a board saying the word of the month is ‘edacious’, or ‘eager for food’, which seems appropriate for our next stop. ‘This is where I like to start open mornings,’ Quartermain says, leading me into the dining hall with its dark wood arches, lit by Edward Burne-Jones stained glass. ‘I think this is the heart of the school.’ Its stomach, too: we walk past the kitchen, where cooks are laying out trays of Easter cakes topped with chicks, and join a queue of children, who serve themselves. ‘You were going for that bit, weren’t you?’ a chef laughs as a boy snares a large lump of chicken at the third attempt. Quartermain and I both start with a thick, rich and delicious tomato and basil soup, followed on my plate with a Thai green curry, which has fresh lemongrass and spring onion and comes with sticky rice, mushrooms, pak choi and spring rolls. The head opts for a prawn risotto drizzled with pesto and covered in cheese. ‘We’re spoilt food-wise,’ he says. ‘A big focus is on wellbeing and I think that is reflected in the catering. It tells the children: “You matter.”’
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ILLUSTRATION BY MILLIE BELLMAN
We wander down towards the mill, now the art department, and the River Pang where Quartermain sheepishly admits he once broke the handle on the sluice gate. ‘If you continue, you’ll find Stanford Dingley,’ he says. I briefly wonder if this glorious name belongs to one of the masters. ‘A hamlet,’ he clarifies, ‘with two fabulous pubs.’
CLOCKWISE: The college occupies most brick and flint houses in the village of Bradfield; a students’ study centre was opened in St Andrew’s Church in 2024; Quartermain drawn by Bradfield Upper Sixth pupil Millie Bellman
‘The buildings might be lovely, the food might be great, but schools are fundamentally about people. I think part of why children flourish here is because they feel cared for’
ILLUSTRATION BY MILLIE BELLMAN
Jeremy Quartermain
Around us hang photos of inspiring Bradfieldians: cricketers, a polar explorer, a ballerina, a cook, a cameraman. Quartermain points out one he finds poignant of Oliver Vick, a UN peacekeeper who was killed in a plane crash in Ethiopia only a few years ago, in 2019. ‘Bradfieldians do well in life – not just because of academic results, but because they are, at root, decent people who are motivated to go off and do good things,’ he says. Kindness and humility are two virtues he wants to nurture. The school is building a health and wellbeing centre, which will offer talking therapies. Quartermain, who lost his father to a sudden heart attack when he was six, speaks of the need for empathy with children going through a trauma. ‘The buildings might be lovely, the food might be great, but schools are fundamentally about people,’ he says. ‘I think part of why children flourish here is because they feel they are cared for.’ His wife, Fiona, works in SEND. Quartermain’s other plans include a shorter day model for children who live locally and to appoint a director of international admissions. More than 50 languages are spoken at Bradfield, including ancient Greek, but only five percent of students come from overseas. He also wants to create choral scholarships, reflecting his own lifelong
love and talent. At Cambridge, where he switched degrees from music to history, he convinced his college to let him keep the piano in his room – and when we visit Bradfield’s beautiful chapel, he leaps on to the organ stool and begins to play. He also sings in the chapel choir and has a Bechstein grand in his house. ‘One of my favourite things is to sit at the piano and sing musical theatre songs with my daughter,’ he says. Is Friday night music night chez Quartermain? ‘And Saturday and Sunday.’ As we have pudding – apricot strudel – he speaks with pride of Bradfield’s sporting prowess in hockey, netball, cricket and tennis. The greatest success, though, has come in football, and here Quartermain worries he might have brought bad luck. ‘I’m probably the only head at the moment who has had two schools reach the Boodles ISFA Cup final and lost them both,’ he says. In 2022, Rossall were beaten 4-0 by Bradfield, ironically, who also won the crown in 2024 and 2025. This year, the college reached the final again and had hoped to be the first to win three in a row, but lost in extra time to Aldenham. ‘I’m thinking that if we reach the final next spring, I should keep out of the way,’ Quartermain says. ‘They don’t need me jinxing them. I could stay at home and play the piano.’ Perhaps he should practise We are the Champions? ■
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Head boy Adam Parker (left) is ‘slightly obsessed’ with ancient Rome; head girl Winnie Otubo (right) wants to experience as many new things as she can before going to university
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UP FRONT
HEADS OF SCHOOL Annabelle Spranklen meets two key members of the Rugby School community WINNIE OTUBO, Head Girl
Since arriving at Rugby for sixth form, Winnie, 17, has immersed herself in school life. This, she says, is ‘all-encompassing’. ‘You go from working on something like the feminist exhibition to lessons, sport and societies. Your whole day is full.’ An academic scholar, Winnie is studying biology, chemistry, maths and further maths and hopes to read medicine at university. She is also involved in Stan-X, a research project in collaboration with Stanford University investigating genetic engineering techniques. ‘At first it felt daunting,’ she says, ‘but once you get the hang of it, it’s fascinating.’ Community is another important part of her school life. Winnie attends peer-listener training sessions, part of Rugby’s pastoral programme. ‘It’s taught me to listen more intuitively,’ she says. ‘Sometimes people don’t need advice, they just need someone to hear them out.’ She also volunteers at a charity shop near the school and sings in Rugby’s 130-strong choir. Sport provides a welcome balance to academic life: Winnie plays netball and badminton and is hoping to try hockey this year. ‘I’m trying to have as many new experiences at Rugby as I can before I head off to university,’ she explains. As head girl, Winnie hopes to strengthen collaboration across the student body and ensure the Levée – Rugby’s student leadership group – feels supported in its work. ‘They put a huge amount of effort into the events and initiatives that make Rugby what it is,’ she says. ‘I’d love to see more people engage with that.’
ADAM PARKER, Head Boy
Growing up on a farm in Gloucestershire means Adam, 17, is happiest outdoors. During the holidays he’s expected to muck in, feeding chickens and pigs and, as he puts it, ‘mostly fencing’. An injury ruled him out of playing rugby sevens last season, but he is now back training and hoping to make Rugby’s First XV. Joining from an all-boys’ school part way through his school career, he has found boarding life a highlight. ‘You spend so much time with the people around you,’ he says. ‘You really get to know everyone, it’s a great community.’ Big into classics, Adam hopes to study this at university. ‘I’m slightly obsessed with ancient Rome,’ he admits, citing Cicero and the Roman emperors among his favourite topics. He is a member of the Arnold Society for students interested in classical civilisation and joint head of the Caledonian Society, Rugby’s Scottish reeling club. Service is another important part of Adam’s school life: he volunteers at the Rugby Portobello Trust, helping run ‘stay and play’ sessions for young children while their parents take a break. ‘Some parents arrive exhausted,’ he says. ‘We help keep the children busy with crafts, toys or football.’ As head boy, he is keen to encourage more students to get involved in the opportunities Rugby offers. ‘The more I’ve thrown myself into things, the more fun I’ve had,’ he says. ‘If everyone left feeling they’d made the most of school life, that would be brilliant.’
Photography by Hester Marriott countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUNTUMN WINTER 2026 —— 21
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UP FRONT
So You Want To Be A…
JUDGE
Former president of the Supreme Court Brenda Hale, Baroness Hale of Richmond, tells Eleanor Doughty about her long, happy career in law What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I assumed I would be a teacher because both my parents were, but it dawned on me that I wasn’t best suited to being a teacher. I was usually top of the class so if students hadn’t understood something, they used to ask me to explain – but I never could.
What was your experience of school like? I passed the 11+ at
the age of ten, so went to what was then Richmond High School for Girls as its youngest pupil and did my O levels, A levels, and the Oxford and Cambridge exams a year younger. I was made head girl when I stayed on for another term to do the Oxford and Cambridge exams. I have two sisters; one had already been head girl and the other became head girl two years after me. They were both more suitable for the role: I was a swot, and those aren’t necessarily the most popular girls in the class.
Where did the idea to study law come from? I thought I would
read history at university because it was my favourite subject, but my headteacher didn’t think I was a natural historian. She suggested economics, which I wasn’t keen on, and I suggested law. I went up to Girton College, Cambridge in 1963, when there were three colleges for women and 21 for men. There were five women in my year and about 100 overall. We felt very privileged and fortunate to be there.
Did you have an influential tutor at Cambridge? Yes – Tony
Weir, who lectured on a third-year course. He was a really inspirational man. There were some very brilliant women, but they could only be college fellows. I thought women didn’t
Baroness Hale was one of only five women in her year group at Girton College, Cambridge in 1963
have an immediate future in Cambridge so after I graduated, I went to work as an academic at the University of Manchester. It had a very good law faculty but it also wanted me to qualify as a barrister and do some part-time practice at the same time. If I hadn’t done that, I would never have become a judge. How did you make the transition into the judiciary from academia? I taught seven subjects at Manchester, but I
had written a book about mental health law and was recommended to preside over mental health tribunals. In 1980 I was appointed to the council on tribunals, and that led to a tap on the shoulder suggesting I should become an assistant recorder – a part-time judge – which I did in 1983.
Were you glad to have your shoulder tapped? It was a surprise.
If you’re offered a challenge like that, however scary it might be, you give it a go.
You were the first woman appointed to the Law Commission, the first female Law Lord and the first female president of the Supreme Court. What do you make of ‘first woman’ idea?
I felt it was an honour. There is this idea that ‘you cannot be what you cannot see’. If there are very few people like you doing a particular thing, you may be reluctant to put yourself forward, but we would never have made any progress if there hadn’t been a first woman doing something.
What kind of environment is the Supreme Court? If you’re
interested in solving difficult questions of law it’s a fantastic place to be, but not everybody is. You hope to have a collegiate, cooperative atmosphere there – one of mutual respect where you take one another seriously.
How did you become president of the Supreme Court?
When in 2013 the deputy presidency came up and then in 2017 the presidency, I went through the applications processes, which were very rigorous. The presidency is nothing like as demanding as being Lord or Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales; I would never have wanted to be Lady Chief Justice. The president of the Supreme Court is the top judge in the UK, but the role presides over a relatively small institution. What advice would you give to would-be lawyers now?
One ambition at a time. At school, my ambition was to get to Oxford or Cambridge; at Manchester my ambition was to become a professor; and when that didn’t happen I became a law commissioner. That worked better for me than having an overall game plan at the beginning. Is there anything you would do differently? I’m sure
there would be decisions I made that were not the right decisions, and that I will not have treated people as kindly as I should have done, but I’ve enjoyed every job that I have had in the law. ■ countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 23
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Jack Henderson, 17, Marlborough College
or prefect Jack Henderson, a Marlborough education has transformed more than just his academic ability. Upon arriving from Singapore in year nine, ‘I was quite introverted and lacked a sense of direction’, he recalls. Today, he dreams big: diplomacy and environmental law are on the long list of career paths he hopes to explore after university. At the heart of these goals is a passion for altruism, something Jack discovered last year when he completed the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race and raised £7,500 for a water charity. ‘It instilled in me the desire to help others across the globe and protect our natural environment,’ he says. Since then, he has enjoyed organising his own fundraising events as
part of the Marlborough prefect team. Is this the best part of the role? That, and enjoying special shortcuts around the college – ‘even across the prestigious court grass!’ Jack has his gap year planned out, having received a grant from Peking University to conduct research into local people’s views on water management infrastructure in China. He is wellversed in the language thanks to learning it for the last five years at school, which he has found ‘particularly exciting’. As his time at Marlborough draws to a close, what will he remember most? ‘Living with my best friends – it has taught me a lot about relationships,’ he says. ‘Being in such a tightly knit community is so valuable, and I’m so grateful for it.’ Evie Calver ■ countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUNTUMN WINTER 2026 —— 25
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PREP NEWS Evie Calver highlights achievements, awards and events by preps this year ↑ TRIATHLON TRIUMPH
← DEAR SIR DAVID
Pupils at Duchy College, Harrogate received the letter of a lifetime earlier this year in response to their online petition to mark Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday with a national holiday. After launching the campaign, the pupils wrote and posted letters to Sir David – and were delighted to receive a handwritten reply. The beloved conservationist admitted he would be ‘extremely embarrassed’ by a national day in his honour, but gave his blessing for Duchy College to hold its own annual celebration for his birthday.
This summer, The Oratory School hosted 700 pupils from 27 schools for the Knight Frank Schools Triathlon, raising £82,000 for youth charity Restless Development.
↑ MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Three Haberdashers’ Monmouth pupils visited Parliament earlier this year to present their campaigns for deforestationfree school meals to the Minister for Climate and the International Forests Unit.
HEADS ON THE MOVE Jessica Mair joins Thomas’s Clapham from John Betts Primary.
↑ MILES FOR MAX
In May, 38 members of the Aldwickbury School community walked for 11 hours through London to raise over £37,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital, where pupil Max is undergoing leukaemia treatment.
Francis Holland Prep welcomes Laura Rodgers from Glendower Prep in January. Ross Montague joins Wetherby Notting Hill after three years at Eaton House Belgravia.
Windlesham House welcomes Sophie Baber from Longacre. Adam Anstey joins Knightsbridge School from Broomfield House. Hanford welcomes Sophie Blewitt, previous interim head.
↑ FLOWER POWER
This year’s Chelsea in Bloom was wildly successful for Francis Holland Prep, with the school winning a gold award for the second year in a row for its colourful flower display. Following the 2026 theme ‘out of this world’, the blooming beautiful creation reimagined George and the Dragon as a female empowerment story, in which a girl confronts the dragon with a pen rather than a sword to represent the power of communication. The handcrafted display also received a special mention for innovation on top of its gold win.
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↑ JUST KEEP SWIMMING
Millfield Prep’s girls’ swim squad recently won the IAPS national championships for the 38th year running, while the boys’ team claimed gold for the 24th consecutive year.
PHOTOS: BBC/PLIMSOLL PRODUCTIONS
The Hawthorns has appointed Andy Morris, current deputy head, from September 2027.
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SENIOR NEWS Evie Calver has the latest from senior schools, from art awards to TV debuts ↑ LAB TESTED
Sixth formers at Haileybury and Rugby have been involved in a pioneering study with Stanford University scientists. By analysing fruit fly genes, Stan-X aims to find cures for cancer and diabetes.
ON THE SLOPES →
Less than a year after graduating from King Edward’s School Bath, 18-year-old Hester Poole made her Paralympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. The alpine skier, who has just five to ten percent vision due to being born with a rare eye disease, competed for Team GB in the visually impaired class with her guide. While a common technical error on the rigorous slalom course led to disqualification, the experience only gave Poole ‘more fire’ to make it to the French Alps for the 2030 Winter Paralympics.
↑ GOING PRO
After graduating from Taunton School this summer, Caspar and Monty have gone on to play professional rugby with Bristol Bears as part of the club’s senior academy.
HEADS ON THE MOVE Cobham Hall welcomes Doug Brown after a decade at Hertford Prep. James Davies joins Wells Cathedral School from Halliford.
↑ CLAIM TO FAME
Psychological thriller series Gone, which premiered on ITV in March, was filmed at Downside School. The show features the school’s buildings, rooms and grounds, plus some students as extras.
Halliford welcomes Richard Amlot from KCS Wimbledon in January.
For the past few months, two Queenswood students have been hard at work campaigning for better female representation in the National Curriculum. After discovering only two of the 42 scientists featured in the GCSE course are women – with pioneers like Marie Curie going unmentioned – year 11s Aria and Sophia launched an online petition to push for change. The girls have secured almost 1,500 signatures including support from Andrew Lewin MP, who visited Queenswood to meet the ‘inspiring’ duo before writing to the Secretary of State for Education about the importance of their cause.
Bryanston has appointed Liz Thornton, current deputy head of staff, from December. Wrekin College welcomes Steve Green from Queen’s College Taunton Senior. Stephen Burley joins The King Alfred School from Haileybury. JAGS has appointed Fiona Miles, currently at Loughborough High, from September 2027.
↑ PERFECT PORTRAIT
Bryanston student Alfie, 17, recently became the youngest ever winner of the BTA Young Artist of the Year award with his painting Self Portrait at the Easel.
PHOTOS: ISTOCK; ITV
↑CHAMPIONING CHANGE
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NEW DEVELOPMENTS Growing groups, coed campuses, brand new schools... Evie Calver rounds up the most exciting updates from the independent sector
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS ← MILL HILL EDUCATION GROUP
Tudor Hall, Pangbourne College, Framlingham College and St Gabriel’s, Newbury join the group, which now comprises 19 schools across the globe.
BRIGHTON COLLEGE PREP HOVE
Previously Windlesham School, the newly opened prep merges with St Christopher’s School in September 2027.
CHARTERHOUSE FAMILY OF SCHOOLS
After recently acquiring Amesbury, the global group now includes six schools.
NEW HALL SCHOOL TRUST
St Anne’s Prep is now run by the trust, alongside New Hall School in Essex.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS NEW OPENINGS ↑ BEDE’S UPPER SCHOOL
A new senior school on the Bede’s Prep campus opens in autumn 2027, extending provision up to year 11.
ST SWITHUN’S PREP
The new on-site nursery and preschool opens for ages two to three this autumn, with more age group classes to follow.
FRENSHAM HEIGHTS
ARCH (Action Research Collaboration Hub) is a new dedicated space for staff to undertake research projects on teaching methods and ideas.
THE STUDY PREP SCHOOL
The Study Prep joins the Girls’ Day School Trust, the UK’s leading network of all-girls’ independent schools.
TONBRIDGE SCHOOL
THE KING’S SCHOOL EDUCATION GROUP
HEATHFIELD SCHOOL ASCOT
ST GEORGE’S, WINDSOR AND ASCOT
The sixth form becomes coed from September 2028, with girls’ boarding provision planned for 2030. Boys are welcome in the now-coed sixth form four years after its opening.
HIGHGATE SCHOOL
The new Changemakers busary offers four fully funded sixth form places for students with ‘entrepreneurial flair’.
WETHERBY SCHOOLS
Wetherby Pre-Prep Kensington and Wetherby Prep Marylebone begin their coed transition from September 2027.
QUEEN’S COLLEGE, LONDON Twelve sixth form boarding places will be available from September 2027.
The King’s School Canterbury and Spring Grove School in Wye partner to form a new schools’ group.
St George’s Ascot and St George’s School, Windsor Castle combine into a single coed, all-through school in 2028.
THREE CHOIRS SCHOOLS’ GROUP
A new group comprises three historic cathedral schools: The King’s School Gloucester, The King’s School Worcester and Hereford Cathedral School.
RUGBY SCHOOL GROUP
Beaudesert Park joins the group, becoming its tenth school and fourth prep in the UK.
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Vision Maker: Claudia
Greener horizons start here ‘I want to transform our campus into a model of sustainability through collaboration and shared responsibility. When visionary environmental science meets collective action, we can shrink our footprint and help safeguard the planet’s future. Politics may stall progress, but action can’t wait. We have the power to make a difference, so let’s do it together.’
It begins at Bryanston
Book a Visit
admissions@bryanston.co.uk | +44 (0)1258 484 633
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This year’s record number of entries has made it clear that independent schools are revving up their educational offering from all angles. But who impressed more than the rest? Meet our eight winners of 2026 countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 33
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Meet The Judges
Alumni Relationships Champion
EMILY SAMUEL
UKCP-accredited child psychotherapist Emily Samuel has been working clinically with children and adolescents since 2010, formerly at Yale’s Child Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. Based in Bath, she is a member of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood Advisory Group and hosts the Therapy Works podcast with her mother and sister, psychotherapists Julia and Sophie Samuel.
—— WINNER ELEANOR DOUGHTY
The editor of School House, Eleanor Doughty was educated at Lincoln Minster School and was a cathedral chorister at Lincoln Cathedral, an experience that shaped her. A journalist for the last 15 years, she specialises in writing about the lives of the super-rich – from their schools to their homes – and is the author of Heirs and Graces: A History of the Modern British Aristocracy.
DR STEPHEN SPURR
Educated at the King’s School, Canterbury, the University of Sydney and the University of Oxford, where he took his DPhil in 1984, Dr Stephen Spurr began his career in academia before embarking on 16 years at Eton College as a classics beak, head of classics and housemaster. A former headmaster of Clifton College and Westminster School, he co-founded Intellego Education in 2021.
Malvern College, Worcestershire
‘Alumni are a living part of our ethos. Pupils understand from the outset that they are joining a lifelong community, not simply attending a school.’ Doughty: ‘Malvern’s ethos, “tomorrow’s role models, shaped today”, struck a chord. For this prize, it’s about the benefits to the school’s existing pupils and how it helps to shape them.’ —— HIGHLY COMMENDED
Bryanston School, Dorset
Doughty: ‘That the school’s culture stays with many after they leave is crucial. Alumni support is clearly important to Bryanston beyond the scope of funding the future.’
Animal Support Champion
ANNABEL HESELTINE
Journalist, editor and broadcaster Annabel Heseltine is a former editor of School House. Now with a master’s in wildlife management and conservation, she has turned her hand to sustainability, the wilder side of travel, and spiritual wellbeing. She hosts the Hope Springs podcast for the Resurgence Trust, speaking to conservationists about their inspirations and motivations.
WANT TO ENTER OUR 2027 AWARDS? We’d love to have you! Stay tuned for more information about next year’s awards and get prepping your entries. Details will be published in our Spring/Summer 2027 issue.
—— WINNER
Bishop’s Stortford College, Hertfordshire ‘From a pastoral perspective, animals have a powerful calming and confidence-building effect. Working with animals helps pupils develop empathy, patience and resilience.’ Doughty: ‘Thought has gone into the ways that animals are used; I particularly liked the mock beehive that can be used in the classroom, alongside the active hive for pupils to study.’
—— HIGHLY COMMENDED
Milton Abbey School, Dorset
Doughty: ‘A wide range of animals – including stick insects, mini Shetland ponies and house cats – are a valued part of the community and help to create a calm, caring atmosphere.’
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Local Partnerships & Community Champion
‘Shrewsbury’s unmatched charitable culture is instilled early and meaningfully in each pupil, and continues to build on what is an admirable historical and institutional strength of the school’ Dr Stephen Spurr
—— WINNER
Rugby School, Warwickshire
‘Service is central to a Rugby education as is the power of sharing this with our partner schools.’ Spurr: ‘What stands out is that practically the whole school participates, including teachers. The partnerships operate in two directions, with pupils going out to primaries and primary pupils coming into Rugby School.’ —— HIGHLY COMMENDED
Wellington College, Berkshire
Spurr: ‘Its generous financial support through the Wellington College Arts Fund to over 70 local state primary and senior schools is particularly impressive.’
Charitable Work Champion
—— WINNER
Shrewsbury School, Shropshire
‘Charitable engagement is a defining feature of our education, inspired by Charles Darwin’s “survival of the kindest” principle.’ Spurr: ‘Shrewsbury exemplifies an unmatched charitable culture. It is instilled early and meaningfully in each pupil, and continues to build on what is an admirable historical and institutional strength of the school.’ —— HIGHLY COMMENDED
Solihull School, West Midlands
Spurr: ‘Solihull’s admirably diverse charitable programmes, in which all 1,560 pupils are involved, result in concrete, positive humanitarian impact and outcomes.’ countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 35
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Social Mobility Champion
Mind Champion
—— WINNER
—— WINNER
Trinity School, London
Highfield and Brookham, Hampshire
—— HIGHLY COMMENDED
—— HIGHLY COMMENDED
Heseltine: ‘This was a really tough decision, but Moon Hall’s remit is vital for the work it does supporting those who might otherwise be unable to access a good education.’
Doughty: ‘The student-led Wellbeing Champions programme stood out for the autonomy it gives pupils in understanding who they are and how to manage their teenage brains.’
‘Social mobility is not a recent initiative at Trinity; it has shaped our purpose for more than 140 years.’ Heseltine: ‘I was moved by pupils’ dedication to supporting partner school St Mary’s when children with no outside space to play at home might lose their play areas. Trinity is committed to breaking down negative perceptions of independent schools.’
Moon Hall School, Surrey
‘Mental health is a whole-school priority, embedded across every year group. An open-door policy ensures children can speak with any member of staff at any time.’ Samuel: ‘I was impressed by the emphasis the school places not only on supporting children, but also parents and teachers. This is genuinely a whole-community approach to wellbeing.’
Hampton Court House School, London
Sustainability Champion
Pastoral Care Champion
—— WINNER
—— WINNER
‘Our core value of “be kind” extends to the planet itself, driving a whole-school, interdisciplinary approach rather than a single eco-committee or termly assembly.’ Heseltine: ‘Brambletye is batting well above its weight as a prep school. It is visionary and innovative in its work, reducing energy use by 47 percent in parts of the school.’
‘School life is shaped by a people-centred philosophy that constantly asks: “What’s best for our children and community?”’ Samuel: ‘Hazelwood stood out as having a highly relational and child-focused approach. I loved that its attitude to pastoral care is not just a philosophy, but a philosophy that has been translated into tangible practice.’
—— HIGHLY COMMENDED
—— HIGHLY COMMENDED
Heseltine: ‘Partnering with local schools and charities with its Creative Perspectives on Climate Change project, Francis Holland has achieved an impressive reduction in food waste.’
Doughty: ‘The particular support given to pupils with parents and guardians serving in the armed forces, via the school’s military families team makes Sherborne a worthy runner-up.’
Brambletye School, West Sussex
Francis Holland Sloane Square, London
Hazelwood School, Surrey
Sherborne Boys, Dorset
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SCHOOL HOUSE PROMOTION Queen’s College, London was founded in 1848 on the belief that girls’ education should be every bit as rich as boys’
A LEGACY OF PIONEERS
Queen’s College, London is home to two centuries of trailblazing education
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in the prep school, girls tackle practical challenges hen Queen’s College, London opened such as managing budgets, and trading and its doors on Marylebone’s Harley Street negotiating in entrepreneurial projects, helping them in 1848, it changed what was possible to develop confidence and judgement. As they move for women. through the school, its interdisciplinary GCSE level The school’s founder, Frederick Denison Maurice, two qualification, Future Frontiers, encourages them believed girls deserved an education every bit as to connect ideas across subjects. All benefit from the ambitious and intellectually demanding as that Queen’s Diploma, which provides a framework for offered to boys – not simply to acquire knowledge, developing real-world understanding and the ability but to think independently, ask difficult questions to move fluently between disciplines. and make their own contribution to Walk through the central London the world. Queen’s became the first ‘We must be real building of Queen’s today and what educational establishment in Britain will strike you is not only the quality to award qualifications to women, a and daring at of the teaching, but also the quality of revolutionary achievement recognised Queen’s College the relationships. Girls are known here with a Royal Charter in 1853. or nowhere’ as thinkers and as individuals; ambition That founding belief still defines FD Maurice, and kindness sit comfortably together. Queen’s today. While the questions have 1849 Curiosity is encouraged, individuality changed, the principle has not. If the is valued, and every girl is expected to pioneers of 1848 were preparing girls for a contribute her own perspective. rapidly changing industrial society, today’s The pioneers of 1848 prepared girls for a future educators face an equally profound transformation. no one had yet imagined, and nearly 180 years later, As artificial intelligence reshapes how we learn, Queen’s is still doing exactly that. Every generation work and live, girls need more than excellent inherits a different future; Queen’s exists to ensure grades. They need intellectual confidence, the its girls are ready to meet theirs. ability to think across disciplines, and the curiosity to engage with ideas and challenges that do not yet Learn more about Queen’s College, London and its have clear answers. innovative education for girls aged 3-18 at qcl.org.uk n That preparation begins early at Queen’s. Starting
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OFF GAMES Eleanor Doughty discovers Bede’s Zoo, which is transforming lives from polecat to pupil
FROM TOP: The wide range of species at Bede’s Zoo includes endangered ring-tailed lemurs, vulnerable binturongs and barn owls
rop into Bede’s Senior School in East Sussex on a weekday evening and you might find senior deputy head John Tuson being mobbed by pupils. ‘If it’s just me, they disappear,’ he says. ‘If I’ve got my dogs with me, I can barely move through the crowd!’ Such is the effect that animals can have on schoolchildren. It is fitting, then, that as well as teaching English, Tuson should be partly responsible for the school zoo. You read that right: a zoo in a school, one of a tiny number across the UK. Among its 70 species are squirrel monkeys, mongooses and the beautiful turquoise dwarf gecko – a critically endangered Tanzanian lizard. Some, like the dormice, are nocturnal; others, such as the binturongs, a type of civet that smells like buttered popcorn, are keener still: ‘Everybody loves the male; he’s always out and about.’ For Tuson, having a zoo on school grounds represents the best of both his worlds. ‘As a young whippersnapper I read lots of Gerald Durrell [author of My Family and Other Animals] and wanted to be him,’ Tuson says. Having worked briefly as a zookeeper, he joined Bede’s in 1993 and has spent the last 33 years teaching, with the natural life logged in his hinterland. When in 2008 former zookeeper Paul Juniper joined Bede’s as an environmental science teacher, one thing led to another. First came a reptile tank in his lab; then, in 2011, a former sports storage shed was converted into a zoo space. A new zoo building is now planned, which will not only house more animals but also offer a space for ‘boarders to work around animals that are comforting and reassuring: a big tank of fish and animals that are handleable. The idea is that if people are around animals, they are somehow taken away from themselves.’ Sometimes, Tuson can’t believe his luck in having managed to combine his two passions. ‘We’ve stumbled upon something that absolutely works,’ he says. The school’s zoological society runs as a cocurricular activity and is at capacity; meanwhile, between 12 and 14 sixth formers study towards the BTEC Animal Management Extended Diploma yearly. ‘There is a sort of child for whom people are complicated and animals are more straightforward,’ says Tuson. ‘As a child, I found the world slightly baffling; animals were an escape from that. That’s absolutely the case for some of our children here.’ There are benefits for the animal population, too: the family of ruffed lemurs came to Bede’s as part of a European breeding programme, and the school has bred dozens of endangered hazel dormice, contributing to a nationwide effort to boost their numbers in the British countryside. The zoo, says Tuson, is more than just another cocurricular activity – it represents the school’s ambition to help every child find what they love in life. ‘Of our 800 students, 797 won’t recognise what’s going on with the Grandidier’s mongoose. But for the three that do, it’s the most incredible thing.’ He recently caught up with one student who is a keen member of the zoological society and asked what animal he liked. ‘He said it was the reed frog, which is about the size of your thumbnail and which you never see because it’s so shy. The fact that this is the thing this boy latched onto is fantastic. That’s what we’re all about: finding joy in what you’re doing.’ ■
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BEHIND THE GATES
Kat Brown has everything you need to know about Dorset House, a friendly prep school in the West Sussex countryside
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estled down a quiet road in a heartbreakingly pretty part of West Sussex, Dorset House School near Pulborough could easily pass as a retreat for tired CEOs rather than a place to school their children. Tracing its roots back to 1784, Dorset House’s longevity has resulted in a close-knit environment, and parents pitch in – even buying the land for the school 60 years ago after its previous site in Littlehampton closed. More recently, parents’ support allowed the school to upgrade its hockey pitch. None of this is remotely mandatory, but it is symbolic of a place whose pupils tend to study right through – and if they do leave before year eight, they often return. Who’s there? There are 127 pupils from reception to year eight, after which they move on to senior school. From year five or six, many pupils sample boarding once or twice a week. Remarkably, every pupil comes from a family within a 20-mile radius, although the school plans to run a weekly bus for London boarders – and lucky them – in the autumn. A maximum of 20 pupils per year group means everyone is well known, and there is enough focus to ensure children become their best and most capable selves. Many go on to become prefects or head pupils at senior school. What are they learning? Dorset House pupils
are raised to be responsible, independent, organised and unafraid to try something new. Children play outside from reception in their Muddy Puddles waterproof gear, with forest school every other week to cover everything
from whittling to lighting fires and cooking. In the pre-prep, children are assessed on phonics every six weeks. Year three pupils get to be the big kids, with more responsibility, and they do a play with year four to get to know their new surroundings for when they move up to the prep school. It’s a tradition that departing year eights contribute something to the grounds – including the charming zen garden – which they duly do through fundraising. There’s also plenty of exercise through forest school, break times playing in the woods and incidental movement. New headteachers comment on how fit Dorset House pupils are, and its outdoor focus helps as much with the children’s minds as it does with their bodies. What about cocurricular? Playing fields are at the heart of the action for football and rugby, and there are AstroTurf pitches for hockey, while bewitchingly scenic routes make crosscountry running bearable. The art and D&T studios are top-notch, and children learn music like a second language as they follow the Kodály method. It’s part of the school culture that everyone learns an instrument; the captain countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUNTUMN WINTER 2026 —— 41
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of the First XV is also in the school choir. Concerts are a regular feature and the school records an album every couple of years, nostalgically titled Now That’s What I Call DH… It’s no surprise leavers do particularly well with arts and sport scholarships. What’s on the menu and in the bedrooms? Comforting, home-cooked meals are standard, with a salad bar for boosting vitamin intake – in between mouthfuls of cake made together in the evenings. Boarders Flexiboarding is encouraged from year get a magical five to learn camaraderie and independence. experience. With Boarders get a magical experience in the old buildings, with rooms up a staircase straight lovely views over out of Enid Blyton. The girls’ bedrooms are the countryside, in the rafters, boys’ below, and a tidy dorm you couldn’t competition every year teaches organisation through a trophy and chocolate. Rooms are dream up a more comfortable, cosy and well-equipped for the idyllic scenario occasional movie night, and boarders have the freedom to choose new posters each year to make them feel like home. With lovely views over the countryside, you couldn’t dream up a more idyllic scenario. Who’s in charge? Sarah Sutherland-Booth took over as
head in January, and when interviewed by her prospective pupils, she was asked if she would get a dog. She did – and each morning Nova greets the children with her at the school gates. ‘I fell in love with the school because of the children,’ she says. ‘Ours are articulate, confident,
kind and happy.’ A group of laughing pupils duly waves cheerfully at her through the window; others stop by for a chat throughout the day. After training at the University of Roehampton, Sutherland-Booth spent 15 years as a reception teacher and has since taught nursery to year eight. She joined Dorset House from Windlesham House School in Pulborough, where her 14 years saw her begin in reception and end as deputy head. She cooks with the boarders and currently leads sessions on pottery with pupils in year eight. Who gets in? Dorset House is coeducational and nonselective. Termly fees vary from £4,600 for reception to £9,100 for year eight (including VAT), and there is a sibling discount of ten percent. Flexiboarding is offered at a weekly charge of £47 for one night to £170 for four nights. Famous alumni include... Comedian Harry Enfield, jockey Harry Bentley, actor Ed Speleers, and F1 driver turned broadcaster Jolyon Palmer. Where next? Dorset House joined the Lancing College
family of schools in 2025, and that school remains a popular choice along with Seaford, Bryanston and Hurst. Plentiful music and sports scholarships are awarded to leavers at top schools across the country.
Don’t forget... There are eight Sarahs on staff, and many
staff members bring their dogs. But above all, this is a warm, lovely school inspiring children to do their best. I rather wish I could turn back time and go here myself. ■
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Founded in 1611. Thinking in 2040. Learn with purpose. Try everything. Be kind. Charterhouse is different. A rigorous education, a broader horizon, and FutureU – preparing your child not only to thrive, but to shape the future.
Discover more
For boys & girls aged 13-18 | charterhouse.org.uk
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SCHOOL HOUSE PROMOTION
Fifty Brook Green is located in a pretty pocket of west London
HOME BOUND London Square’s new developments are designed for effortless family life ↗ FIFTY BROOK GREEN
As the name suggests, this impressive collection of homes by multi-award-winning developer London Square sits opposite Brook Green, a two-hectare stretch of parkland in W6. This is the perfect place for a sunny Sunday morning: enjoy a drink from the park café after a tennis lesson on site, or while the kids explore the playground. The larger Holland Park is close by for a scenic walk or a picnic, while the surrounding Brook Green area is a charming, quiet pocket of west London just minutes from Kensington and the newly transformed Olympia. Inside Fifty Brook Green you’ll find a range of one to four-bedroom apartments, duplexes, triplexes and mews houses, all centred around beautiful courtyard gardens. Each home feels like a sanctuary, providing the perfect base for family life. This gated development has a rich
educational heritage, once comprising five Victorian buildings that later became home to the Hammersmith School of Art. The original striking Victorian architecture is still visible through elements such as exposed beams and large arched windows. Today, Brook Green and its surrounds are home to some of London’s best independent schools. St James Nursery and Prep, Holland Park Pre-Prep and Bute House Prep are close by for young children, while St James Senior and Latymer Upper offer unparalleled education for senior students. For families aiming for the prestigious St Paul’s Girls, Fifty Brook Green is only a three-minute walk away. Homes at Fifty Brook Green start at £1,430,000. Book a private appointment with London Square’s expert sales team at enquire@londonsquare.co.uk or 0333 920 6009.
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↙ LONDON SQUARE TWICKENHAM GREEN
Twickenham has long been loved as a relaxed, leafy green suburb with easy access to the city. Raising a family here is a natural choice; from nursery through to university, there is an exciting range of esteemed schools in the area, as well as in nearby Richmond. Nurseries and preps include Bright Horizons Oak Lane and Orchard House, while at senior level there is Radnor House, St Catherine’s and the newly opened Kneller Hall School. There are plenty of higher education options, too: St Mary’s University and News Associates journalism school are in central Twickenham, and Kingston University is a short drive. London Square Twickenham Green is designed for peaceful living within a friendly, warm community. Located on the banks of the River Crane, this development consists of modern apartments and mews houses complete with communal gardens. Central London, Surrey and beyond are easily reached by train or car, but with an abundance of shops, restaurants and green spaces, Twickenham has everything you need. From Bushy Park, Richmond Park and Kew Gardens to the peaceful Crane Park reserve, this is an area where children naturally grow into young people who love and appreciate nature. Magical weekend walks and bike rides are all around. Plus, sporting opportunities are plentiful at Twickenham Stoop, Twickenham Rowing Club and Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. Homes at London Square Twickenham Green start at £995,000. Book a private appointment with London Square’s expert sales team at twickenhamgreen@londonsquare.co.uk or 0333 666 0106.
Twickenham Green comprises modern homes in a friendly community
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THE TRAILBLAZER Dukes Education founder Aatif Hassan tells Alice Smellie about how a difficult childhood sparked his lifelong dedication to education
O
ABOVE: Aatif Hassan’s career was born out of his own struggles in school as a child RIGHT: Mandoulides in Thessaloniki, Greece is just one of Dukes’ global institutions
n the day that Aatif Hassan opened his first school, Gretton, in 2013, he freely admits there were tears in his eyes. He had remortgaged the family home and given up holidays to transform a failing institution of just 28 children. ‘I stood with the keys in my hand and just cried. It felt right.’ He pauses. ‘It was allencompassing and totally took over my life. But I loved it.’ Thirteen years later, that one-school vision has expanded to encompass Dukes Education, the global independent schools group he founded in 2015, as well as Cavendish Education, a family of specialist schools for children with dyslexia and autism. ‘Education is Britain’s greatest export,’ says Hassan. ‘I am a deep and passionate supporter of the Royal Family, I follow Premier League football, I’m ex-City and exBritish military… all of those things are definitely up there in terms of greatest exports.’ But education is where he has focused his extraordinary abilities – and where 25,000 pupils now flourish. Under the Dukes Education umbrella, Little Dukes operates nurseries across London and the south of England. Senior schools and colleges include Cardiff Sixth Form College – widely regarded as the world’s highest-performing A level institution – alongside Notting Hill Prep and Hampstead Fine Arts College. Internationally, the group stretches from Verbier International School to Spain, Prague, Warsaw, Lisbon and Athens. Dukes’ core tenet is found in the name – from the Latin ducere, meaning ‘to lead’. What unites the schools is not a standardised model, but a shared philosophy: a recognition of the individual, a love of learning, and the ambition to give young people the foundations to lead extraordinary lives. Academic standards are at a premium, but Hassan is wary of uniformity. ‘Take Hampstead Fine Arts College,’ he says. ‘If you measured by Oxbridge entries, you’d think the school is a failure. If you measured it by how many have gone straight to art school without a foundation year, it’s a global superstar.’
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Given the breadth of his achievements and his ongoing charity work, it’s tempting to think Hassan has access to a time machine. We meet in the Dukes Education headquarters, a Georgian building on Buckingham Gate in central London, where the front door opens into a modern, Tardis-like environment of glass, white walls and expansive meeting rooms. Painstakingly painted on the walls of one corridor are the names of all the people who have ever worked at Dukes. It is both friendly and impressive. Hassan’s life story is an education in itself, a study in how adversity can fuel profound change. He names three main influences. His grounding, inspiration and ambition were provided by his devoted father – ‘my moral compass’ – as well as the headteacher of the senior school he attended and his officer commanding in the army. ‘They’re very different people, but a common theme was the notion of service.’ Born with a severely twisted foot that required intensive physiotherapy, Hassan then lost his mother at the age of six. ‘I remember saying goodbye, and I remember crying and screaming at the funeral. But I don’t have a memory beyond that day.’ Later, therapy helped him process his childhood trauma and PTSD. ‘It’s why I’m deeply passionate about charities such as the Ruth Strauss Foundation.’ Hassan’s father became his anchor, giving up his career to raise him and his younger sister. A financially challenging start created his drive for success: ‘We were on meal vouchers at school,’ he says. Early education brought further difficulties. Hassan is both dyslexic and has ADHD, so watched his fellow pupils race ahead while he laboured over the same work.
Reading aloud was an ordeal; Latin, Shakespeare and poetry were minefields of mispronounced words. After failing his 11+, Hassan went to a London comprehensive that was subsequently voted the worst in the city, from which he was expelled at 13. ‘I was frustrated and bored, quintessentially playing up as the naughty boy at the back of the classroom.’ His ever-supportive father put every penny he had into Hassan’s education and he attended a small school called St James, where he flourished. ‘Back then, we used to talk about IQ and then EQ – emotional intelligence. I think the single biggest thing that young people can learn is what I call the BQ, the Bounce Quotient: the ability to respond to failure and to get up again.’ If school planted the seeds of ambition, it was entering the army that nourished them, and it was here that Hassan’s dyslexia was finally diagnosed. ‘In some ways it was a relief and validation, but I had gone through my childhood not reading.’ The harder parts of Hassan’s formative years have always been turned to others’ advantage. He is a passionate supporter of literacy as board director of The Queen’s Reading Room and via the DEAR – Drop Everything And Read – initiative at Dukes schools. ‘Everyone, including teachers, administrative staff and all the pupils, stops what they’re doing and reads for a few minutes.’ He holds a deep belief that labels can be deeply unhelpful, and that neurodivergent children should be seen as differently gifted. ‘For some it’s the greatest blessing and, yes, a superpower.’ The army was a hugely positive influence. ‘I learned more from my commanding officer and fellow cadets about countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 47
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REGULARS CLOCKWISE: CJD International School in Portugal joined Dukes in 2023; Aatif Hassan is constantly involved in activities across both Dukes and Cavendish schools
‘Back when I was at school, we talked a lot about IQ and EQ – emotional intelligence. I think the single biggest thing that young people can learn is BQ, the Bounce Quotient: the ability to respond to failure and get up again’ Aatif Hassan
resilience and pushing through my own boundaries than in any other sphere,’ he says. This led him to later establish the first Combined Cadet Force (CCF) for children with additional needs at Bredon School. ‘It’s thrived and they have loved it,’ he adds, pointing out that A level results dramatically improved within two years and the school topped national ‘value added’ tables. After the army, and university, where he achieved a first in maths, Hassan went into the City – an obvious path for an intelligent and ambitious young man. But then he experienced two life-altering events: the death of his eldest son and a catastrophic car accident. These became the catalyst for founding the schools. ‘I was a classic alpha male – rugby playing, military, not really talking about emotions,’ he says. ‘I knew I wanted to work with young people and thought I could bring out more change in society through doing something like schools.’ The first Dukes Education school to come in was Eaton Square School in 2015, and more rapidly followed, with the idea of supporting children from early years to university application. ‘My son was six, preparing for 7+ exams at a top independent school,’ Hassan recalls. ‘All he wanted to do was play football in the garden. I remember thinking that there must be a better way.’ So Dukes introduced the idea of all-through education, allowing children to go all the way from nursery to A level. How about the schools Dukes acquires – do they want to be part of a big group? ‘By and large they approach us,’ says Hassan. ‘We want schools that welcome being part of our family, but where we believe we can add value to their school and vice versa.’ Indeed, the overwhelming perception is that schools are happy to be a part of such a success. International expansion that started in 2022 has, he says, added to the value for pupils. ‘We’re exporting great education but we’re also learning from Europe, which is ahead of us in some ways, such as technology.’ This means that Dukes has children who spend a term at ski school in Verbier or in Spain. ‘We live in an incredibly divided world, and we’re trying to build young people with a sense of character, values and virtues, as well as a sense of humanity and notion of oneness.’ This year began for Dukes with a gathering of 2,000 staff
at Wembley Stadium to celebrate shared purpose. On stage, preparing to address them, Hassan paused for a moment. ‘They thought my microphone had stopped working, but I was just struck by the responsibility and awe of what had been achieved.’ Another function is held annually to celebrate what Hassan calls ‘the heroes behind the crown’. ‘These are the people you don’t see: the teaching assistants and the admin staff, some of whom have done 30 or 40 years of incredible service.’ He must be very proud, I say. Hassan demurs. ‘I am proud of what the team has achieved. Saying “I” risks ego and arrogance. Working with 25,000 children makes you grounded and keeps you humble.’ Despite overseeing an educational empire, Hassan remains hands-on. ‘I did a Dragon’s Den-style contest recently at Prospect House, rugby at Porto and a politics event at Broomwood,’ he says. No two days are the same across the Dukes schools – though he won’t name a favourite. Progressiveness is key. Acknowledging the unique challenges facing young people today and adapting education to incorporate AI is a vital challenge, Hassan emphasises. What’s next? Further expansion, he says, adding that he has the Middle East in his sights. The Dukes Education philosophy is perhaps neatly summed up in a phrase that hangs in the Dukes theatre: ‘We lead with heart.’ And it’s clear in every thread of the fabric of these schools that this is the case – unlocking individual potential, one child at a time. ■
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I BUILDING ON HISTORY Dukes Education introduces Kneller Hall, a nature-filled school with a fascinating past
f you regularly visit Twickenham in southwest London, the chances are you’ve walked past a majestic Victorian country house on Kneller Road. For 150 years, this Grade II-listed mansion was home to the Royal Military School of Music, training musicians for the British Army before relocating to Hampshire in 2021. Now, Kneller Hall enters a monumental new chapter as Dukes Education prepares to open its first purpose-built school on the 30-acre site. Kneller Hall School will open in September 2027 as the new home – and name – of Radnor House Twickenham, a coeducational setting that first opened in 2011. The school, which will educate boys and girls aged four to 18, boasts something rarely found in other London day schools: an abundance of green space on site. More than half of the estate is Metropolitan Open Land, meaning the area is protected against urban development thanks to its ecological and historical importance. Acre
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SCHOOL HOUSE PROMOTION
upon acre of green space is preserved for pupils to play in and explore as part of an educational experience that goes far beyond academics. ‘In an increasingly fast-paced digital world, giving children space to connect with nature, creativity and physical activity has never been more important,’ says Amy Cavilla, principal of Kneller Hall School. ‘A dedicated forest school and nature reserve will form part of everyday school life, giving pupils the opportunity to explore, learn and build confidence through outdoor education.’ This is perfectly balanced with an ambitious and supportive academic culture, carefully built over a decade and a half at Radnor House. Last year, Radnor House was ranked in the top one percent of all schools in England for value added at A level, with just under 80 percent of pupils achieving A*-B grades in a wide array of A level subjects. Teachers are highly trained and deeply caring, encouraging pupils to aim high and believe in their abilities. As a result, over 80 percent secure offers each year to their first choice universities, with the majority going on to Russell Group institutions. The large campus opens up boundless possibilities for learning. There is a host of dedicated, purpose-built teaching spaces, such as DT suites, performing arts studios and science labs. Naturally, the site lends itself well to sports provision too, with extensive playing fields, an all-weather pitch and a multi-use games area as well as an indoor sports hall. With Twickenham and Whitton stations just a few minutes away, families from Twickenham and further afield have easy access to the school and its impressive range of facilities. ‘It is a privilege to help shape the future of such a historic and well-loved local landmark while building on a strong and successful educational foundation,’ says Cavilla. ‘We believe children thrive when they are known and encouraged as individuals, and at Kneller Hall School, we promote a values-based approach that places kindness, confidence and compassion at the heart of success.’
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Kneller Hall was built in the mid-1800s; the school site is 30 acres; outdoor and indoor sports provision is aplenty; principal Amy Cavilla (left) with head of Kneller Hall Junior School Sasha Davies
Join the next open day on Saturday 3 October. Discover more at knellerhallschool.org
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PHOTOS: CATHERINE HÉLIE EDITIONS; PEXELS/TIMA MIROSHNICHENKO
I
How to Talk to Your Child About…
HONESTY Emily Samuel on drawing the line between telling the truth and protecting your child
s it ever OK to lie to your child? This is a question that comes up often in my work – and, if I’m honest, in my own life as a parent of two young children. If forced to give a strictly binary answer, I would say ‘no’. But parenting, as we all know, rarely fits neatly into ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The reality is more nuanced, so I find it helpful to think in terms of ‘big lies’ and ‘small lies’. ‘Big lies’ are the ones that shape a child’s understanding of their world and their place in it. These might include how someone died, the existence of halfsiblings or close family members they are never told about, or significant truths about where someone is – for example, being incarcerated. Most of these lies come from a wish to protect the child, with reasoning along the lines of: ‘the truth feels too complicated or too upsetting’, ‘they’re too young’, or ‘I don’t know how to explain it’. When truth Sometimes there is even a kind of magical thinking at play: ‘if I is absent, don’t say it out loud, perhaps it children fill the won’t be real.’ But children do not blank space. leave gaps in their understanding. When truth is absent, they don’t Their fantasy leave a blank space – they fill is often more it. Their fantasy is often more frightening frightening than reality, and frequently self-blaming: ‘Daddy than reality – left because of something I did.’ and frequently I hear this time and again in my self-blaming work: stories of loss that were never spoken about again, leaving a child with a sense of something missing but no framework to understand it. Being the one to tell your child what has happened matters. As does trust. If a child later discovers they have been misled about something significant, it can affect their trust in the adult who told the lie. If you do find yourself needing to correct a ‘big lie’, honesty is the way forward. Say something along the lines of: ‘I told you that before because I wasn’t sure how to explain the full truth. That was a mistake, I’m sorry. What actually happened is…’ I am advocating for honesty, but I am not saying every single detail is helpful or necessary. While children need the truth, they need it in a way that matches their developmental stage. This applies to the big, painful topics – death, separation – as well as the more awkward ones, like sex. I know parents who are still in the ‘babies come from the stork’ phase. I understand the temptation; these are not always easy conversations to have. I remember my three-year-old becoming very interested in where babies come from. My first response was evasive. But as the questions kept coming, I realised I needed a better plan. Books are brilliant for this sort of thing: they provide language, structure and the right level of detail. At a young age, a simple explanation is entirely sufficient. Your child will ask more when they are ready. Then there are the small lies. These are the everyday ones – the ones we tell to make life run a little more smoothly: ‘the iPad has run out of battery’ or ‘this shop doesn’t sell sweets’. Most of us have used them, myself included. They are, to some extent, inevitable – and generally harmless in moderation. Sometimes they are less about deception and more about self-preservation at the end of a long day. Emily Samuel is a child and adolescent psychotherapist based in Bath; emilysamuelpsychotherapy.com ■ countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 53
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Open Events
Entry into Reception (4+), Year 1 (5+) and Year 2 (6+) Entry into Year 3 (7+), Year 4 (8+) and Year 5 (9+) Entry into Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+)
Full and Weekly Boarding available
Book your place dulwich.org.uk/admissions Bursaries of up to 100% and Academic Scholarships of up to one third of full fees are available.
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The Best School...
ART ROOMS Creativity runs wild in these inspiring, colour-filled studios, finds Evie Calver
↑ WINDLESHAM HOUSE West Sussex
Colour is key in Windlesham House’s art rooms, where visitors will find wall upon wall of vibrant projects. From traditional techniques such as painting and drawing in one studio to glass fusing, mosaic, silk painting and batik dyeing in the other, the prep school’s pupils explore an array of disciplines and have the freedom to work on their pieces in lessons, during break times and at the weekends. Digital art is encouraged too, with a computer suite introducing the children to graphic design and creative research skills. ‘These spaces offer pupils a place to slow down, express themselves and build resilience through creative risk-taking,’ says senior deputy head Simon Hallam. ‘For many they provide a vital balance to academic study, supporting focus and confidence.’
← WESTBOURNE HOUSE West Sussex
As the name suggests, the Old Coach House art building at Westbourne House was once a carriage and stable block for the estate. Accordingly, its restored pitched ceiling and wooden beams form a space that feels like a professional studio, with abundant space, light and materials for the prep pupils to let their creativity loose. To aid in developing their skills – which include sewing, 3D printing and ceramics – head of art Lisa Jeram regularly puts on workshops with professional artists. ‘These have been valuable in showing the children how to embrace mistakes as part of the creative process,’ she says. As for what makes the space ‘truly special’? ‘The trust that is built over time – children feel confident to just “go for it”, knowing they are supported all the way.’ countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUNTUMN WINTER 2026 —— 55
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HEATHFIELD Berkshire
Whatever medium a student wishes to explore, Heathfield’s art department has the facilities – from a darkroom and a fabric cutting studio to a ceramics workshop and a digital design suite. Rather than being limited to a single room, the department is spread over a former boarding block, where each studio has high ceilings and large windows for painting, crafting and designing in natural light. The building’s entrance serves as a gallery space: students’ artwork and photographs of Heathfield fashion shows decorate the walls, while mannequins flaunting handmade garments stand in corridors across the wider campus. Plans are afoot to develop a large exhibition space at the centre of the school, which will showcase students’ art exploring everything from traditional techniques to the weird, wacky and wonderful.
↓ ST JAMES PREP London
↑ HAMPSTEAD FINE ARTS COLLEGE London
It’s no surprise that the art facilities at Hampstead Fine Arts College are among the best in the country. At the college’s main site at Belsize Park – a former Victorian dairy – students work in dedicated spaces for different media disciplines, including textiles, graphics and fine art. The spacious main studio, however, is the creative heart of the college. Paintings, collages and prints cover the walls; assemblages hang from beams; and the single Tiepolo-blue end wall backdrops an arrangement of large plaster casts of Greek and Roman mythological figures (pictured). The room’s versatility is particularly important, notes head of art Chris Kenny – students can work quietly alone, or gather in a large group for sketchbook research or the college’s weekly life drawing class.
‘Pupils enter the studio and immediately relax,’ says head of art Jaki Fischel-Bock. ‘After a moment to pause and become present, they settle into their work and fully immerse themselves in the creative process.’ Such a soothing space ensures young pupils grow a love and appreciation for art early on; many visit the room in their free time, excited to work on projects or experiment with new mediums. Wheel throwing, lino printing, silk screening and metalwork are on offer alongside painting and drawing. Pupils’ creations spill out beyond the art room, with a selection of framed works hanging in the head’s office and rotating exhibitions on view in the school corridors. Back in the studio, an ‘artist of the week’ display works alongside colourful decor and long workbenches to inspire children to explore and share creative ideas.
ALDRO Surrey
‘The philosophy in the Aldro art room is that every child is an artist,’ says head of art Loren Fenwick. A short walk from the main school building, the vaulted studio offers a space for pupils to unplug from busy school life and dial into their creativity. Large-scale landscapes, famous works reimagined in beads, and charts on theory and technique fill the walls, while two large ceramics kilns are the focus of the space. Better still, the space is home to resident goldfish Trevor and a family of giant African snails, who often find themselves the subject of pupils’ sketches. ‘Sometimes a pupil leaving the studio will pause and say: “Mrs Fenwick, thank you for art”,’ Fenwick reflects. ‘It warms my soul because this room really is where the magic happens.’
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↑ PORT REGIS Dorset
‘Port Regis is all about celebrating and exploring the natural world,’ says head of art Lucy Tabberer. Nowhere is this clearer than in the art room, where large glass doors open onto gardens, woodland and the pen of the school’s pet goats. As a result, nature is often at the forefront of pupils’ work. Watercolour plant studies, cardboard fish props for school productions, and dresses decorated with felt flowers are dotted around the studio, which hosts boarders and art scholars of all ages on weekday evenings and Saturdays. As for timetabled art lessons, these are ‘hands-on and experimental’, says Tabberer. ‘This type of learning stretches different muscles in a developing brain. It can also be key to children’s wellbeing – the more informal style provides opportunities for them to chat and laugh, but also to share their worries.’ Fun creative opportunities to support mental health are always on the table, such as creating canine portraits for the school’s annual charity dog show.
← HAZLEGROVE Somerset
The art room at Hazlegrove Prep makes the most of its rural location: large, north-facing windows look over miles of bucolic fields, woodland and grazing cattle, with views stretching as far as Glastonbury Tor on a clear day. The pastoral scenery and natural light not only provide easy creative inspiration, but also form a peaceful atmosphere for pupils to take time away from busy school life in the evenings and at weekends. Years three to eight have their work displayed around the room on a rotating basis; many will also appear on the ‘art scholar’s wall’, which highlights particularly impressive pieces. With a printing press, ICT room and electric kiln all available to use, pupils can explore all kinds of disciplines – something Hazlegrove hopes to extend in the future with the development of a photography darkroom. countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUNTUMN WINTER 2026 —— 57
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REGULARS ← MPW London
Where could be a better location for an art faculty than one of the world’s most culturally rich neighbourhoods? MPW students are surrounded by creative inspiration, with institutions such as the V&A and Royal Albert Hall only minutes away. Inside, the main studio overlooks the Natural History Museum, with floorto-ceiling windows inviting natural light to stream in as students work. An array of projects at various stages fills the room: colourful canvases resting on wooden easels, patterned textiles draped over mannequins, sculptures standing on large workbenches. There’s also a rooftop garden – a popular workplace in the warmer months – and a host of other studios for creative disciplines such as animation, photography and ceramics.
LONDON PARK SCHOOL CLAPHAM London
LPS Clapham’s art room dates back to 1875, once a potting shed for the Grade II-listed Victorian mansion that now serves as the school’s main building. But despite its historic roots, inside is all forward-looking. Graphic design projects, 3D-printed sculptures and mixed-media portraits are all on display, while future plans include adding a hybrid kiln for firing ceramics and glass. Students in years seven and eight often visit the art room to draw during break times; for the school’s head of art, Kate Wilson, it is ‘lovely to see some of the more energetic, sporty boys share encouragement for each other’s drawings and appreciate the calm atmosphere’. The space is used for its original purpose in the warmer months, too, growing all kinds of plants to be used in photography and cyanotype printing.
BRAMBLETYE → West Sussex
Set in a dedicated block overlooking Ashdown Forest, the Brambletye art department comprises three striking studios. The junior studio, African Karibuni, is home to a collection of African art and is affectionately known as the United Nations Gallery in celebration of the school’s multinational pupil body. In the balcony studio above, potential art scholars in years six to eight each benefit from a permanent workstation. Facilities are plentiful – including a printing press, two kilns and a 3D printer – as are opportunities for pupils to show off their work. The studios can be combined into a large gallery space, complete with spotlights for exhibitions and charity art auctions. Naturally, the wellbeing benefits are endless: one pupil recently told a visiting parent how the art department has helped him become a less shy, more confident and much happier person.
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AGES 3-18
Another
world awaits
Established for over 430 years | High academic reputation 75+ co-curricular activities | Unrivalled facilities Over 30 pupil nationalities | 1,000 acre estate
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Co-ed 3-18 | Boarding & Day | Jesuit, Catholic School
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INSIDERS’ GUIDE What does boarding really look like? Eleanor Doughty gets the important answers from a panel of school experts
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REGULARS What benefits do boarders enjoy beyond school? Boarding prepares young people
for life by encouraging age-appropriate independence and development of the soft skills required to learn to live with others, including tolerance, resilience and emotional intelligence. A warm, welcoming and supportive boarding house allows young people to adapt to and understand the needs of others, and to grow their understanding of their responsibilities as part of a community. Kate Simlett
How involved can parents be in school life?
THE PANEL KATE SIMLETT
Deputy head pastoral, Tudor Hall School
ROSIE WHITE
Director of admissions, Millfield School
JOHN CHISHOLM
Director of international education, Whitgift School
In the senior school it is common for parents who live locally to attend sports fixtures, musical performances and drama shows. Some of these events are even livestreamed for families who live further away. At Millfield Prep, as well as attending sports fixtures, the Parents and Friends Association runs a range of events for pupils and parents to fundraise for the school. This encourages parents to be involved in their child’s education and creates a sense of community within the school. Parents are also welcome to visit their children at the weekend, after sport sessions are finished on Saturdays. Rosie White
For pupils boarding from abroad or from long-distance within the UK, what travel provisions are offered? We provide
assistance with our trusted taxi service. All its drivers are DBS checked for safeguarding purposes. John Chisholm
What kind of provision is there for children who are homesick? Boarding houses are
the centre of students’ lives at Millfield and we make sure they always have a warm and homely atmosphere. We encourage the children to get as involved as possible in the large array of activities we offer in the houses. Our weekend programme includes film nights, takeaways, sporting events, baking afternoons, bowling, game nights and more. Hosting these events encourages children to get stuck in, providing a great opportunity to focus on the excitement of Millfield rather than negative emotions homesickness brings. Rosie White How are boarding houses made to feel like home? Tudor Hall has horizontal boarding,
meaning each boarding house is structured to suit the age of the girls living in it. Every girl can decorate her bedroom area with personal
FROM LEFT: Millfield boarders enjoy a wide range of weekend activities; at Whitgift, boys can spend their free time playing sport, rehearsing music or drama, or going on arranged trips
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REGULARS Tudor Hall girls are free to choose what they would like in their boarding houses to help them feel at home
LAST WORD FROM THE BOARDING HOUSE What is the most important piece of advice you’d give to first-time boarders?
items and is encouraged to do so. Girls are asked what they may like to have in the house; in the sixth form house, for instance, there is a pool table, dartboard, communal dining table and outdoor seating area. Every evening there is an activity in each boarding house, such as board game night, Tuesday Toasties, or bar and pizza night on Fridays. Blankets on the sofas, a plethora of house plants and the smell of cookies baking add to the home-away-from-home feel. Kate Simlett What is there to do at the weekend?
Over 900 boys at Whitgift play sport, so it is likely they will be playing a fixture. If not, they might be rehearsing in the music department if they are a music scholar or involved in one of the drama performances. We offer trips for boys not involved in sport, music or drama. These come at no added extra cost and include visits to museums, art galleries and cities such as Cambridge, as well as paintballing, laser tag, bowling and go-karting. John Chisholm
Who is in charge in the evenings and overnight? The children
are looked after by their resident
housemaster/housemistress as well as their resident assistant housemaster/housemistress, matron, sports coaches and tutors. The role of these members of staff is to oversee the children’s health and wellbeing while creating a safe and relaxing environment. Rosie White How is prep set and managed when pupils are in school all the time?
Prep sessions for students in years seven to 11 are supervised by staff, while sixth form prep is supervised in-house by tutors. Year 11s and sixth formers are able to complete prep in study periods during the day, and continue with prep during hour-long, whole-school sessions following the end of lessons and again after supper. Free time on Sunday evenings in the boarding house also provide an opportunity for prep to be completed for the following week. Kate Simlett
What is the screen time/mobile phone policy? Our boys are not allowed to use
their phones during the school day, and devices are locked away in cupboards in their rooms so they cannot use them overnight. John Chisholm ■
Many young people love boarding but may have tears when leaving home to return to school; this is normal and not always something to worry about. We encourage home comforts at school: items brought in from home to decorate dorms and make the girls’ rooms feel homely. Time and again, year after year, we see that boarding builds friendships for life as well as wide-ranging skills that will be invaluable in the world beyond school. Kate Simlett Visit the school, have a consultation online with a senior colleague, ask the school what makes them different. Parents should be looking for answers that genuinely set the school they are talking to out from the crowd, not merely about facilities, pastoral care and academic results. Ask the right questions – about exeat weekends, the nationality mix, pathway programmes, post-school life and support, and food! John Chisholm Look at the school’s social media to get to know more about boarding students’ everyday lives and to be inspired by the incredible achievements from present students and alumni. Getting to know the housemaster/ housemistress before the start of term can reassure new families that their child is getting the highest standard of care as a boarding student. Rosie White
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Take a closer look... OPEN EVENTS
Starting 18 September Nursery x Pre-Prep x Prep x Girls x Boys x Sixth
Book a place at berkhamsted.com Berkhamsted.indd 1
09/07/2026 09:32
“A reputation to challenge any competitors” “The whole family belongs” Good Schools Guide
For 7+, 8+, 11+ and 16+ entry
Saturday 19 September 2026 10am until 1pm
eltham-college.org.uk Scan QR code or visit our website
admissions@eltham-college.org.uk
020 8857 1455
A day school for girls and boys aged 7 to 18
“London Independent Secondary School of the Year 2024” The Sunday Times
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REGULARS
PILLAR TO PILLAR
Lady Harriet Bligh with her mother at Cobham Hall, then the family home, in the 1950s
Eleanor Doughty digs into Cobham Hall’s rich history, from an earl’s crumbling home to a modern school
L
ady Harriet Bligh, youngest daughter of Esme Bligh, 9th Earl of Darnley, cannot remember ever having any toys as a child. Instead she had the beautiful Cobham Hall, five miles from Gravesend, and the run of the place – ‘the whole park, acres of it. We regularly played on the roof, which was quite safe because it had a steep parapet, and up by the lakes – though I don’t think any of us could swim.’ Her mother Rosemary, Countess of Darnley was busy running the house and her father had a nursery business, so Cobham became a de facto parent for the Bligh children. ‘We didn’t really have parents that parented us well, but we had the house. It was all-consuming.’ Lady Harriet was the last child to grow up at Cobham Hall, but she was by no means the last to live there. For the last 64 years, Cobham Hall has been a school – and in time, Lady Harriet herself would be educated there. The manor of Cobham was given to William de Cobham in 1208 and passed through the family until it reached William Brooke, 10th Baron Cobham, who built wings onto the old manor house in 1584 and laid out its garden. After his son Henry Brooke, 11th Baron Cobham ‘plotted against the Crown [in 1603] to put Lady Arabella Stuart on the throne rather than James I’, explains archivist Paul Kingman, ‘he lost the estates’. Cobham was granted to Ludovic Stewart, 2nd Duke of Lennox and eventually descended upon Lady Theodosia Hyde, who married Irish landowner John Bligh – from 1725 1st Earl of Darnley – in 1713. By the 1880s, the Darnleys had 35,000 acres in County Meath and Kent, and a house at Cobham full of Old Masters. But, as for so many aristocratic families, the turn of the century proved a testing time for the Darnleys. Death duties were owed following the death of the sixth earl in 1896, the seventh in 1900 and the eighth in 1927, and with no money to pay them, the estate chattels began to hit the auction rooms. In 1904, a Titian was sold to the National Gallery and then the bulk of the collection – including paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough – was sold by Lady Harriet’s grandfather Ivo Bligh, 8th Earl of Darnley in 1925. The family, says Lady Harriet, was not grand but arty. ‘They all painted – my grandmother and father played
the piano, and my father wrote plays.’ Later, he took up gardening, growing flowers to sell at Covent Garden’s flower market, and today there are six million daffodils at Cobham. Esme Darnley – known through his life as ‘Clif’, after his courtesy title of Lord Clifton, which he held until his father’s death in 1927 – married thrice and had six children – the second of whom, Peter, was taken prisoner of war in 1940. ‘My father didn’t know whether he would ever see his son again,’ says Lady Harriet. ‘He needed some heirs so he married again and a daughter [Lady Rose] was born. That marriage didn’t survive, and then one day his eldest daughter [Lady Marguerite] said to my mother Rosemary, who was her best friend, “Would you like to come to Cobham Hall for my father’s 50th birthday?” My father took one look at her and thought, “She’s good stock for having babies.”’ Clif and Rosemary married in 1940 and had three children: Adam, later 11th Earl of Darnley, Lady Melissa, and then Lady Harriet in 1949. Their life at Cobham, dressed in hand-me-downs – ‘we all looked like tomboys’ – was one of a kind of charming genteel poverty. The house and gardens were intermittently open to the public and though the family had a cook during the war, without a washing machine Rosemary Darnley had wheeled the family washing ‘a countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 65
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mile to the village where somebody would wash and dry it all’. With no fridge, she would drive to Chatham to buy blocks of ice. The house was ‘bitterly cold’, underinsured and dusty, and Rosemary was ran ragged hauling wood in from the sheds to light the fires and cleaning the hundreds of windows. The children’s idyll was unspoilt, but jolly good fun did not pay the bills. ‘My father hadn’t a clue how to monetise the house,’ says Lady Harriet. ‘Friends of his like the Duke of Bedford opened safari parks at their houses, but he wasn’t like that.’ Clif Darnley died in May 1955 aged 68, and after that, life changed forever. On 6 January 1956, an ominous headline appeared in The Times: ‘Cobham Hall to be sold.’ At around the same time, a newly qualified teacher called Brenda Hancock was preparing to set sail for Kenya. After an early childhood spent in Asia, she left Saint Felix School in Southwold and worked first as a typist before training to be a teacher. After a year’s study, she applied for a job at Kenya High School. She was accepted and, in the wake of the Mau Mau uprising, moved there for four happy and invigorating years. After an extended period of travel, Hancock arrived back in Britain in October 1960. One morning, she saw a photograph of Cobham Hall on the front page of what was then called the Times Education Supplement. As she remembered in her autobiography, ‘the caption under the photograph stated that a new independent, international and interdenominational secondary school for girls, with a special interest in world affairs, was to be founded there’. When, a year or so later, she spotted an advertisement in The Times for its founding headmistress, she applied and got the job. She was 29. The house that Lady Harriet had so loved as a child ‘stunned’ Hancock on her first visit. ‘It looked to me like a lesser version of Hampton Court. The Gilt Hall alone was amazing with its Inigo Jones ceiling… it was far more than I had expected.’ The original idea for Cobham Hall had been Bee Mansell’s (née Batlivala) – an Indian-born British barrister advocating for girls’ education in the 1930s. Disillusioned while looking for a school for her daughter, she thought she would start her own and Cobham was ideal. Over the summer of 1962, Hancock and her team worked hard to turn crumbly Cobham into a school, digging up flagstones and floorboards and installing ‘innumerable radiators’. Dual-purpose tennis courts and netball pitches were laid out in the walled garden; desks, chairs and chalkboards ordered; and the bedrooms furnished, as Hancock described, ‘almost entirely with a bulk purchase from an establishment in London for foreign students, which just happened to close and sell up its contents during the summer’. For years, Cobham Hall girls used clothes hangers marked ‘Bridge House’. In September 1962, Cobham Hall School opened with just over 50 girls aged 11 to 16, five members of teaching staff, a nurse, and a husband-and-wife maintenancekitchen team. Lady Harriet was one of these girls – and delighted to be home. ‘I reconnected with the house and made friends with it again,’ she says. Her peers were a curious group, from a Malaysian princess to Annie Freud, daughter of artist Lucian Freud. ‘All the parents were taking a huge gamble in sending their daughters to a completely new school,’ she says. ‘I think some chose it because it was close to London, so it was convenient.’ Rosemary Darnley, she reflects, ‘didn’t think that girls’ education was important and there were a lot of people like her around.’ In the second cohort of Cobham girls,
in September 1963, was Joanna Methuen-Campbell (now Dr Joanna Martin), who echoes this view. ‘My parents had put me down for Eton before I was born, but rather gave up after they discovered that I was a girl,’ she says. ‘When they decided they needed to find a school for me, they had to send me somewhere that had no waiting list.’ Although Martin had grown up in a big house herself – at Penrice Castle, on the Gower Peninsula – she found Cobham ‘quite spooky: nobody liked being sent to the Blue Corridor, reputedly haunted by the Blue Lady, when they were caught talking after lights-out’. She remembers the school as ‘posh and trendy, rather than academic’, though both she and Lady Harriet went on to Oxford and Cambridge universities. Hancock, says Lady Harriet, had ‘lofty ideals and that made us feel special’. By the time Hancock left Cobham Hall in 1972, the school was at capacity with 280 girls and 26 teaching staff. As she reflected, ‘the Cobham years had been absorbing, creative [and] filled with loving humour’. That Cobham Hall became a school was the best option for it, says Lady Harriet. ‘We didn’t have the money to maintain it. There were acres of roof and the lead was stolen on an annual basis; once there was a break-in that wasn’t discovered for months because nobody went into that room.’ Years later, Rosemary Darnley told her daughter how, had Clif lived, she ‘wouldn’t have made old bones because it was so exhausting’. He wouldn’t have wanted to sell, ‘so then we would have had an elderly father living alone at Cobham’. There remain only a few glimpses of the old world at Cobham today: a herd of deer in the park, the few days a year the gardens are open to the public; and the 18thcentury model dairy, now run by the Landmark Trust as a one-bedroom holiday let. The school joined Mill Hill Education Group in 2021 and became fully coeducational in 2025. For Kingman, who first visited Cobham Hall as a five-year-old boy, Cobham Hall is his ‘happy place’. ‘I said: “When I grow up, I’m going to buy this house.” Now I’m lucky enough to work here.’ ■ Heirs and Graces: A History of the Modern British Aristocracy by Eleanor Doughty is out now in paperback (Penguin, £12.99)
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REGULARS
Cobham Hall was ‘bitterly cold’, underinsured and dusty, and Rosemary, Countess of Darnley was ran ragged hauling wood in from the sheds to light the fires. The children’s idyll was unspoilt, but jolly good fun did not pay the bills
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Cobham Dairy was built on the Cobham Hall grounds in the 1790s; the Earls of Darnley struggled to maintain the beautiful but huge manor; Cobham Dairy is now Grade II*-listed and available to let for a detox getaway; Cobham Hall is now a successful school, offering a range of scholarships including for talented musicians
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FEATURES SCHOOL HERO
T
Jeremy Tomlinson, steward, Lancing College Chapel
his year has been particularly special for Jeremy Tomlinson. As if turning 80 years old wasn’t enough, he has also been at the centre of celebrations for the Friends of Lancing Chapel’s 80th anniversary – an independent charity dedicated to preserving the beautiful Gothic Revival building connected to Lancing College. Tomlinson’s decades-long involvement in Lancing College and its chapel has been a conscious choice. After joining the school as an English teacher in 1971, his decision to stay past the initial one-term period was swayed by Lancing’s ‘ethos, friendly atmosphere and strong community spirit’. Plus, he adds, ‘the chapel certainly contributed to its appeal’.
Upon retiring from teaching in 2012 he became the chapel’s steward, overseeing the largest project in its 154-year history: completing the Grade I-listed building, which had been left unfinished since 1868. ‘It’s been like a second career – I’ve learned a great deal and met fascinating people,’ he says. Keen to share his interest, he has also published two chapel guidebooks. When it comes to Lancing College, what does Tomlinson hope he has left behind for future generations? ‘Teachers cannot really know their legacy. You just hope you had some beneficial influence on at least some of your pupils.’ The impact of his dedication to Lancing Chapel, however, is visible to all – and will last far into the future. Evie Calver ■ countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUNTUMN WINTER 2026 —— 69
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As well as wilding its urban campus, Guildford High School works with Surrey Wildlife Trust on nature-led initiatives
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FEATURES
Going, Going… Green
Schools across the UK are going wild with their approach to nature, finds Annabel Heseltine
W
hen Lesley Malpas, author of The Rewilding Manual for Schools, founded Operation Future Hope in 2017, most schools were still manicuring their lawns with pride. But to the mother of four – who holds a master’s in conservation and had recently returned from Africa, where she had seen how quickly nature rebounds when humans step back – those lawns presented an opportunity. Inspired by Knepp in Sussex – an intensively farmed dairy estate turned wildlife haven, transformed by Sir Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree – and realising that land occupied by schools collectively amounts to something the size of Greater Birmingham, Malpas describes a lightbulb moment. ‘If we can do this in a rural environment, why can’t we do it in schools?’ Finding a willing collaborator in Ruth Sullivan, geographer and head of Sherborne Girls, Malpas set out to create a national network of biodiversity havens. The aim was to restore nature while embedding it into education. Sherborne became a flagship. ‘We planted a wildflower meadow the length of the playing fields,’ Malpas recalls. ‘Then [Sherborne] sponsored us to work with The Gryphon, a local state school with no money. We stood back and watched nature take over.’
With Sherborne Boys and local state schools also on board, Operation Future Hope piloted a free nature and rewilding programme, which eventually rolled out online to 24 schools across Dorset and Somerset. In 2023, Malpas wrote The Rewilding Manual for Schools to reach a wider audience, before stepping back when the baton was taken up the Natural History Museum’s National Education Nature Park initiative. This national programme was launched with the Department for Education and the RHS, and has since distributed more than £12m in biodiversity grants to over 1,250 schools. Returning nature to the educational curriculum seems like a no-brainer, but progress has been slow. In 2011, BBC wildlife producer Mary Colwell launched a campaign for a GCSE in natural history, supported by Tony Juniper (now chair of Natural England) and former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas. Although the government announced plans to introduce the GCSE by 2025, implementation has been repeatedly delayed, with current timelines suggesting 2029. Colwell argues the consequences of delay are dire. ‘We’ve lost at least two generations of people able to observe, name, record and monitor wildlife around them,’ she says. ‘People don’t know the names of even the most common plants and animals.’ A 2019 poll of 1,000 children aged five to 16 found that more than 80 percent could not identify a bumblebee or an oak leaf. ‘That’s a huge countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 71
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FEATURES FROM LEFT: Cottesmore pupils regularly enjoy time outdoors; Mount Kelly prioritises naturebased activities for pupils
loss to society and to the future of the planet,’ says Colwell. ‘If we don’t understand the natural world, we can’t make informed judgments about climate change or biodiversity loss.’ Yet her warnings have not fallen on barren ground so much as dormant soil. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, a broader societal reappraisal of nature has spurred schools into action. Some have launched new initiatives; others have expanded longstanding ones. Proving that an urban campus is no barrier to wilding, Guildford High School has been holding green weeks, attending mock COPs and collaborating with schools around the country. ‘Our site is small, so we have to be creative,’ says Sharon Howitt, the school’s head of sustainability – a role that did not formally exist until she suggested it five years ago. Starting with small interventions – hedgerow planting, pollinator patches, gardening clubs – Guildford High has gradually built a broader strategy, working with the Surrey Wildlife Trust through initiatives such as Nextdoor Nature and Wilder Schools. The school has also taken matters into its own hands academically, introducing natural history lessons at year nine with support from a colleague on the GCSE curriculum panel. ‘We think it’s important enough for all students, not just a small number at GCSE,’ says Howitt, ‘and it’s been very popular.’ Further west, Mount Kelly in Devon is helping shape the national conversation. In March, the school emphasised its commitment to placing nature education centre stage by holding its inaugural conference on the topic, featuring discussions on nature education, conservation and careers. Located on the edge of Dartmoor, the school has long prioritised outdoor learning – but found that some parents were questioning the impact of so much time spent away from studies in crucial exam years. In response, Mount Kelly launched the Nature Connectivity Project, examining outcomes for pupils who continued nature-based activities while studying. ‘I can understand parents’ concern,’ says assistant head (nature) Katy Kelly, ‘but the study showed that pupils who got outside, did more activities and really pushed
themselves – even in those exam years – were actually getting better academic results than those that stepped back.’ Guided by the University of Derby’s Nature Connection Index, Mount Kelly has integrated ‘wonder walks’ into daily routines and invested in teacher training, equipping staff with the confidence and language to teach nature effectively. The school is also working with Plymouth and Oxford universities to explore the impact of nature connection on pupils and develop biodiversity fieldwork skills. Increasingly, schools are linking conservation with wellbeing and partnership work. Mount Kelly now collaborates with local primaries and urban schools, extending its reach beyond its rural setting. Radley College, a boys-only boarding school just outside Oxford with a 300-acre campus and 550-acre farm, has moved the dial further still. Former army officer Charlie Herbert stepped in to manage the Radley Countryside Centre four years ago, around the same time as Radley published its first sustainability strategy. ‘I was attracted by the warden’s vision to use the school’s land and its countryside centre to support its partnership programme,’ he says. ‘The level of
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FEATURES FROM LEFT: Lesley Malpas planted a wildflower meadow at Sherborne Girls; Tonbridge has a dedicated outdoor space for nature pursuits
inequality in Oxford is staggering. We are working with pupils at The Oxford Academy and several primaries in Blackbird Leys – an area that falls within the 20 percent most deprived neighbourhoods in England. Pupils there have limited opportunities for outside education.’ Herbert is now supporting Toa Plus, an inclusion unit for children failing in mainstream education, while the Capstone Programme at Radley Countryside Centre introduces students to activities ranging from tree planting and livestock management to ecological surveying and habitat mapping. ‘It’s life-changing,’ he says. ‘We’ve worked with one boy for three years who had been permanently excluded from school. We’ve supported him through some very difficult periods.’ The challenge of changing mindsets also faces Will Biddle at Tonbridge School in Kent. Although his role as head of sustainability was only formalised three years ago, the school’s work in this area stretches back two decades. A design technology teacher by training, Biddle and the school began with a tree planting project in 2006; today, sustainability is woven into school life through a four-pillar strategy encompassing energy, biodiversity, curriculum and culture. ‘It’s been rewarding, but it’s uphill,’ he says. ‘Schools are still heavily tied to exams and grades.’ For him, the challenge lies in creating space – both within the timetable and within people’s thinking. ‘You have to help people understand that nature matters, that it has intrinsic value. If they haven’t experienced it, that’s not always easy.’ This cultural shift extends beyond pupils to parents. School communities are increasingly international and urban, reflecting wider demographic trends. With global urbanisation expected to rise from 55 percent to 68 percent by 2050, reconnecting young people with nature is challenging. Role models help bridge that gap. When Sir Charlie Burrell spoke at Radley about the economics of rewilding Knepp, Herbert noted a shift in parents’ engagement. ‘When they hear about money, they listen,’ he says. ‘It’s about helping them understand why this matters.’ At Cottesmore, a family-run prep school in Sussex, immersion begins early. Set within a 30-acre campus and larger working farm,
By harnessing curiosity, pupils’ engagement with nature feels organic and stays with them for life
pupils grow food, explore woodland and engage directly with the landscape. Headmaster Tom Rogerson has built on this foundation by drawing on Malpas’ rewilding framework and introducing initiatives such as a climate change summit – COTT26 – planned for November. ‘It’s about harnessing that energy and curiosity,’ he says. The result is an environment where engagement with nature feels organic rather than imposed, and stays with them for life. He refers to a mentor and old Cottesmore boy, Robert Gardner, who spoke recently at St Paul’s School’s Start It sustainable entrepreneurship conference, asking pupils to ‘reimagine normal’. As founder of Rebalance Earth, a natural capital fund deploying billions into ecosystem restoration, Gardner frames nature as infrastructure – essential to economic stability and growth. His examples, from peatland restoration to oyster reefs, demonstrate how environmental and financial interests can align. ‘The students love it,’ says Nicholas Troen, who founded Start It to inspire pupils to develop businesses or non-profits that can benefit the environment or society. ‘They’re developing business ideas – solar, desalination, alternative agriculture – and then hearing from someone who’s actually done it. That connection is powerful.’ Across the country, a quiet transformation is underway. From wildflower meadows to curriculum reform, from urban schoolyards to sprawling estates, schools are rethinking their relationship with the natural world. The challenges remain – curriculum pressures, parental scepticism, cultural barriers – but momentum is building. Could it be time to pack away the lawnmower for good? ■
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A CHANCE TO DISCOVER WORTH – AN EDUCATION WITH HEART & SOUL
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In Sussex’s glorious countryside 40 minutes by train from central London
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Contact us for an individual visit or our next open day worthschool.org.uk or scan the QR code Worth School, Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4SD
Co-ed 11-18 years Day, boarding and flexi boarding Worth.indd 1
GCSE, A Level and IB Catholic school - welcoming all faiths and none 23/07/2026 17:30
St John’s Beaumont has resided on a 75-acre campus in Old Windsor since its founding in 1888
MORE TO EXPLORE St John’s Beaumont is supercharging its educational offering with four exciting new opportunities
S
t John’s Beaumont was founded in 1888 with two guiding principles: ‘magis’, to always strive to be greater for others; and ‘cura personalis’, to provide each child with comprehensive, individualised pastoral care. These fundamental values, combined with an ambitious academic curriculum and vibrant cocurricular opportunities, help boys and girls aged three to 13 grow into compassionate, self-assured young people. The school – part of global education group Intellego – continues to be forward-looking, introducing four landmark developments this year.
SCHOLA CANTORUM
Vocalists, rejoice: a new choral scholarship programme offers exceptional musical training with a view to developing talented young musicians. Tuition in voice, piano and an instrument of choice is standard, while further music theory teaching ensures scholars develop strong technical foundations. Performance opportunities are plentiful, including regular choir concerts, recording sessions and broadcast appearances. These are not just
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SCHOOL HOUSE PROMOTION
limited to the UK: regular international tours are in the calendar, with the first scheduled for December 2027. The programme is headed up by Dr Andrew Lumsden, a distinguished choral director and globally renowned musician. Throughout 22 years as director of music at Winchester Cathedral, he guided one of the finest cathedral choirs through a host of international performances, including at the BBC Proms and papal masses in St Peter’s Square. The Schola Cantorum is open to boys and girls aged eight to 12, with auditions taking place from autumn 2026 for the September 2027 intake. Families should register their interest with the admissions office.
HOME SWEET HOME
FROM ABOVE: Samantha Suddery heads up the new girls’ boarding house; performing arts workshops with Lyric Hammersmith are new this year; outdoor play is a central part of school life
St John’s Beaumont recently opened its very first girls’ boarding house, three years after welcoming girls into the school community for the first time. Homely rooms feature comfortable beds, cosy blankets and generous space for pupils to store their belongings and display soothing slices of home. At the heart of the house is Samantha Suddery, matron and head of girls’ boarding, who has been hard at work crafting an environment where girls feel carefully and lovingly looked after. With the number of female pupils growing term by term, the house is shaping up to be a true home away from home filled with friendship, fun and lasting memories.
FOOTBALL FUTURES
Thanks to a new partnership with Brentford FC, St John’s Beaumont pupils have access to invaluable coaching by Premier League players. Keen athletes in years three to eight will enjoy weekly training sessions with the club, while the school’s sports scholars will also receive mentoring in leadership, sports psychology, nutrition and more. Better still, pupils will stay inspired and informed on the inner workings of the game with regular guest talks by players from the men’s and women’s first teams. For aspiring footballers, it’s a no-brainer.
ACT YOUR HEART OUT
There’s lots to be excited about for young people with their eyes set on the performing arts, too. A brand new collaborative project between St John’s Beaumont and the historic Lyric Hammersmith theatre gives pupils the opportunity to dive head first into the world of professional theatre. Workshops led by working directors and writers will introduce scholars and senior students to the industry, exploring everything from scriptwriting to costuming and casting. All students’ hard work will pay off in an final performance at the Lyric Hammersmith’s Studio theatre in 2027.
Discover St John’s Beaumont by booking a school visit at sjbwindsor.uk
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FROM LEFT: Brighton College was the first UK independent school to make Mandarin a compulsory language; MPW students can learn Arabic, Turkish, Portuguese, Russian and more
Forget just French. Today’s students are unlocking the globe by learning all sorts of languages, finds Alice Smellie
World
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Pupils at City of London Freemen’s gain experience in ten different languages, including British Sign Language
n these turbulent times, the ability to communicate with other countries has never been so important. It may be reassuring to learn, then, that schools are increasingly broadening their language offering form the traditional trio of French, Spanish and German. A wider range of global languages are populating the corridors of modern foreign languages departments across the nation. Statistics remain elusive, but Mandarin Chinese, for example, is now taught in 22 percent of independent schools at key stage three. There have always been myriad benefits to learning a wide range of languages, but now more than ever, in our trade-dependent economy, these are front and centre. A 2022 University of Cambridge study concluded languages are key to overcoming trade barriers and fostering business relations worldwide, and in today’s fiercely competitive job market, knowing multiple languages is also linked to higher earnings. Studies suggest this uplift can be as much as 20 percent. The possibilities are boundless for those pupils fortunate enough to have access to global languages at school. And unsurprisingly, for those within the independent sector this provision is more substantial: more than half of independent schools teach every pupil aged 11 to 14 at least two languages, compared to 16 percent in state schools. ‘We believe language opens doors to people, cultures, ideas, careers and new ways of thinking,’ says Dr Alicia Palomo López, head of languages at City of London Freemen’s School, set in the quintessentially English countryside of Ashtead, Surrey. The school educates children from the junior years through to sixth form, and all gain experience in ten different languages. Here, language learning begins early. In key stage two, pupils follow a programme called A Passport To The World designed to introduce a wide range of languages, including Mandarin and Arabic. ‘We create little passports for the children and they collect country-specific stamps for each language they explore,’ says López. The initiative is a taster programme, with
an emphasis on enjoyment – ‘sparking curiosity while developing transferable skills’. In year three, López explains, ‘pupils study Arabic, Italian and British Sign Language; in year four, Japanese, Russian, and Latin; in year five, Spanish, German and French; and in year six, all pupils learn Mandarin’. The school also uses the WoLLoW – World of Languages, Languages of the World – programme, a charity co-founded by classicist John Claughton, former chief master of King Edward’s School, Birmingham. In this, he explains, ‘rather than being given a taster of a couple of languages, we recommend developing a broader understanding of language via linguistics, so pupils understand how languages develop and relate to each other’. The teaching approach at Freemen’s is a departure from the rote learning of verbs that many parents may remember, too. ‘Each language is taught through a theme, using the Conti Method – building sentences in blocks, with a strong focus on listening and speaking before writing,’ López says. At this stage, fluency is not the goal. Rather, the focus is on culture and communication. ‘Pupils explore elements such as Japanese dining etiquette, Arabic calligraphy and Islamic art. The idea is they can travel abroad and communicate, even in a small way.’ There are cognitive benefits, too. ‘Learning a language enhances brain power through neuroplasticity,’ she adds. Down on the south coast, Brighton College, which educates children aged three to 18, has made Mandarin a compulsory language – the first UK independent school to do so. It also offers Latin, Greek and Russian alongside the standard European languages. ‘We wanted to intentionally broaden our pupils’ knowledge by giving them a far wider and richer understanding of the world,’ explains headmaster Steve Marshall-Taylor. Like at Freemen’s, early teaching is focused on culture. ‘Pupils learn through song, history, stories and art as well as the language itself.’ At Brighton College, Mandarin is seen as a highly practical offering. ‘Many pupils will probably end up working in Asia or doing business with Asia. There are obviously many languages they might learn, but Mandarin is a really good introduction,’ says Marshall-Taylor. On a
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‘Global languages set you apart in terms of prospects and possibilities, but also by opening up empathy, understanding and curiosity about other cultures’ Steve Marshall-Taylor, Brighton College
The MPW Group educates 1,200 students annually, a third of whom come from abroad
recent trip to Shanghai, he connected with a former pupil, Harvey Sheppard, who acted as his translator. ‘Having started learning Mandarin as an English pupil at Brighton College, he is now completely fluent. My colleagues and I were blown away by his linguistic ability.’ Isn’t Mandarin incredibly difficult? It is, MarshallTaylor agrees, ‘but that’s true of most languages, and I think that challenge is part of the attraction. Pupils really enjoy the intellectual challenge of doing a language at a high level, whether it’s Greek, Russian or Mandarin. They’ll come into their languages classes from maths or science and will want to be stretched intellectually, just in a different way.’ The increasing prevalence of AI has a two-fold effect on the study of languages. In one breath, it can be a useful tool – as schools such as Haberdashers’ Elstree have found, having been awarded the highest possible accreditation from the Good Future Foundation for their integration of secure AI tools in teaching. In turn, says Marshall-Taylor, as this becomes more evident in other parts of life, the use of global languages is ever more important. ‘Being able to use these is very much about human connection, and probably even more so as we go ahead. Behind the ability to communicate is the sense that you are valuing someone’s culture and country.’ The languages offered are very popular, too. ‘We always have a big group choosing to take Mandarin for GCSE, and Russian at this level is popular as well,’ he says. ‘At a higher level you’re opening up literature and also contemporary politics, and able to see the world through the eyes of different commentators and different media outlets.’ Of course, adds Marshall-Taylor, schools must consider the usefulness of their curricula. ‘Global languages set you apart in terms of prospects and possibilities, yes, but also by opening up values such as empathy and understanding, and curiosity about other cultures.’ The MPW Group, with its three colleges in London, Birmingham and Cambridge, educates 1,200 students every year, a third of whom come from abroad. Accordingly, says Ana Abad Jara, head of languages at MPW London, ‘we offer ten languages at GCSE and A level’. This smorgasbord includes Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish and Arabic.
‘Sometimes we have demand for the subject and sometimes not, but we have tutors available for all the languages.’ There’s a slightly different starting point at MPW because of the international nature of the colleges. ‘The languages are open to everyone, but it’s very hard to start from scratch, although we will accommodate this,’ says Abad Jara. ‘Some students are what we call “fake bilingual” in Russian or Arabic, where they speak fluently but don’t know how to write in the language. We understand the needs of the students and work around them.’ With global languages, the difficulty often comes in the writing. ‘You have to learn an entirely new alphabet, which can be hard,’ she adds. Abad Jara emphasises the value of languages in international business. ‘If you have a basic knowledge of Russian or Japanese it’s incredibly useful, and if you think about manners, for example, it can mean the difference between a deal being made or inadvertently causing offence by misreading cultural etiquette. I think it makes students more analytical and aware of nuance in other languages.’ Students agree with these analyses – including Sheppard, whom Marshall-Taylor met in Shanghai and who started learning Mandarin at Brighton College aged 13. ‘I have found that learning Mandarin opens doors to the ideas, industries and innovations shaping our future – and, more importantly, to the cultural subtleties behind how people think and work,’ he says. ‘When we learn to speak another language, we learn to understand each other.’ Upper sixth student Emily describes how she has studied a variety of languages at Brighton College, including Russian, Latin, Spanish and Mandarin. ‘My favourite is Mandarin, which has always interested me due to its unique character style. I am very much looking forward to studying in China during my third year of university and being able to speak to others in their native tongue.’ There is still ever more to do. With 155,000 Romanian children in the UK and a diaspora of 1.2 million, broadcaster and historian Tessa Dunlop is campaigning to make Romanian available at GCSE. This is currently not available in any school. ‘Romanian is the second most spoken foreign language in the UK and 1.2 million Romanians do not have the opportunity to get a qualification in their own language,’ she says. ‘If we can deliver this GCSE, that is really something Britain can really take pride in – a way of owning our status as a welcoming space for migrants we have invited in, and a way of celebrating the wonderful diversity in this country.’ ■
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Ashbourne College
was founded in 1981 by Mike Kirby, who remains principal to this day
the Family These family-run sixth forms give ‘home’ a whole new and special meaning, says Sybilla Hart
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n an age when many schools have changed ownership, it is reassuring to learn that there are three family-owned and family-run sixth form colleges that stand out as truly independent establishments. Collingham College and Ashbourne College in London as well as Hurtwood House in Surrey offer their sixth form students something rare and distinct: a place of learning seen through the lens of the very families that first opened them. Ashbourne College was founded in 1981 by Mike Kirby, who started tutoring students on a one-to-one basis from his home on Ashbourne Road. ‘More than 40 years later, that commitment to individual attention remains at the heart of the college,’ he says. As well as remaining the school’s principal, Kirby is head of maths and teaches the subject at A level, while his son Lee is director of studies. ‘Together we have built a culture based on a simple belief: every student deserves personal support and should be encouraged to pursue the highest academic ambitions of which they are capable,’ he adds. The result? Ashbourne is ranked in the top three percent for ‘value added’, a government statistic tracking improvement from GCSE to A level. Kirby studied aerospace engineering at the University of Toronto and statistics in London, and is a former main member of the admissions panel for medicine at UCL. Thanks to his strong work ethic and example, over 50 percent of Ashbourne College pupils achieved A*-A grades at A level in 2024/25, while in 2024 over 60 percent of pupils went on to Russell Group universities. Small wonder, then, that Ashbourne was graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2024. ‘We don’t believe in imposing limits on students’ aspirations,’ says Kirby. ‘Whether a student is aiming for A grades, A*s, Oxbridge, medicine, engineering or another competitive destination, our role is to provide the guidance, challenge and encouragement needed to help them fulfil their potential.’ Ashbourne’s philosophy, he adds,
has remained unchanged over the decades. ‘Exceptional outcomes are achieved through exceptional individual attention.’ A mile away, Collingham, a GCSE and sixth form college, prides itself on meeting the students where they are. As its co-founder Dr John Marsden once put it: ‘if the environment doesn’t fit the child, you change the environment, not the child’. The college was born in 1975 when Marsden – then an Eton housemaster – and Aucklander Nicholas Browne saw a gap in the market for a personalised learning approach that would benefit those who thrive in a more ‘adult’ learning environment rather than a traditional school. Browne’s son Edward explains that ‘my father and Marsden were very different men and I think that’s precisely why it worked. Marsden brought the housemaster’s instinct; the unsentimental rigour of someone formed by Eton, the Sorbonne and the war; and an absolute conviction that high standards and genuine care for the individual were inseparable. My father brought a different but equally sharp intellect shaped by Cambridge and years of public service, a civic warmth, and a belief that education exists to form people, not just process them.’ Marsden’s grandson Will is effusive about his family’s patriarch. ‘My grandfather was one of those rare people who combined complete intellectual seriousness with genuine warmth,’ he says. ‘He had no time for institutional pomposity or the idea that a school existed to perpetuate its own rules rather than serve the people in it.’ A chance lease on a building and an advert placed in The Times saw the phone ringing off the hook – and so the adventure began. Today, Collingham is still privately owned by the two families who set it up. What started primarily as a tutorial college has developed into a collegiate-style place of learning. Now in its third generation of learning, the college continues to stand on three core pillars: ‘be yourself’, ‘master your subject’ and ‘think independently’. As the founding families put it: ‘the line of succession is unbroken – and those who know the college would say that so is the founding spirit’.
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‘The line of succession is unbroken – and those who know the college would say that so is the founding spirit’ The founding families of Collingham College
CLOCKWIS FROM FAR LEFT: Collingham is run by its co-founders’ families, including Nicholas Browne’s son Edward and Dr John Marsden’s grandson Will; pupils at Ashbourne achieve high thanks to individual attention; Hurtwood House opened in the Surrey Hills in 1970
Principal James Allder explains that at the college, staff identify any issues that arise and fix them – fast. ‘The answer comes the same week,’ he says. ‘In a large institution, the same process might take a term. This responsiveness is structural rather than cultural, and flows directly from ownership. The Marsden and Browne families have reputations at stake – not just balance sheets.’ Down in Surrey, Hurtwood House also remains a family affair, run by Cosmo Jackson, son of its founder Richard Jackson. Cosmo’s wife Tina and son Harvey are intimately involved in the school community, where there’s a strong focus on drama and the creative arts. Star alumni include composer Hans Zimmer, actress Emily Blunt, and actor and star of Industry, Harry Lawtey. Hurtwood House opened in 1970 with 17 pupils. Back then, Richard Jackson, who was then working in advertising, was told by his friends that he was ‘crazy’ to start a bohemian school in a stately home in the Surrey Hills. From the start, an air of informality reigned; picnic and barbecues were the norm and there was no school uniform. Pupils and staff addressed each other by their first names, while dogs and horses roamed the grounds. ‘It was a place of mutual respect and had the feel of an extended family,’ reflects Louise Haile, who has taught English at Hurtwood for 30 years. In the early days, Jackson’s now-late wife Linda organised the domestic and financial aspect of school life, alongside raising their
young family. ‘It was all hands to the deck,’ says Tina Jackson, the school’s head of admissions. As Haile remembers, ‘equipment consisted of a secondhand Remington typewriter and a child’s blackboard. The house lacked any formal space teaching, but it fulfilled Richard’s brief of a “school that didn’t look like a school – or smell like one”. He persevered with his idea of a magical school that students could change to after their GCSEs, determined to provide a completely different experience from what he perceived as the dullness of the public school system.’ Having taught in a prep school before going to Cambridge, Jackson was, his daughter-in-law explains, keen to capture the zeal and shine that many prep school children have and preserve it in a sixth form setting. ‘He was a visionary and wanted to make sure that no one fell through the gap,’ she says. ‘He wanted to do things differently and to put equal value on the creative and academic. He realised how drama – and then drama, media and music technology – could galvanise students, and they adored his vision.’ These days, Hurtwood, home to almost 320 day and boarding students, puts on 32 productions a year. Even now, in his late 80s, Jackson goes to all of them which, at the time of writing, includes a recent Gig of Glory rock concert. A former pupil, now working as a composer, once said that ‘life changed to colour’ when he came to Hurtwood – and there can be no higher praise than that. ■ countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 87
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Downside pupils regularly visit Downside Abbey church, previously home of the school’s founding monastic community
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A Question of Faith Why are non-religious parents choosing Catholic schools for their children? Bess Twiston Davies examines the appeal
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n apocryphal tale once circulated in Catholic public schools about a headmaster’s conference. The headmaster of Eton proclaims: ‘We educate our boys for life.’ A second headmaster, shrouded in capacious black robes, rises. ‘At our school,’ he announces, ‘we prepare our boys for death.’ That headmaster was a Benedictine monk, reputedly the head of Ampleforth College, the North Yorkshire boarding school often labelled the ‘Catholic Eton’. The days of the monk headteacher, following public scandals involving Benedictine Catholic boarding schools, are long over – and no longer do Catholic public schools only educate Roman Catholics. At Ampleforth, for example, 65 percent of its 415 students are Catholic. Matthew Burke is chairman of the Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference (CISC) and head of Beaulieu Convent School in Jersey. ‘It is the third school I have led, and about 30 percent of pupils are Catholic. That is among the highest numbers,’ he says. This change reflects new openness in the church to other faiths post Vatican II, the council that modernised Catholicism in the 1960s. Today, pupils of all denominations attend schools founded in Europe to educate English Catholics whose faith was outlawed in post-Reformation England. Up to the age of 16, these Catholic schools are obliged to devote ten percent of curricular time to the study of religion; at GCSE, this includes teaching about Islam, Judaism and major world faiths. For non-Catholic parents, one of the appeals of a Catholic education is that schools impart ‘a sense of right and wrong’, says Burke. That moral compass, he adds, is ‘anchored in something that has countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 89
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been around for centuries rather than the character of individual headteachers’. Essentially, ‘Catholic education is values-driven. It’s an education of the whole person’. What does that mean? ‘We are not simply looking solely at academic outcomes [but rather] the type of person a child might become.’ ‘Quant je puis’ – ‘as much as I can’ – is the motto of Stonyhurst College, whose former pupils include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, inventor of Sherlock Holmes; Sir Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN; and professional cricketer Liberty Heap. Nestled in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, Stonyhurst has a ravishing setting: a 16th-century, Grade I-listed entrance building is reached via a long drive flanked by lawns and lakes. When French revolutionaries compelled the priests of the Society of Jesus – better known as Jesuits – to leave the school they had founded in Saint-Omer in 1593, they resettled at Stonyhurst Hall, the property of their alumnus Thomas Weld. Jesuit priests no longer teach or govern Stonyhurst or its prep school St Mary’s Hall, but all 687 pupils aged three to 18 – whether Christian, Muslim or non-believers – engage daily in the Examen, a reflective practice developed more than 400 years ago by the Jesuits’ founder, St Ignatius of Loyola. ‘It is a time just to stop and be still which, on a very basic level, is important for wellbeing,’ explains Fr Christopher Cann, headmaster of Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall. ‘For Christians, the Examen means reviewing the day with God. Jesuits believe God is in all things.’ For the non-Christian, it is a time for self-review: what are pupils grateful for? What has gone well so far that day? What might they improve tomorrow? This reflective pedagogy permeates the classroom, where lessons frequently deploy artefacts from Stonyhurst’s on-site museum. Treasures include Shakespeare’s First Folio – of which only 235 still exist globally – and Mary, Queen of Scots’ prayerbook. Ultimately, the school aims to form compassionate global citizens.
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Pupils engage in charitable initiatives and partnerships with Jesuit communities in countries such as Mozambique and Zambia – experiences that ‘really do set young people on fire, giving them a sense there is a deeper meaning to life beyond themselves,’ says Fr Cann. Some 220 miles south is Downside School in Somerset, which can trace its origins back to 1606 when exiled English and Welsh monks founded the Benedictine community of St Gregory the Great in Douai, France. In 1814, they moved to Stratton-on-the-Fosse and the remaining monastic community departed Downside Abbey just over 200 years later, in 2019. Like Ampleforth, Downside’s ethos derives from The Rule of St Benedict, a sixth-century guide to God-centred community living. ‘“Listen carefully” is the first line of The Rule,’ says Mike Randall, interim head of Downside. ‘Listening is the start point of a Benedictine education.’ In an age of social media intolerance, ‘pupils are encouraged to listen to one another in discussions; not to listen to respond, but to listen to understand. That allows them to engage thoughtfully with ideas,’ says Randall, who gives a copy of The Rule to every new member of staff. He wants its principles – humility, patience, responsibility – to ‘translate naturally into the classroom’. Almost half of Downside’s 300 pupils are non-Catholics, and their parents say that they value ‘the calm rhythm of the school life’. A third voluntarily lead Lectio Divina (‘divine reading’) groups reflecting on passages from the Bible, and 70 percent of the boys and girls are boarders. ‘The world can feel fragmented for young people,’ says Randall. ‘Families appreciate Downside’s clear moral framework and sense of community.’ This is one in which a book is placed by the bedside of every new pupil by the school librarian, older pupils join a soup run for the homeless in Bath, and those of all ages deliver reflections in the abbey church.
‘Catholic education is an education of the whole person. We are not simply looking solely at academic outcomes but rather the type of person a child might become’ Matthew Burke, Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference
CLOCKWISE: Several St Philip’s pupils sing weekly at the Brompton Oratory in Kensington; the 687 pupils at Stonyhurst engage daily in the Examen
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FEATURES Farleigh School is rooted in Mediterranean Catholicism
Downside, which is non-selective, is in the top one percent of UK schools for value added at GCSE and in 2025 was in the top five percent at A level. At its Benedictine peer in North Yorkshire, Ampleforth, there is no one type of pupil, observes head Jon Mutton. At his school, pupils learn about ‘who they are [and] what gifts and talents they have to offer to this world’. No longer governed by monks, Ampleforth is operated through a trust separate from the monastery. Safeguarding is a priority at the school; all those who teach there, including Benedictine monks, must pass DBS checks. ‘We are a monastic school,’ says Mutton. ‘Sunday Mass is the highlight of the week.’ Leavers often report they will miss the ‘stillness’ of Ampleforth Abbey Church, where the monks gather daily to pray in Latin. Ampleforth recently surveyed parents of non-Catholic students who previously attended other boarding schools. ‘The strong emphasis on religious teaching set the tone for what parents were looking for,’ Mutton says. ‘There is less pressure here than in schools that have a big focus on exam league tables. We never see our students as commodities.’ For some parents, that is ‘a beacon of hope’, he adds. In west London, St Philip’s School educates boys aged four to 13 in a culture of ‘strong, clear and timeless’ values, says headmaster Alexander Thomas. St Philip’s opened in 1934 at the request of priests from the Brompton Oratory in Kensington, with whom the school still retains informal links and where several pupils sing weekly as part of the Oratory Junior Choir. Today, two-thirds of the 100 pupils are nonCatholics and the school’s traditional values ‘unashamedly’ based round the family draw parents of all beliefs and none, says Thomas. ‘It’s a nurturing place,’ he says. ‘Boys require boundaries and confirmation of what is right and wrong. But there needs to be more carrot than stick. Little boys respond very well to encouragement.’ Each boy is encouraged to ‘commend’ other pupils for kindness. ‘There’s a strong moral code here,’ says Thomas. House captains are selected based on good behaviour, and pupils must apply in writing for roles as reading prefects, who foster younger boys’ literacy. Twenty percent of the timetable is devoted to sport in the school’s 30-acre playing fields in Barnes. ‘Boys need to get outside and run off their
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energy if you are going to get them to focus in the classroom,’ adds Thomas. ‘Fun’ is a core school value; after all, the school’s patron saint, Philip Neri, founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, was famed for his love of practical jokes. Down in Hampshire is Catholic priest Fr Simon Everson’s Farleigh School, where 104 of the 437 pupils are Catholics and 30 percent of pupils are boarders. A former Anglican and married with children, Fr Simon describes how Farleigh involves parents ‘as much as possible’ in their children’s education. Curiosity, rather than crushing children into a mould, is key. ‘I always say to children, “We have no idea who you are going to be,”’ says Fr Simon. That discovery is the ‘purpose’ of Farleigh. ‘We look to the inner fabric of who pupils are.’ What Farleigh offers, he explains, is ‘Mediterranean Catholicism that is warm and generous’. As at Ampleforth, Stonyhurst and Downside, Sunday Mass is compulsory for boarders and every child is told that, as a child of God, they have inherent dignity. ‘It is gratifying when children delight in what someone else has done,’ observes Fr Simon. He remembers a girl who left a ‘pianothon’ because she made a mistake and her friends encouraged her to return. She did, ‘and played flawlessly’. Parents often tell Fr Simon they choose Farleigh after meeting current pupils and hearing their experiences of the school. While these Catholic schools have weathered the difficulties of late, others across the country have been forced to close. According to the Catholic Education Service, in 2024 England and Wales had 86 Catholic independent schools. By 2025 this had reduced to 80 – a fraction of the 2,053 schools in the Catholic state sector. All are subject to the Catholic Schools Inspectorate evaluating their sense of mission, religious worship and community engagement. That focus can ease home life, too: Randall was recently telephoned by the mother of a new student, saying, ‘My daughter is helping her brother with his homework. She’s put the washing on. This is a different child to the one who left me eight weeks ago.’ Randall wants Downside leavers to be ‘thoughtful, grounded, confident’. That, he says, ‘is what most people want for their children, regardless of religious background’. ■
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How Do You Do? Philip Womack gets a lesson in preparing for ‘big school’ – handshakes and all
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CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Brighton College Prep Kensington is located in London; genuine enthusiasm from children is what secondary schools are looking for
t’s an early morning on a wet weekday and I am in the office of Jill Bates, head of future schools at Brighton College Prep Kensington in London. My hand is outstretched in greeting, and suddenly I am plunged into memories of the interview I went through in the 1990s to win a scholarship for Lancing College. Nerves, in other words, begin to jangle. Bates, however, exudes professionalism and charm, immediately putting me at ease. She sits me down and runs me through the paces of a mock interview. Some of her questions are straightforward: ‘What drew you to the school? What do you find interesting about it?’ Other zingers would make a CEO tremble. ‘What three words would your friends use to describe you?’ (In my case, ‘punctual’, ‘untidy’ and ‘gawky’.) Interviews have changed a lot since my time. All I remember being asked is what I was reading, which happened to be an obscure Dickens novel, Barnaby Rudge. But children these days are more likely to be asked the sorts of things you’d fire at a graduate. ‘Tell me about a time when you were resilient in the classroom’, for example. ‘You only have a finite amount of time to show them your best self,’ says Bates. ‘For a ten or 11-year-old child, it’s difficult.’
The 11+ entrance exams hold a particular horror in the minds of parents. The stress of choosing the right senior school for Johnny or Jemima; the worry that you’re not putting in enough effort, or that you’re putting in too much effort by over-tutoring. Bates is very clear that it’s a long journey. It’s all about choosing the right school for the pupil, considering such things as small class sizes, or a good SEND offering, or a GCSE programme that runs for three years. This approach clearly has a positive effect: a quarter of her pupils receive an offer from every school they apply to. It’s not an easy process, but Bates attends to it with great precision, looking at all the options. Parents might want to consider the benefits of boarding over day schools; she herself has three children who board, and tells me, grinning broadly, ‘I can say I speak to them more when they’re at school!’ It’s also not all about forcing the child into a top school, but rather finding somewhere that is a good fit for them – both academically and personally. Modernity brings challenges. When I was little, I used to fetch the newspaper for my parents every weekend, and that meant talking to strangers. That kind of situation seems much harder for children to encounter these days, especially in London. I ask if Bates worries that this cohort
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If a child has genuine enthusiasm for something, schools can feel it – and that’s what they’re looking for Pupils at Brighton College Prep Kensington prepare for senior school in more ways than just studying for the 11+
is growing up without developing soft skills in this way. She agrees. Her school offers regular group sessions that aim to mock up the experience of attending interviews and arriving at senior school. The focus is on group activities and team building. Children are shown how to shake hands, maintain eye contact, and their responses to tricky questions are considered in detail. There’s ‘a balance of appropriate humility’, says Bates, without the children boasting in their replies. In the end, schools want pupils with ‘collaborative spirit’; pupils are encouraged to consider that it’s fine to stop and think. One of the innovative things the school does is ‘civilised conversation’, where 40 pupils sit in a big circle and try to answer an unanswerable question like ‘which is heavier, yellow or blue?’. The children are shown how to watch the room ‘and learn how to break in’, and cooperate: ‘Did you build on other people’s ideas or did you just jump in?’ The school also has a programme called Kindness in Conf lict, where children are taught strategies for resolving conflict, as well as a room entirely dedicated to building real-world resilience skills through board games and role play. All of this is balanced against comprehensive preparation for the exams themselves, with pupils being exposed to exam situations and taught about red herrings and all the examiners’ nefarious tricks. This, of course, brings up the elephant in the room; the question that London parents dance around: tutoring. What does Bates think about it? She nods: ‘If you feel you have to tutor your child to get into a school, will they thrive there? Schools can tell if a child’s been tutored.’ But what can’t be tutored is that collaborative spirit. If a child has ‘genuine enthusiasm’ for something, be it Fortnite or Doctor Who, schools can feel it – and that’s partly what they’re looking for. The secondary schools know that they’re interviewing a ten-year-old, ‘and they want to see a ten-yearold. They’re not expected to show up with a top hat reading the FT.’ In the end, she says, ‘our job as a school is making sure that our children are presenting the best version of themselves’. Bates emanates genuine passion and care for pupils and parents. When we’ve finished, she sees me out herself, smiles, and gives me a firm handshake. Quite right, too. ■
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“We always leave parents’ evenings bursting with pride… this school is not just educational, it’s life changing” - Parent
CAUTION! Contains pure
Side effects include: transformation and growth
Inspired by real stories Specialist independent schools for neurodiverse learners Find out more: cavendisheducation.com
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FEATURES
Making a Racquet
O
ften described as a cross between tennis and squash, padel is fast becoming the sport of the decade. The racquet sport, which was invented in Mexico in the 1960s, is hugely popular in Spain but has also seen extraordinary growth in the UK in recent years. According to LTA Padel data, the number of people playing the sport in the UK soared to 860,000 in 2025, more than double the previous year. During the same time period, the number of courts in the UK increased from 870 to over 1,500 – and counting. Schools are now getting in on the action too, not only for pupils’ benefit but also to diversify income sources in a time of VAT squeezes. From Austin Friars in Carlisle to Whitgift in Croydon, schools across the UK are jumping on the padel bandwagon. One of the first to have courts up and running was Christ’s Hospital in Horsham, which opened four in November 2025. Many others are following suit, whether exploring how to build their own courts or taking pupils to local clubs – including Charterhouse in Godalming, Caterham in Surrey, Talbot Heath in Bournemouth, Radley in Oxfordshire, St Hugh’s School in Faringdon, and many more. Nick Baker, CEO and co-founder of UK Padel, launched the company’s first schools’ championship in 2024 with a competition for under-18s, not knowing what the response would be. Since then, the growth has been remarkable, with under-15s’ and under-13s’ competitions joining the line-up and the number of schools taking part growing year on year. ‘At that first event, we had to loan every single player a racquet, and we put on coaching to make sure everyone knew the rules as most hadn’t actually played before – not that you could tell by the end of the day,’ says Baker. At the second under-15s’
championship in March 2026, all but ten of the 110 children had their own (or school) racquets and played regularly. Buying racquets for pupils is one thing; building courts is another. Fitness trends come and go, and there may come a point where supply catches up with demand, so investing in padel is not a decision to be made lightly. But for some schools, pushing forward with the sport is a no-brainer. So what is it about padel that’s proven so popular? ‘The magic of padel is that it’s not just a game for sporty people,’ says Rupert Taylor, CEO of nationwide padel club Smash Padel. It is a lot more accessible than tennis and easier to pick up, which is a big part of the reason it’s grown so quickly. Serving is all under-arm, which immediately lowers the bar to entry compared to tennis, and the courts are enclosed so the ball can bounce off the walls and stay in play for longer. Many courts are indoor too, making it an appealing year-round sport. There’s also a social aspect: padel is always played in doubles, and the vibe is generally less formal and competitive than tennis. As well as being easy to pick up, padel has developed something of a reputation for being cool – helped by celebrity fans including David Beckham, Lily James, Eva Longoria, Stormzy and Jürgen Klopp. For clubs and schools, it’s an appealing option because the smaller court size means more people playing at any given time. And with the International Padel Federation pushing for padel to be part of the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, it’s increasingly being seen as a career option for keen young players. At some schools, such as Caterham, demand has come from both pupils and parents. ‘It was impossible to ignore the growth of padel,’ says Peter Friend, the school’s deputy director of sport. While a lot of Caterham’s best tennis players were keen on padel, plenty of children who weren’t into any other racquet sports had started playing outside school too. Earlier this year, the school was advertising for a head of racquet sports – a new position – to grow padel further.
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PHOTOS: TOBY PHILLIPS
Padel has torn through the UK – and its schools. Rachel Hosie investigates the boom
‘On-site courts are fantastic for our children, but it’s also about diversifying income given the impact of VAT’ David Griffiths, St Hugh’s School
PHOTOS: TOBY PHILLIPS
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: St Hugh’s is working with Padel People to install courts; UK Padel launched its first schools’ championship in 2024; the padel courts at Christ’s Hospital are open to members of the public
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FEATURES
Four padel courts were officially opened in November 2025 at
For the past few years, Caterham pupils have been taken to a club 15 minutes away to play padel. But in March, the school received planning permission to build two courts (still a far cry from their 17 tennis courts), with a view to making padel a games and PE option. There’s also a hope to invite nearby schools for proper fixtures – complete with match tea. At Radley, a sixth form pupil proposed a padel society and the school rallied round. He now does all the organisation, logistics and court booking. ‘We want the boys to take leadership, particularly in that penultimate year as they prepare to be in the final year, where they lead by default,’ says the school’s deputy head, Harry Crump. Another school dabbling in padel is Charterhouse. According to Vanessa North-Panting, a teacher who is leading the school’s foray into padel as a keen player herself, a number of Charterhouse’s pupils are from Spain and Portugal so already play the sport. The school hopes to offer coaching to pupils who want to develop their padel skills and build up from there. Although many schools have plenty of enthusiasm for padel, there are significant financial and logistical burdens that need to be overcome to actually build courts, and NorthPanting believes padel needs more investment. It’s not a cheap endeavour to undertake. One padel court can cost around £80,000, according to Joe Ridge, founder of court distributor Padel Schools. This is why some schools are teaming up with external companies: St Hugh’s, for example, is working with Padel People to install courts for the game. Padel People funds the courts so there’s no financial risk for the school, and also takes care of the planning application; in July, permission for granted for four courts at St Hugh’s. ‘We’re always trying to stay ahead of the game, so it’s the next natural progression for us,’ says headmaster David Griffiths, adding that parents are often impressed by the school’s facilities. Wowing potential parents wasn’t the only incentive behind building padel courts, though. ‘It’s fantastic for our children, but also it’s about diversifying income given the impact of VAT,’
says Griffiths. ‘We have a lease for the land with Padel People: it runs its business from the courts but we have access to them for four hours per day during term time, which coincides with our sports programme. We also take a cut of the gross income generated from the lease of the courts, so in that sense it’s a no-risk endeavour.’ At Caterham, it’s expected the courts will pay for themselves within nine months. The school’s sports centre offers a small number of public memberships, meaning parents and members of the local community can use the facilities – including padel courts – outside of school hours. A similar set-up has been hugely successful at Christ’s Hospital, whose health and fitness club Bluecoat Sports allows members of the public to use the school’s facilities. Demand for the padel courts has ‘completely exceeded expectations’ commercially, attracting nearly 2,000 players in the first four months, says Bluecoat Sports’ marketing manager Alice Evans. Padel is not necessarily a straightforward path to success. ‘It’s not something that’s going to make loads of money quickly; you have to take the long-term view,’ says Ridge. What’s more, schools face planning permission hurdles such as wildlife impact, safeguarding questions and logistical issues. If the craze ends up being a flash in the pan that fizzles out, schools may find themselves up the creek without a paddle (or a padel). It’s currently mostly independent schools exploring the game. There is a risk, says Ridge, of padel becoming ‘a bit of an elitist sport’, especially given high prices in some areas of the country – London clubs can charge as much as £100 an hour. Comedian and padel fan Jason Manford is trying to change that: last year he founded his own company, JM Padel Academy, with the aim of taking padel into local schools in Manchester. Padel in schools is still in its infancy, but Ridge believes that schools building their own courts can only be win-win, making the sport more accessible both for children and the wider community. As for the pupils lucky enough to have access to courts at school? They’re bouncing off the walls. ■
PHOTOS: TOBY PHILLIPS
Bluecoat Sports at Christ’s Hospital
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“…for bright sparks with drive and determination, there’s nowhere quite like it” Good Schools Guide
57%
grade 9 at GCSE (2025)
www.concordcollegeuk.com
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students achieved
A*A*A*
or better at A Level (2025)
enquiries@concordcollege.org.uk
49%
grade A* at A Level
(2025)
+44 (0)1694 731 631
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CLOCKWISE: Ravenscourt Park Prep believes in challenging all pupils, regardless of ability; Eaton House The Manor Prep helps boys believe in themselves, allowing them to achieve high
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FEATURES
Bright & Beautiful
Is there a ‘right’ way to educate more academically able children? Susie Mesure looks into the age-old debate
A
sk Suzy Dixon, head of Francis Holland Preparatory School, if she divides up her pupils according to their ability to race through tricky maths problems and she is adamant. ‘I won’t allow streaming because I don’t want that inflexibility,’ she says from behind her desk in her cosy ground-floor office, just off London’s King’s Road, in what used to be the old Chelsea library. But she concedes that ‘we do mix some groups up from year four’, which means that the two-form cohort gets taught English and maths in three or four separate groups. ‘The big thing for me is boosting those who haven’t got the confidence, and letting the most able really fly,’ she adds. Dixon’s stance on the age-old conundrum of how to teach the most able students does not fool her brightest year six pupils. ‘We do sets,’ says Anastasia, who is taking up an offer from St Paul’s Girls’ School this autumn term. ‘Some of them are based on which schools you’re trying for so we can do similar work,’ she adds – meaning the girls aiming for the most selective secondary schools are all in the top group. ‘I wish I could be straightforward and say there is one way in which we take the most able forward, but I’m glad I can’t,’ says Dixon. ‘There really isn’t one way. It very much depends on the child.’ This multifaceted approach clearly pays off: as well as St Paul’s, the four year six girls I met on a Monday afternoon before Easter were off to Wycombe Abbey, Godolphin and Latymer, and Francis Holland Sloane Square. At Eaton House The Manor in Clapham, south London, Claire Fildes has been headmistress of the girls’ school – which goes up to year six – since 2022. Like Dixon, she is against streaming. ‘We don’t set in the girls’ school at all. I don’t believe in putting a ceiling on learning. If schools set or stream pupils, it almost creates a label for them, and countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 103
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FEATURES CLOCKWISE: Ludgrove motivates pupils by celebrating success; at Francis Holland Prep, pupils are not divided into sets by ability
they don’t move away from that.’ Because class sizes are small, with a maximum of 18 per form, teachers can differentiate according to ability within their day-to-day lessons, she explains. Providing ‘bespoke groups’ for English and maths as the 11+ looms helps to stretch and support those who need challenging, as well as those who need additional help. Schools can’t even agree what terminology to use when it comes to labelling their cleverest pupils. ‘I tend to use the word “attaining” rather than “ability”,’ says David Wingfield, headmaster at Eaton House The Manor Prep, which takes boys aged eight to 13. ‘If we talk in terms of ability, it can fix your mindset in relation to a child’s innate ability,’ he adds. Simon Barber, headmaster at Ludgrove, based in leafy Wixenford in Wokingham since 1937, would agree. ‘If you’re in the top set, you are by definition in the “more able” category, but we don’t actually label it as such because being in that group is flexible – people move from year to year. It also depends on individual application.’ At Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School in west London, which educates children aged four to 11, headmaster Carl Howes says there is a subjective element. ‘The problem with the “able child” debate is if you don’t know what you are measuring, then what does this word mean?’ Worse, many believe, is the phrase ‘gifted and talented’ – a phrase Howes has ‘always struggled’ with. ‘It’s so limiting. It’s as if you’re saying you’re either lucky or not lucky,’ he adds. He prefers the term ‘challenge for all’, adding: ‘All learners need challenging. Wherever a child is in their educational journey, there will be a sweet spot for them, which will be challenging enough to engage them but not too challenging that they go into panic mode.’ High achievers at Ravenscourt Park Prep are placed in the top sets for maths from year three and English from year four. ‘We have to be
mindful of 11+ outcomes. A really selective academic school will have a more demanding paper than a school that is more inclusive on entry. We tailor our 11+ programme to the needs of the child,’ says Howes. When we talk in March, year five have just had their first practice paper. They all did the same one, to give the school a baseline, Howes adds. Barber thinks schools get the most out of bright pupils by celebrating success. Although Ludgrove no longer ranks students – ‘we felt it wasn’t motivational if students were coming at the bottom’ – every three weeks teachers give pupils effort grades and percentage grades for each subject. ‘There has to be a bit of selfmotivation and a bit of competition among peers,’ says Barber. ‘That drives children. An environment where success is celebrated and working hard is a good thing is important.’ Schools that go up to year eight are more likely to have scholarship groups. At Eaton House The Manor boys’ school, year eight is split into at least three classes: ‘Two middle- to high-attaining and one high-attaining, which may contain a smaller scholarship group,’ explains Wingfield. Boys in this group – which tends to have a maximum of eight pupils – will have offers from schools such as Eton, Winchester and St Paul’s. ‘They are taught to think in a scholarly way: to develop their own curiosity, learn for learning’s sake, and have their own sense of selfdirection and independence when it comes to learning and discovery.’ One recent geography lesson saw the boys watch a seminar hosted by the University of Cambridge about Donald Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland. ‘Certain boys were invited to watch this with the head of geography, and then have a discussion afterwards,’ Wingfield says. In years five and six, high-attaining boys in maths will be moved on to logical problem-solving and taught to think mathematically in ways beyond word problems. ‘We are challenging them to think more laterally in relation to number and how to engage,’ he adds. ‘By the time they leave us, the boys in the scholarship stream are flying,’ Barber says of Ludgrove’s most able year eight pupils. As well as being pushed in lessons, the school holds a number of enrichment lectures, which often include supper with the person giving the talk. These could be on anything from provocation in art to fake news to literature, such as Samantha Harvey’s Booker Prize-winning novel Orbital. ‘They are all about getting the boys to question and think left field,’ says Barber. Ultimately, it’s all about creating the right environment for the most able to flourish. ‘Our aim is to create a safe place for them to be able to show that they know the answer,’ says Dixon. ‘For the more able, they need to feel that they are in an academic environment where it works to be academic.’ Judging by the forest of waving hands I received from a year one class in answer to a question about what they were doing – weaving – during my tour of Francis Holland Prep, there is no shortage of willingness for children to show off their learning. With the right encouragement and mental stimulation, it’s easy to see that attitude leading to plenty more places at academically selective secondary schools. ■
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SCHOOL HOUSE PROMOTION
AT THE HELM
Meet the new head of Knightsbridge School as it celebrates 20 years
I
n 2006, Knightsbridge School welcomed its first pupils into its central London home. Twenty years on, the coeducational day school has built a reputation for providing a perfectly balanced education – that is, one that combines top-performing academics and pastoral care that helps ever child shine. As Knightsbridge School looks back on its last two decades, it also turns a fresh page for the future. After 14 years of leadership – during which time Adam Anstey joins from she oversaw the senior school’s Broomfield expansion into GCSEs – Shona House Colaço has stepped down as head and is succeeded by Adam Anstey. Having joined from Knightsbridge’s sister school Broomfield House – both are Dukes Education institutions – Anstey is ideally placed to deeply understand the school and its guiding principles. At the heart of Knightsbridge School is the KS Code, a set of 12 values that defines pupils’ behaviour and the way they view the world. Among them are ‘I will remember how lucky I am
and do my best at everything’, ‘I will try not to let others feel lonely’ and ‘I will remember to recycle, reduce and reuse’. Anstey’s three-year tenure as head of Broomfield House saw him nurture empathetic and resilient young people through a similar set of values. ‘What stood out to me immediately was how deeply the KS Code is lived throughout the school, creating a community defined by kindness, ambition and respect,’ says Anstey, who lives in London with his wife, young daughter and Labrador. He will undoubtedly continue to lead the school’s renown for academic achievement, too, holding various qualifications including a masters’ from Warwick Business School. ‘I look forward to ensuring every pupil has the very best school experience, arming them with the confidence, character and curiosity needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.’ Discover the KS magic by exploring the school in person. Book a tour at bit.ly/visitknightsbridge n
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SCHOOL HOUSE PROMOTION
HIGH HOPES Turn dream university offers into reality with Crimson Education
W
hen September rolls around, the start of a fresh academic year goes beyond new books and a clean calendar for ambitious students. Instead, it offers a vital strategic window to hone in on future plans – specifically, those that involve Russell Group and Ivy League universities. ‘While the early years of secondary school are about discovery, the transition into years ten and 11 requires a shift from passive participation to active, targeted focus,’ explains Rebecca Pretorius, regional director at Crimson Education. The consultancy helps highaiming students secure places on their dream university courses through unparalleled coaching by a host of experts, many of whom are former admissions officers for top destinations such as Oxbridge and Harvard. At this point, what does building a strong application look like? ‘Crucially, it is no longer enough to simply take part in school clubs,’ says Pretorius. ‘This is the vital moment for students to hone their profile by looking beyond the school gates.’ Essay competitions, research projects and leading school societies are all a great place to start, but Crimson’s experts offer a clear path to success tailored to each students’ strengths and
goals. With thousands of first-choice offers under their belts, they are perfectly placed to advise students on the best extracurricular pursuits to supercharge their applications, ensuring they sit at the very top of the pile. Navigating this highly competitive landscape is overwhelming, and is even more difficult when done alone. Connecting with a Crimson expert early allows students to build crucial confidence as they work with someone who believes deeply in them and their academic aspirations. Backed by a strong track record, including 1,731 Ivy League and 460 Oxbridge offers, Crimson Education provides the supportive, strategic guidance needed to turn high aspirations into world-class admissions. Make your child’s university application count with Crimson Education at crimsoneducation.org n
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SCHOOL’S OUT OUT & ABOUT
F
Explore the moonlit gardens of Helmingham Hall, Suffolk
or enjoying the spoils of an English garden, there’s nowhere more romantic than Helmingham Hall. Nine miles from Ipswich, this pretty, moated Tudor manor house, with its 400-acre deer park, has been the home of the Tollemache family since 1480 and is now the responsibility of Edward and Sophie Tollemache. The garden at Helmingham has long delighted those of all ages. Now, with new adventure playground Guildenacre, children from aged three can frolic, climb and go ‘weeeee’ down the ziplines to their heart’s content, under the watchful eye of the playground’s guardian animals: Flint the badger, Eira the owl, Atlas the stag and Vex the vixen.
This winter at Helmingham, the garden is issuing a new invitation – to its illuminated trail, an immersive sound and light display through the grounds by night. Snack on s’mores and sip on mulled wine as one of England’s loveliest gardens ushers in its next act. ‘There is something completely magical about this place in the winter months – the illuminations create a different world full of light, cloud and sound,’ says Sophie Tollemache. ‘Hearing how families have made a visit here one of their festive traditions has been a joy.’ Eleanor Doughty ■ Helmingham Hall’s illuminated garden trail runs from 12 November to 19 December, helmingham.com countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUNTUMN WINTER 2026 —— 107
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SCHOOL’S OUT
Mum-of-two Victoria McMinn, known online as Four Walls Farm, shares her secrets to eating well with littles
I
’ve always loved cooking, and have spent the best part of a decade convinced that dinner doesn’t have to be a choice between ‘quick’ and ‘actually good for you’. There’s something about a full kitchen with steam on the windows, something bubbling and a little bit of chaos that feels like home to me. When my second child started weaning, my love of cooking took on a new urgency. I found myself reading ingredient labels the way other people read novels, and the more I learned about ultra-processed food, the more I wanted to understand exactly what was going into my children’s bodies – and frankly, mine too. It wasn’t about perfection or cutting anything out entirely. It was about knowing what ‘real’ food actually looked like, and getting better at making it fast enough to survive a Tuesday. That’s where my online video series Wholesome in a Hurry was born. It’s a growing collection of family recipes that are quick, nutritious and, most importantly, things my children will actually eat without negotiation. Some of my favourite recipes come from unexpected places. A dish I loved at a restaurant gets deconstructed and
Victoria McMinn shares nourishing recipes online
rebuilt at home with cupboard staples. Two half-remembered recipes from different cookbooks get mashed together into something new. Some of my best combinations started life as weaning purées: sweet potato and cumin, pea and mint, avocado and basil. Babies have simpler palates than we give them credit for, and some of those early flavour pairings have become the backbone of dishes the whole family now eats. Lemon chicken orzo is a perfect example. It started as a lighter, quicker version of a lemon chicken risotto I had years ago, the kind of dish that tastes like it took all afternoon but is actually on the table in under 30 minutes. Orzo is one of my secret weapons for busy weeknights: it cooks fast, absorbs flavour beautifully, and because it looks like rice but eats like pasta, it tends to get past even fussy eaters without a fuss at all. This recipe is bright with lemon, savoury from the chicken and parmesan, and finished with some grated courgette for the snuck-in veg satisfaction every parent understands. As a mum, I think a lot about what ‘nutritious’ actually means in real life – not in a magazine spread, but on a Wednesday at 5.30pm when everyone’s tired. For me, it means fewer packets, more whole ingredients, and a recipe simple enough that I’m not standing over the hob for an hour. This orzo ticks all those boxes. It’s the meal I make when I’ve got 20 minutes, two hungry children circling the kitchen, and no patience for a recipe with 15 steps. This recipe is flexible. I use chicken thighs, but these can be swapped for two chicken breasts or a pack of chicken mince. To bulk out the recipe for unexpected guests, I add another grated courgette – and this can be substituted for two blocks of frozen spinach or a good handful of chopped fresh spinach. The crème fraiche could be a drizzle of double cream, and the parmesan could be cheddar should you find yourself caught out. ■ Follow Victoria at @fourwallsfarm
LEMON CHICKEN ORZO 20 minutes Serves two adults and two children
INGREDIENTS 3-4 skinless boneless chicken thighs 1tbsp olive oil 165g orzo 500ml chicken stock 1 courgette, grated 2tbsp crème fraiche 25g grated parmesan 1 lemon, zested 2/3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
METHOD 1. Dice your chicken into 2-3cm chunks.
2. Heat the olive oil in a medium sized pan and once hot, add your chicken.
3. Fry until browning. Add
the orzo to the pan and stir momentarily before adding in half of the chicken stock.
4. Continue stirring until
most of the liquid has been absorbed by the orzo. Add the remaining stock.
5. Wash, top, tail and grate the courgette.
6. The orzo should now have
consistency of thick soup. Add in your grated courgette, crème fraiche and parmesan.
7. While that is continuing to
reduce, chop your thyme and zest the lemon.
8. Once the orzo has reached your desired consistency, finish with the lemon and thyme and enjoy.
PHOTOS: PEXELS
WHOLESOME IN A HURRY
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LO N D O N • C H E LT E N H A M • E D I N B U R G H • D U B L I N Find your nearest stockist or shop online at dubarry.com
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22/06/2026 10:48 09:06 22/06/2026
CULTURE KIT
Fill your boots with the best of what’s on, says Evie Calver
↑ MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO
This animated adventure follows two childhood friends who, after promising to remain close forever, suddenly find themselves transported to an island that feeds on its inhabitants’ memories. The longer Jo and Raissa stay, the closer they will come to forgetting each other entirely – but how, and when, will they find an escape? In cinemas 16 October
SUNRISE ON THE REAPING
For teens and up, the second Hunger Games prequel journeys through the heartbreaking backstory of cynical mentor Haymitch from the original YA trilogy. Aged only 16, he is forced to compete in the 50th Hunger Games and quickly comes face to face with destruction, rebellion and unfathomable loss. In cinemas 20 November
← A POEM FOR EVERY NIGHT OF THE YEAR
There’s nothing quite like poetry to touch the heart, whether you’re seven years old or 70. As part of this year’s Chelsea Arts Festival, A Poem for Every Night of the Year sees a cast of acclaimed actors bring verse to life as they read from Allie Esiri’s bestselling 2016 anthology. Tamsin Greig and Giles Terera OBE are just two of the stars taking to the stage, inviting all ages to experience how poetry – from emotional odes to silly limericks – can shift meaning when read aloud. 18 September, chelseaartsfestival.com
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PHOTOS: CHRIS LARKIN
FORGOTTEN ISLAND
What’s better than everyone’s favourite on-screen cuddly forest spirit? A ten-foot, fluffier-than-life version controlled by master puppeteers, of course. Totoro is the star of this magical West End Studio Ghibli adaptation, which follows two sisters as they explore the ancient forests near their new home. Enchanting music, endearing creatures (including the 12-legged inflatable Catbus) and awe-inspiring puppetry make for a show full of surprises that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear, from start to finish. Until 10 January, totoroshow.com
SCHOOL’S OUT
PICKS FOR PARENTS
↑ MAKE FRIENDS WITH EXOTIC ANIMALS
Get up close and personal with exotic creatures aplenty at the aptly named Get To Know Animals mini-zoo in Epping Forest. From snakes and chameleons to the spiky Madagascan tenrec, all the animals here are rescued ex-pets – meaning they’re well-socialised to not only tolerate but enjoy being handled by visitors. Experiences include feeding and bathing tortoises, playing with ferrets or armadillos, and snuggling up with ‘cuddle monster’ skunk Goose. Can’t decide which of its 70+ species you most want to meet? GTKA’s handling packages allow visitors to hold up to 12 animals of choice (American alligator Lacoste not included). gtka.co.uk
PAINT THE TOWN RED
Kids are always begging to get messy – give in just once and head to one of Paperdoll’s gloriously chaotic paint splattering classes. At this studio in Wimbledon, children are encouraged to splash, flick and drip to their heart’s content (parents are welcome to join the fun), with the aim of creating a multicoloured canvas to show off back at home. paperdollartstudio.co.uk
PHOTOS: CHRIS LARKIN
EXPLORE THE DARK SKIES
Seeing the stars above is a real luxury in the city. But in Somerset, home to some of the blackest night skies in the UK, the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival returns for a sparkling autumn weekend of activities. UV rock pooling, stargazing, e-bike night rides, nocturnal crafting... this special tenth anniversary programme is packed with unique experiences. It’s also an unrivalled opportunity for nature education, with esteemed astronomists sharing facts and stories that might just leave you star-struck. 16 October to 1 November, exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
↑ DAVID BOWIE:
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
This Lightroom exhibition is a mesmerising journey through the life and music of David Bowie. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling screens and spatial audio, audiences are treated to never-before-seen material alongside iconic performances and footage highlighting the imperfectly human side of one of Britain’s most influential artists. Until 10 January, lightroom.uk
THE CROOKED HOUSE
Fancy an immersive tour of, and dinner at, Britain’s wonkiest house? Find this peculiar 600-year-old building in Lavenham, Suffolk, where custodians Oli and Alex – known as the Crooked Men – captivatingly tell its story through time. crookedhouselavenham.com
UPSTAIRS AT RONNIE’S London’s legendary jazz club has had a major glow-up. In its newly transformed, maroon-drenched upstairs venue, you’ll find far more than jazz (classical, folk and gospel shows are slated for this autumn), plus an elegant menu by Steven Connolly, formerly of The Ned. ronniescotts.co.uk
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SCHOOL’S OUT
LIBRARY Prep
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie
Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper
Dianne Rawlings, librarian and head of scholars, Farleigh School
Donna Sweeney, teacher, Gordonstoun Prep
Lottie Morse, librarian, Truro Prep
‘It took a group of year two children with a sense of the macabre to understand the plot twist in this hilarious picture book. The opening line sets the scene for the rest of this simple story, in which a bear asks various characters – including a fox, snake and armadillo – if they have seen his hat. The artwork uses earth tones until the point of discovery, when everything turns fire-red and the story becomes a quest for revenge. This book is part of a trilogy in which hat thefts loom large.’ Walker, £7.99
‘This one of those rare books you just can’t put down. Lauren, 14, has always felt out of place in her adoptive family. When a school homework task titled “Who am I?” prompts her to dig into her past, she begins to question everything she thought she knew about her life. What begins as a simple assignment quickly becomes a transatlantic race for truth, filled with twists and emotional discoveries. With relatable characters and a fast-paced plot, it’s no wonder my year seven students were desperate to read on.’ Simon & Schuster Children’s, £7.99
‘This fast-paced adventure story has a similar, slightly old-fashioned feel as The Famous Five and is the first book in The Dark is Rising series, dealing with the battle between good and evil. On holiday in Cornwall, while staying in an old sea captain’s house, the three Drew children discover an ancient manuscript in the attic. It is the start of a treasure hunt that leads them from standing stones, to sea-soaked beaches, to precarious cliffs. The writing will transport you right back to heady summer holidays spent in our glorious county.’ Puffin, £9.99
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CORNER Senior
Northern Soul by Phil Earle
Shadow Thieves by Peter Burns
Odd Girl Out by Tasneem Abdur-Rashid
Stephanie Clarkson, librarian, Epsom College
Helen Komrower, library assistant, Lord Wandsworth College
Sam Pett, librarian and careers leader, Sydenham & Dulwich Girls GDST
‘This gem of a “first love” read will tempt even the most reluctant teen reader. Marv, 14, lives with his record shop-owning dad and life is pretty uneventful – until new girl Carly arrives at school. Marv is suddenly at sea, and all his dad can do is talk about music. One night, after listening to Otis Redding, the singer’s ghost shows up. He may be a musical icon, but he’s a terrible relationship coach, and a series of cringeworthy mishaps ensues as Marv attempts to woo Carly. Earle crafts a tale that is funny and hugely relatable.’ Barrington Stoke, £7.99
‘In Peter Burns’ debut children’s book, 13-year-old pickpocket Tom Morgan finds himself alone on London’s streets. Before long, mysterious stranger Cosair entices him into a fantastical world of specialist training for elite guilds for thieves, spies, assassins and politicos. Soon after joining Beaufort’s School for Deceptive Arts, Tom faces challenges which put all his hard-earned experience to the test. Appealing to children from year six to early teens, readers will love the adventure.’ Farshore, £7.99
‘This is a story about identity, faith and finding your place in the world. After her parents’ divorce, Maaryah is uprooted from a life of luxury in Dubai to a life in Essex. While negotiating this change in lifestyle, Maaryah experiences bullying and Islamophobia. A strong character who wants to stay true to herself and her culture, Maaryah is trying to live up to family expectations but doesn’t always make the right decisions. Odd Girl Out is a compelling novel written in an authentic teenage voice.’ David Fickling, £8.99
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SCHOOL’S OUT
A TEEN’S RANSOM Teen always on a screen? Lucinda Baring takes hers to a bibliotherapist
TIPS FROM THE BOOK DOCTOR
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Pearson began offering her services as a ‘book doctor’ and the idea was picked up by e-reader company Kobo in Australia and the Mandarin Oriental in London. Realising she was onto something, she trained with London-based Book Therapy, certifying in bibliotherapy and mental health. Pearson is candid that anyone can be a bibliotherapist. There is no body that recognises it as an official form of therapy, but it is used as one by librarians, social workers and psychotherapists. She sees her role as curating a library list that encourages people to read more. During her hour with Violet, they talk about poetry; plays Violet is studying; Shakespeare; contemporary fiction versus the classics; when and how she reads, if she discusses books with friends; how she wants a book to make her feel. And so we begin the summer holidays with an ambitious list of 16 books based loosely on things Violet has enjoyed. There are memoirs that combine humour and real-life medical drama; moving narratives of adventure, courage and friendship; and coming-of-age tales. Some I feel certain will fall flat or meet derision, but I’m keeping quiet and relinquishing control. Will the ‘prescription’ serve as a salve and trump the screen? I will report back. ■
PHOTOS: PEXELS
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s a love of reading innate, hereditary even, or can it be learned? For me, the adventure, escape and companionship was always intoxicating. Dick King-Smith, CS Lewis, VC Andrews (the dark Flowers in the Attic will never leave me) and every Judy Blume book, the seminal Forever our boarding-school sex ed. Despite being an English lit grad, my husband reads the news and cookbooks. Our 15-year-old, Violet, has followed suit: a romantasy bought in February – Lightlark by Alex Aster, ‘the next Hunger Games’, the man in Waterstones said – is still on the go. She wasn’t always this way. She loved The Worst Witch (all eight) and has read Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novel series (Guts; Ghosts; Sisters) over and over. As she got older, there was the odd hit: Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell, a Michael Morpurgo, the first in a series (Noughts & Crosses by Marjorie Blackman, Once by Morris Gleitzman) but the sequels left untouched. Try reading without Desperate, I took a tip from a literary your phone nearby, even agent friend and bought Fourth Wing by just putting it on charge Rebecca Yarros. ‘Like Harry Potter but across the room. It sounds with lots of sex,’ Violet, then aged 12, obvious, but it helps your reported. I later discovered passages brain stop ‘half-switching’ around dragon ejaculation were being between things, making it read aloud on the school bus. easier to sink into a story. The summer before she joined When starting a new Wellington College, each new starter was book, don’t aim for a sent a copy of Dry by Neal and Jarrod huge commitment. Just Shusterman to give them some common tell yourself: ‘I’ll read for ten ground that first week in September. (A to 15 minutes.’ Once you’re in lovely idea, but I can’t believe much of an the story, you’ll often want to keep going – and if not, you’ve icebreaker.) Each term she and I sign up still done enough. for the college book group, one title from a brilliant cross-genre selection added Pick books based on to the school bill and left unfinished, and how you feel, not what the discussion unattended. you think you should And so we find ourselves sitting with read. If your brain feels tired, Lucy Pearson, another English lit grad go for something easy to follow with a strong voice who decided to read her way through the and short chapters. If you’re BBC’s top 100 books list and write a blog restless, choose something about it. After winning The London Book fast-paced where a lot Fair’s Book Blogger of the Year award in happens quickly. The ‘right’ 2018, she was offered a job leading social book is the one you actually media for the Women’s Prize. want to keep turning pages of. Living in Sydney during lockdown,
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UK SCHOOL OF THE DECADE
TOP CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE UK 2025 & 2026
THE SUNDAY TIMES
THE SUNDAY TIMES
Now Open in…
For girls and boys aged 3 to 11
Join us at our next Open Morning to find out more. brightoncollegeprephove.com Brighton College HOVE.indd 1
12/08/2026 09:53
SCHOOL’S OUT CLOCKWISE: Monmouth is surrounded by the vast Wye Valley National Landscape; the historic Monnow Bridge; The Royal George in nearby Tintern
Annabelle Spranklen explores Monmouth, the scenic Welsh market town home to Haberdashers’ Monmouth School
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PHOTOS: GETTY
THE TOWN BEHIND THE SCHOOL
et at the meeting point of the Wye and Monnow rivers and surrounded by the wooded folds of the Wye Valley National Landscape, Monmouth is a place that knows precisely how to dazzle. Georgian façades, medieval fragments and higgledypiggledy lanes hint at Roman and Norman beginnings, while today the town hums along as a lively market centre with independent shops, an easy café culture and a strong sense of community. For more than four centuries, education has formed part of that rhythm. Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, founded in 1614, sits at the heart of town life, its pupils breezing between campus and high street. Their presence is long woven into the daily flow of this characterful Welsh town: you might see students volunteering at Monmouth Parkrun, joining in community traditions such as the carnival and lantern parade, or supporting younger readers in local primary schools. In turn, the school’s own spaces, from libraries to performance studios, regularly welcome the wider community.
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What to see and do
This is a place that rewards an unhurried wander. Begin in Agincourt Square, where the striking Shire Hall anchors the town centre, before drifting down Monnow Street and across the 13th-century Monnow Bridge, the only remaining fortified river bridge in Britain. For culture, the volunteer-run Savoy Theatre, one of Wales’ oldest working theatres, is well worth a stop, hosting everything from arthouse cinema to touring productions and live music. Just outside town lies Rockfield Studios, the world’s first residential recording studio and where Queen recorded Bohemian Rhapsody. Hop on a bicycle and pedal along the Peregrine Path, which traces the River Wye through woodland towards Biblins Bridge, with glimpses of the water and the steady soundtrack of splish-splashing oars from the local rowing club along the way. Or lace up your walking boots and amble up to The Kymin, a National Trust hilltop with sweeping panoramas towards the Black Mountains.
Where to eat and drink
Coffi Lab is the morning hub for cyclists, families and dog walkers, serving punchy coffee and locally-sourced sausage baps. Clare & Bob’s Tearoom, tucked into the Beaufort Arms courtyard, is a sweet spot for a cuppa and cake, or beeline for The Malthouse for traditional Welsh cakes washed down with antique-hunting between
‘My perfect Saturday starts with Parkrun followed by brunch at Alex Gooch – a cappuccino and kouign-amann for me, hot chocolates and croissants for the girls. We’ll browse the shops before a cycle along the Wye. Later, it’s a drink at The Royal George in Tintern, or a curry from Jewel Balti back in town’ Hannah Vaughan, mother of two girls at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School
bites. Don’t miss lunch at Bar 125, where Welsh Cheddar burgers come with an easy riverside backdrop. When an afternoon ale is calling, follow the locals to The Punch House, a proper pub where you’ll step over at least four snoozing Labradors on your way in. For something special, The Whitebrook is tucked deep in a magical wooded valley outside town and delivers Michelin-starred tasting menus celebrating Wye Valley produce.
Where to stay
Rest your weary head at Creates on Church Street, where smart rooms and a central location make this part-bistro, part-B&B a favourite with visiting families. Nearby in Tintern, The Royal George offers a deliciously chic, countryside hideaway, with design-led rooms and the haunting arches of Tintern Abbey rising just beyond its gates. For something more rustic, broadcaster Kate Humble’s livestock farm, Humble by Nature, offers low-key, self-catering stays and an off-grid cabin (if you’re brave enough) just outside town, where you’ll wake to the lowing of cattle and bleating of sheep at the heart of a real working farm.
PHOTOS: GETTY
Where to shop
Leave enough time to mooch at Salt & Pepper, which stretches across several sugary-pink shopfronts on Monnow Street, its shelves stuffed with everything from cooking essentials to Ortigia soaps – with a cosy café upstairs. Book lovers can nose between Rossiter Books and Stephen’s Bookshop, one polished and contemporary, the other a treasure hunt of secondhand discoveries. Nearby, The Boat House Gallery showcases local wares by talented artisans. Markets run regularly in Agincourt Square and the Cattle Market carpark, while the summer Monmouth Festival fills the streets with music as one of Europe’s largest free music events. ■ countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 117
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Hotel Esencia guests can release baby turtles into the Caribbean sea
Jungle Immersion
Jules Perowne, founder and CEO, Perowne International
GREAT ESCAPES Lucinda Baring asks three travel experts to remember their best holidays with small children
Staying at Hotel Escencia was the best holiday of my life, and given how much I travel, that’s saying something. It worked perfectly for all of us: my husband could fish, I put in some serious spa time and Freddie, five, had the best time imaginable – plus he was near me most of the time and not whisked away. There’s a lovely library, with five members of staff who do treasure hunts and facepainting, and Freddie loved the outdoor movies. But really it was being outdoors all day that was special: we released baby turtles and the resort does an educational piece on their nesting and their perilous race to the sea. The best thing was that Freddie learned how to swim; the beach is so calm and the kids’ pool is really shallow and safe. Top travel tip? Lego for the plane. As soon as Freddie’s built one model, he’s exhausted and ready for a nap. Of course, we lose lots of the pieces so it’s not perfect, but I can live with that. Dishes not to miss? Jason Wu’s signature Asian chicken salad,
which he designed because Esencia is his favourite hotel and he has it every day for lunch when he visits. Insanely good.
anytime, anywhere, and from any of the restaurants. We’d have an early supper together on the beach: I’d order ceviche, Gus would have meat from the grill, and Freddie would have pizza, which is delivered in a chic little box every day at 5pm. It made for magical evenings together. Hotel Esencia, Mexico (hotelesencia.com)
PHOTOS: ISTOCK
Inside tip for parents? The resort philosophy is you can eat
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SCHOOL’S OUT
Bajan Beach Bliss
Caribbean Soul
The Sandpiper is somewhere you actually get to relax, even with the kids. It’s right on the beach and the water is always so calm; it’s very easy for the children to swim in the most beautiful, glassy, turquoise water.
Children can run to the water independently, which changes the whole holiday dynamic as you can watch from the comfort of your suite.
Curtain Bluff is laid-back Caribbean at its absolute best. The exceptional team goes above and beyond to make family holidays feel effortless and memorable. It’s one of the few places that truly feels like a break for everyone. The all-inclusive setup is a huge bonus and takes away the stress around meals, activities and those unexpected stings at the end of a stay. The resort is like a little beachfront sanctuary: secluded and incredibly safe, meaning the kids can roam and explore with confidence. Having two beaches is a massive perk: one is perfect for families, and the other is ideal if you want a quieter moment to yourself. But what really sets Curtain Bluff apart is its heart. There’s a warmth and soul to the place that’s hard to put into words. Things sometimes move on ‘Caribbean time’, but that’s part of the charm – it’s the only holiday where I feel myself completely unwind.
Inside tip for parents? The brilliant babysitting service. Book
Top travel tips? If you can, pay a bit extra for sensible flight times.
Philippa Thackeray, founder, PAPER London
Emma Hartland-Mahon, managing director and UK founder, J/PR
Top packing tip? I always roll my clothes in the suitcase. I take a lot of different PAPER London silk cover-ups and then place them on hangers in the bathroom when everyone is showering. It’s amazing how quickly it gets rid of creasing. Room to book? A lower floor garden suite, closest to the sand.
it for 7pm on your first night and don’t feel guilty for a second. Feed the children early on your terrace, hand them over to the wonderfully friendly and helpful babysitter, and have a proper grown-up dinner on the torch-lit restaurant terrace. It’s the reset every parent needs. The Sandpiper, Barbados (sandpiperbarbados.com)
The Sandpiper is located right on the beach in Barbados
Have separate tablets or iPads for each child – once we pass the eight-hour mark, screen time becomes our saviour – and a stash of little ‘surprise’ presents to reveal throughout the flight, as well as endless snacks. It’s all about survival.
Activity to beeline for? Tennis. There are four championship courts and resident pros. During Tennis Challenge Week each November, Curtain Bluff hosts former touring world pros to help sharpen guests’ game. I’m also obsessed with the live music each night. It has this charming, old-school vibe that instantly takes me back to my own childhood holidays. Inside tip for parents? Make the most of the all-inclusive
activities and incredible team of babysitters and nannies. Guilt-free adult time. Curtain Bluff, Antigua (curtainbluff.com) ■
There are four championship tennis courts at Curtain Bluff in Antigua
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When every question counts, don't leave it to chance. Book a consultation today.
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SCHOOL’S OUT
MY FAVOURITE TEACHER Writer Sathnam Sanghera looks back on his senior school English teacher and ‘second mum’, Robin Roberts
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ducation was fetishised in my family; even though my father is illiterate, he and my mum took us to the library every two weeks. My dad wanted me to have the gift that he didn’t have. I went to a very good state primary school first, which was very ethnically diverse with only a few white children. My headteacher coached me for the 11+. My family couldn’t afford the entrance fee, but I got into Wolverhampton Grammar School on a fully-assisted place, which is where Robin Roberts became my English teacher when I was 14. Initially I found it very difficult at school there. I went from being in a school where I was the cleverest in the class to one where kids had private tuition. I felt really out of my depth and I was shy; I had a topknot, and here I was in a school full of mostly white kids.
By the time I met Robin, I’d cut my hair and became really confident. Maths was always my subject, but through Robin I discovered that I loved English too. She gave me a copy of Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, which we both thought was hilarious. She was the first person who suggested that I could write and gave me A+ on every essay. I had never had that because I wasn’t a humanities person. Robin was definitely the coolest teacher in the school; everyone wanted to be her friend. It was amazing that she saw something in me. Looking back, she was ready to leave teaching. She was jaded not only with teaching, but with teaching privileged kids. During my A levels my sister, who had schizophrenia, was sectioned, and Robin saw that things weren’t good for me at home
Robin saved my life; I think about her every day. I wish I had done more to say ‘thank you’
FROM TOP: Sathnam Sanghera met Robin Roberts at age 14, when she was his English teacher
and that I was struggling. I hadn’t faced up to what was happening, but Robin could see it. She and her boyfriend Steve gave me somewhere to go, physically: to their house, a half-hour walk from mine, and sometimes I’d sleep over. She worked out that my parents weren’t reading my school reports, and while other teachers would write generic reports, she would write letters to me in mine. It was amazing and makes me feel quite weepy thinking about it. She would take me on field trips that she was doing with other children, since as a family we never went on holiday – and introduced me to middle class things like red wine and gazpacho. It was a real education. She got to know my mum really well, who started calling Robin my ‘second mum’. I went to the University of Cambridge thanks to Robin – it was her idea for me to apply. I was really irreverent in the interview, thinking I had no chance, but I got an offer for two Es to read English literature and was the envy of the school. All I had to do was turn up for my exams. Robin and Steve dropped me off at Cambridge on my first day, as my parents had gone to India. Robin left teaching when I went to Cambridge and moved to Italy; I feel like I was her final project. I wish I had done more to say ‘thank you’. She saved my life; she made me. Robin died in 2019 and I think about her every single day. She was one of my best friends for life. I loved her, and so did my mother. Eleanor Doughty ■
Tonight the Music Seems So Loud: The Meaning of George Michael by Sathnam Sanghera is out now (Picador, £22) countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 121
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28% OF CHILDREN REACH FOR A SCREEN. JUST 12% USE THEIR IMAGINATION. When they're bored, children are more than twice as likely to reach for a screen than use their imagination. Yet research shows that actively taking part in arts and cultural activities can improve young people's mental health. Give them something to reach for.
As the Country & Town House charity partner, Create is offering free creative activities to all readers of the magazine.
SCAN TO GET CREATIVE
Country & Town House Charity Partner
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Sources: Playmobil-commissioned research, 2026, surveying 2,000 UK children aged 4–9 and 2,000 parents, reported in The Times; Hugh-Jones & Munford, 2025, Social Science & Medicine.
11/08/2026 18:26
NURSERIES
The Little Courtiers is part of Hampton Court House School in Richmond
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SCHOOL HOUSE PROMOTION
20 YEARS OF MISS DAISY’S The London nursery schools group celebrates two decades of quality education in 2026
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t Miss Daisy’s, excellence in early years education is not just a tradition – it’s a living philosophy that has guided families for over two decades. Rooted in warmth, curiosity and attentiveness, the Miss Daisy’s nurseries offer a considered start to each child’s educational journey, honouring the wonder of their formative years while laying the foundations for confident learning that sticks with them for life. Childhood is celebrated in all its richness at Miss Daisy’s. Calm, welcoming environments are curated to inspire exploration, independence and imagination. A play-based approach allows children to learn naturally, developing creativity, problem-solving skills and resilience in ways that feel joyful and meaningful. Every space is designed to feel homely yet stimulating, ensuring children feel secure enough to
try, question and discover. The nursery group’s educational ethos is strong and forward-thinking, teaching not only academic foundations but also essential life skills: confidence, empathy, collaboration and adaptability. Highly trained headteachers bring exceptional knowledge of future school expectations, guiding each child at a natural pace while preparing them for the next steps in their learning journey. Diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of the Miss Daisy’s approach. Each nursery celebrates individuality and fosters respect for different cultures, perspectives and abilities, creating environments where every child feels valued and understood. This commitment extends to the group’s mixed-age learning model, which mirrors family and community life. Through this approach, younger children are encouraged to learn from older peers, and older children develop leadership skills and empathy. Community values and strong relationships with families define Miss Daisy’s. Staff believe children flourish most when home and nursery work hand in hand, creating continuity and shared purpose. This partnership builds a warm, engaged community rooted in trust and a mutual belief in joyful early years education. For two decades, families have chosen Miss Daisy’s for its consistent excellence, gentle pastoral care, and ability to create environments where every child feels truly cherished. More than a nursery, it is a place where childhood is honoured, individuality embraced, and potential nurtured with confidence and care. missdaisysnursery.com registrar@missdaisysnursery.com +44 (0)20 7730 5797 n
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NURSERIES
The Little Courtiers at Hampton Court House NURSERY & PREP
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools (Dolphin School Trust) NURSERY
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Address: Hampton Court Road, East Molesey KT8 9BS Founded: 2001 Pupils: 43, aged 2-5 Fees: £6,287-£7,277 per term Head: Katherine Vintiner (principal) and Imogen Stone (head of early years at Hampton Court House) Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Selective; candidates invited to trial days School Visits: Open mornings held fortnightly during term-time
Address: London SW11 6QW (Dolphin branch); SW18 2QQ (West Side) Founded: 1986 Pupils: 34, aged 2-5 Fees: £3,113 per term Head: Mrs Lucy Price Religious Affiliation: Christian Entrance Procedure: Non-selective in order of registration, with priority given to siblings of current pupils School Visits: Individual visits available by appointment
Curriculum: The Little Courtiers offers a bespoke, child-centred curriculum where every child is motivated to learn through their interests. Staff combine the EYFS with the Forest School approach and draw from Montessori and Reggio Emilia pedagogy, which focus on the holistic child as an individual. Small class sizes, broken down further in lessons such as phonics, enable every child to learn at their own pace from an early age. An early French immersion programme to year four enhances language literacy, cognitive development, problem solving and creativity.
Curriculum: Noah’s Ark follows the EYFS framework, drawing on the latest Development Matters and Birth to Five Matters guidance. Using an in-themoment approach, experienced practitioners build on children’s interests and strengths through purposeful play, language-rich experiences, stories, songs, rhymes and Bible stories. Every child’s confidence, curiosity and readiness is nurtured for a successful start at school.
Sport & The Arts: Set within beautiful parkland, Hampton Court House offers a place where children can be children, with outdoor play and learning woven into daily life. Sport and the arts flourish through specialist PE, music and ballet lessons from the earliest years, nurturing physical, emotional and cognitive growth. Clubs such as mini athletics, art and design, Lego and pottery begin at age four, inviting students to explore, create and thrive. Pastoral Care: Through close partnership with parents, the school takes a unified approach grounded in the EYFS, positive behaviour guidance and the Jigsaw PSHE programme. Every child is recognised as unique, learning to express themselves confidently, regulate emotions, resolve confl ict kindly and use their voice with respect. Safeguarding underpins all that staff do, forming the foundation of the school’s attentive and thoughtful pastoral care. Head’s Philosophy: To place the child and their family at the centre of every decision we make. At The Little Courtiers, we think of early years as a nurturing springboard to ensure children have the best start in life. It is our responsibility to foster a sense of awe and wonder of the world.
hamptoncourthouse.co.uk 020 8614 0865
admissions@hchnet.co.uk
Sport & The Arts: Children have a weekly PE lesson with a specialised teacher. There are also weekly rhythm and movement sessions, allowing children to respond to songs with voice, instruments and movement. Art materials are plentiful and aim to develop creative flair. Pastoral Care: A current parent said: ‘Noah’s Ark is a wonderful nursery that genuinely cares about bringing out the best in each and every child. The staff are incredibly kind and nurturing, and the smaller class sizes mean every child gets the support they need.’ Staff know each child well, who know they are loved and cared for. Noah’s Ark provides a great framework for character development. Excellent behaviour is modelled at every turn; kindness and support for one another is communicated with grace and confidence. Positive interaction with peers and adults is key. Head’s Philosophy: To focus on the individual and support each child to foster a love for learning. We have a community of staff, parents and children, encouraging the children to have a real sense of independence in themselves, their minds and learning.
dolphinschool.org.uk
020 7924 3472
admissions@ dolphinschool.org.uk
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SCHOOL HOUSE PROMOTION
CREATING HAPPY LEARNERS Each Pippa Pop-ins nursery is a home from home in the heart of London
S
ince 1992, Pippa Pop-ins has stood as one of London’s most trusted and admired beginnings for young children, offering families a nurturing, homely start to education. Guided by a sense of warmth thoughtful intention when it comes to learning, the nurseries provide an environment where children are encouraged, understood and celebrated each day. Situated across some of London’s most distinguished neighbourhoods, each Pippa Pop-ins setting is carefully designed to feel both elegant and inviting. Every nursery brims with light-filled rooms, charming outdoor areas and purposefully chosen resources, allowing children to explore and confidently discover new interests through play. At the heart of Pippa Pop-ins is a team of highly qualified teachers, each committed to early years education. Staff’s expertise paired with gentle guidance allows independence and curiosity to flourish. Children are encouraged to progress at a pace that feels natural while supported with kindness and a loving community around them. Throughout the day, children encounter a rich curriculum that encourages confidence and curiosity. They explore music and movement, discover drama through language and stories, and build physical skills as they play outdoors. Phonics, expressive arts, early numeracy and practical life skills are also developed. Children are introduced to a wide variety of experiences early on, with every achievement not only noticed, but celebrated. The home-from-home style of Pippa Pop-ins nurseries is complemented by nutritious meals prepared by onsite chefs. Food is enjoyed together, encouraging healthy habits and offering opportunities to practice manners and responsibility. This same sense of attentiveness extends to staff’s relationship with families, which remains a treasured part of the Pippa Pop-ins experience. Regular updates, open communication and a friendly partnership allow parents feel welcomed into the daily life of the nursery. For over 30 years, families have chosen Pippa Pop-ins for its longstanding reputation for education and care. A commitment to nurturing confident, capable and happy young learners ensures children are ready and excited for their next school steps. Pippa Pop-ins is a lovingly considered beginning, crafted with care, elegance and a deep understanding of what truly matters in the early years. pippapopins.com admissions@pippapopins.com +44 (0)20 3540 1086 n
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NURSERIES
Little Shells Nursery at St James NURSERY
CHAMPIONING KINDNESS
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE
Address: 14 Gorleston Street, West Kensington W14 8XS Founded: 1975 Pupils: 25, aged 9 months to 4 years Fees: £14,260-£26,460 per year, with government-funded places available Head: Mrs Hilary Wyatt Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Non-selective; interview with the head School Visits: Open events and individual tours available year round
BE KIND. BE YOU. BELONG. BE THOMAS’S. London co-education from 3-18 Join us at one of our Open Mornings. Book your visit at thomas-s.co.uk
Open Morning Wednesday 14 October
Open Morning Wednesday 4 November
Open Morning Thursday 8 October
Curriculum: A varied curriculum and specialist teaching in performing arts, cooking, language and more means children get to develop their own unique talents. Tailored, short-burst learning sessions provide them with early access to phonics, maths and literacy skills. Specially designed facilities for under-twos provide a calm, secure and stimulating environment alongside dedicated areas for sleep, sensory exploration, feeding, movement and play. They also have access to the facilities at St James Prep, including a fully equipped teaching kitchen. Sport & The Arts: Children play with trikes, bikes and push cars, and climb to develop physical and gross motor skills. In forest school twice a week, children play, run and explore, and an outdoor area with a sand pit, mud kitchen and climbing frames allows them to run and play whatever the weather. Crafts, sensory play, getting messy and using clay helps strengthen fi ne motor skills. Pastoral Care: Developing a strong and personal bond with each child provides a solid foundation, helping children grow in independence and become confident learners. Children also feel safe knowing that they have someone to talk to if they feel unwell or sad. Little Shells knows that children are unique and that their learning should reflect this individuality. Children receive individual focus from trained teachers who tailor their programme to reflect the child’s needs. Head’s Philosophy: To offer children an inspirational and fun introduction to school life, with a balanced education and focus on holistic wellbeing to nurture their unique potential. This blend encourages an overall love of learning and peace of mind, leaving children with happy memories of their start at school.
Open Morning Tuesday 29 September
Open Mornings Saturdays 19 September & 3 October
stjamesschools. co.uk/nursery
020 7348 1793
admissions@ stjamesprep.co.uk
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LONDON SCHOOLS
Francis Holland Prep, Chelsea
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Broomfield House School NURSERY & PREP
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Bassett House School PREPARATORY
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Address: 10 Broomfield Road, Kew, Richmond TW9 3HS Founded: 1876 Pupils: 160, aged 2-11 Fees: £2,120-£8,090 per term Head: Florence Wrigley-Smith (acting); Jo Pache (from January 2027) Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Non-selective School Visits: Open days in autumn and summer, with stay and play for early years once per term. Individual tours available
Address: 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP Founded: 1947 Pupils: 150, aged 2-11 Fees: £8,896-£9,179 per term Head: Mr Christopher Woodward Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Priority to siblings and children of alumni; taster and assessment morning for all children School Visits: Regular stay and plays, with personal tours also available
Curriculum: Staff foster a love of learning and develop thoughtful, independent pupils who question, explore and reflect. As a High Performance Learning-accredited school, Broomfield encourages every child to think, pursue their interests and fulfi l their potential. The broad curriculum spans academics, arts, sport, languages, humanities and computing, building curiosity, confidence and creativity. As an analoguefi rst school, Broomfield teaches digitial literacy through purposeful problem-solving and critical thinking.
Curriculum: The school offers a bespoke, future-focused Bassett Baccalaureate curriculum, which is taught by specialists for the best outcomes. Much-loved traditions meet innovation in the curriculum; it is crammed with creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. Small class sizes are combined with expert staff committed to making learning memorable. Academic scholarships are available.
Sport & The Arts: Music, art, drama and sport are delivered by specialist staff who foster creativity and confidence. Pupils develop skills through performances, lessons and productions, while art nurtures imagination. The school’s sports programme builds fitness and teamwork through football, netball, tag rugby, swimming, cricket, tennis, athletics and cross-country. Broomfield partners with Brentford FC and Harlequins rugby club, with many pupils achieving regional and national success. Pastoral Care: Education at Broomfield goes far beyond academics, focusing on developing confident, well-rounded individuals. The school’s broad curriculum and strong pastoral care help children build relationships and essential life skills. Wellbeing is a priority and is supported through pupil voice, including a termly happiness survey, buddy systems and safe ways to share concerns. Targeted support is offered through trained staff and initiatives such as the LEGO club to build confidence and social skills. Exit Destinations: Pupils consistently achieve excellent results, securing offers from the UK’s top selective senior schools.
Sport & The Arts: Bassett House is an arts-rich school that places huges importance on the learning of art, drama and music. The teaching of these three subjects by specialist teachers engages children with the arts from the age of two. Scholarships are offered in music and sport. Pastoral Care: The school has a homely feel and it is a place where parents say their child is more nurtured, known and seen. Staff consider it a privilege to educate the children and ‘communication stations’ support pupils who need a boost. Exit Destinations: Year seven leavers go on to some of London’s most academically selective schools, including Latymer Upper and St Pauls’ Girls. Bassett House prepares children for a wide range of different senior schools, mostly in London but some further afield, such as Marlborough. Head’s Philosophy: To focus on what children can do, because we know that achievement comes in all forms. At Bassett, we proudly celebrate our most academically able pupils and we also celebrate those for whom success is richly deserved in many and multiple other ways.
Head’s Philosophy: To provide an innovative, forward-thinking education focused on giving children the best start in life. We nurture confident, adaptable individuals through a personalised approach, strong foundations and a caring community, empowering every child to thrive and reach their full potential.
broomfieldhouse.com
020 8940 3884
admissions@ broomfieldhouse.com
bassetths.org.uk
020 3866 2299
admissions@bassetths.org.uk
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Discover an exceptional City prep for ages 3-11, where confidence, creativity and curiosity shape every day. Join us at an Open Morning or book a personal tour to discover what makes Charterhouse Square School truly special.
A SPIRIT. ALL OF ITS OWN. www.charterhousesquareschool.co.uk
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@charterhousesquareschool
33-40 Charterhouse Square, EC1M 6EA
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Dolphin School (Incorporating Noah’s Ark Nursery Schools) NURSERY & PREP
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
4+ School in Action Morning Tuesday 15 September 2026
Whole School Open Morning Saturday 26 September 2026
16+ Open Evening Thursday 1 October 2026
7+ School in Action Morning Wednesday 4 November 2026
Established in 1629, Chigwell is an award-winning co-ed school for 4–18 year olds situated on an extensive 100-acre campus, near London.
Address: 106 Northcote Road, London SW11 6QW Founded: 1996 Pupils: 130, aged 2-11 Fees: £3,113-£7,962 per term Head: Mrs Lucy Price Religious Affiliation: Christian Entrance Procedure: Non-selective School Visits: One open day per term, with individual visits available
Curriculum: Small class sizes enable Dolphin School to know each child exceptionally well, allowing teachers to provide personalised support and challenge so every pupil can flourish academically, socially and emotionally while developing a love of learning. English and mathematics are at the heart of the curriculum, complemented by a broad range of subjects. Specialist teaching, leadership opportunities, educational visits, residential trips and a wide range of clubs enrich learning. Sport & The Arts: Pupils enjoy specialist teaching in drama, music, art, design technology and other creative disciplines, with many opportunities to perform and exhibit their work. A wide range of sports, including football, rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, dance and athletics, are supported by expert coaching, competitive fi xtures and extensive enrichment clubs. Pastoral Care: Character development is central to a Dolphin education. From nursery to year six, pupils grow in confidence, resilience, kindness and integrity. Known for their warmth and willingness to give things a go, they care for others, contribute positively to their community and leave Dolphin ready to make a positive difference in the world. Dolphin nurtures confident, curious and compassionate young people.
The next issue of SCHOOL HOUSE MAGAZINE is out in Spring 2027
Exit Destinations: Leavers progress to leading independent schools including Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, Emanuel, Epsom College, Ibstock Place, JAGS, King’s College Wimbledon, St John’s, Trinity and Whitgift, with scholarships awarded in academics, sport, music, drama and DT. Head’s Philosophy: To know every child as an individual and encourage them to develop their unique gifts and talents. Through the right balance of support, challenge and encouragement, we help pupils flourish, growing into confident, compassionate and capable young people.
To advertise in the next issue of School House Magazine, or on our website www.countryandtownhouse.com/schools, please email Camilla van Praagh on camilla@schoolhousemagazine.co.uk dolphinschool.org.uk
020 7924 3472
admissions@ dolphinschool.org.uk
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Dulwich Prep & Senior PREP & SENIOR
ALL BOYS, COED NURSERY
DAY & BOARDING
Eaton House Schools (Eaton House The Manor & Eaton House Belgravia) NURSERY & PREP
Address: 38-42 Alleyn Park, London SE21 7AA; 8 Gallery Road, SE21 7AB Founded: 1885 Pupils: 812, aged 2-16 (girls 2-4) Fees: £6,165-£13,380 per term Head: Miss Louise Davidson Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Selective School Visits: Regular group tours available
ALL BOYS & ALL GIRLS
DAY ONLY
Curriculum: Dulwich Prep & Senior believes in unlocking every child’s potential through an innovative and challenging curriculum. The school values of love, courage, gratitude, humility, justice, service, self-discipline and honesty are taught to foster empathy and inspire boys to positively impact society.
Address: 58 Clapham Common North Side, London SW4 9RU and 3-5 Eaton Gate, Belgravia SW1W 9BA Founded: 1897 Pupils: 659, aged 2-13 Fees: Details from admissions Head: Mrs Alison Fleming (principal, Eaton House Schools); Mr David Wingfield (headmaster, Eaton House The Manor Prep); Mrs Claire Fildes (headmistress, Eaton House The Manor Girls); Mrs Roosha Sue (headmistress, Eaton House The Manor Nursery); Dr Christopher Halls (headmaster, Eaton House Belgravia) Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational with Christian ethos Entrance Procedure: Non-selective at 4+; English and maths assessments for other age groups School Visits: Saturday open mornings, with weekly visits available
Sport & The Arts: Sport, music, drama, art, cookery and DT all play a fundamental part in daily life. The school champions the ability to play sports or be creative with intelligence and passion, and recognises the benefits of both. The cocurricular programme is vibrant and varied, with over 150 different options. Boys are encouraged to participate in musical activities and drama productions, and competitive sports are on offer, making the most of the school’s 29 acres and extensive sports fields.
Curriculum: Eaton House Schools is the gold standard in academic education in Belgravia and Clapham. Children soar academically, with unlimited opportunities in a caring culture where excellence is supported by wellbeing. This is has led generations of pupils to top schools across the country.
Pastoral Care: Pastoral care is of the utmost importance to the staff team and wider community. Extensive experience working with boys gives staff a clear understanding of the physical, emotional and developmental needs that boys may encounter at school. Boys can only achieve their highest potential when they feel secure and confident.
Sport & The Arts: Sport is an integral part of life at the school. Specialist staff nurture a love of sport and nearly 75 percent of children play a musical instrument, with many winning awards and scholarships. Weekly drama lessons lead to lavish theatrical productions in which all shine. Children can also take special New Era drama examinations.
Exit Destinations: Since 2018, boys have transitioned to over 50 of the top London day schools and the best boarding schools in the country. Pupils have been awarded over 300 scholarships since 2020, and 93 percent of families secured their fi rst-choice senior school.
Pastoral Care: Pastoral care is the schools’ fundamental cornerstone. The form tutors and house system provide the structure for pastoral care, while a buddy system helps integrate pupils into the schools. The head of wellbeing supports all pupils and parents in the wellbeing hub.
Head’s Philosophy: To allow boys to learn holistically, building good character and developing meaningful skills for the future. We balance the school’s heritage and traditions with the need to be at the forefront of what is new and best in education.
Exit Destinations: Top academic results mean pupils regularly achieve top scholarships to leading schools. Forty-one were secured in 2026, including one candidate being awarded both the King’s Scholarship and a music scholarship to Eton for the fi rst time ever. Three John Colet Scholarships (St Paul’s), an Elected Exhibition (Winchester), and a Harold Penny Scholarship (Dulwich College) were also attained in 2026. Music and academic scholarships have also been gained to Eton, St Paul’s, Dulwich College, King’s Wimbledon, JAGS and more. Head’s Philosophy: To ensure children love coming to school and leave us poised to take advantage of all the opportunities their senior schools will offer them. I want pupils to learn holistically, with happiness at school going hand in hand with academic success. (Alison Fleming, principal)
dulwichprepsenior.org.uk
020 8766 5525
admissions@dulwich prepsenior.org.uk
eatonhouseschools.com
020 3917 5050
admissions@ eatonhouseschools.om
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Heathfield House School PREPARATORY
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Address: Heathfield Gardens, Chiswick W4 4JU Founded: 2004 Pupils: 160, aged 4-11 Fees: £5,030-£5,490 per term Head: Mrs Caroline Goodsman Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Reception non-selective, assessment for other years School Visits: One-to-one tours offered throughout the year
Curriculum: Heathfield House aims to provide a stimulating, wellbalanced and varied education, helping each child to develop their full potential intellectually, socially and physically. The school’s strength lies in its family-run, nurturing and vibrant community, in which each child’s individual needs, strengths and interests are recognised and valued in a secure, supportive and caring environment. Small class sizes allow pupils to achieve well across the curriculum, with tailored support for all abilities. Sport & The Arts: Children experience a range of sports during PE lessons, including weekly swimming lessons all year round. Creativity is encouraged, with art, drama and music all playing a large part in the curriculum. One-to-one peripatetic music lessons are offered and there are Christmas and summer productions. Pastoral Care: At the heart of Heathfield House School lies a welldeveloped pastoral system. Children flourish when they feel valued, safe, secure and happy. The school ethos is based upon the ‘keys to success’, which staff feel are required to lead successful, fulfi lling lives. Across the school, a growth mindset is developed by giving children the opportunity to experience new challenges, reviewing ways to approach problems and fostering resilience. The school is committed to nurturing the full potential of each child. Exit Destinations: Recent places have been gained at Lady Eleanor Holles, Thomas’s College, Latymer Upper, Hampton, Ibstock Place, Kingston Grammar, Notting Hill and Ealing High, and St Benedict’s. Head’s Philosophy: To provide a caring, family-run environment where every child can develop the confidence needed to succeed in all aspects of their lives – academically, socially and physically. We foster an environment where each child feels valued and supported throughout their precious primary school years.
heathfieldhouse.co.uk
020 8994 3385
admissions@ heathfieldhouse.co.uk
Hampton Court House School NURSERY TO SIXTH
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Address: Hampton Court Road, East Molesey KT8 9BS Founded: 2001 Pupils: 360, aged 2-18 Fees: £6,287-£10,298 per term Head: Katherine Vintiner Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Selective from prep to sixth. English and maths assessments and interviews, plus reports and head references required School Visits: Open mornings held weekly during term-time
Curriculum: Hampton Court House School blends academic rigour with experiential learning, artistic exploration and exceptional language provision, including a LabelFranc-accredited French immersion from years one to four and courses in Latin, Mandarin and Spanish. Small classes enable a personalised education, with tailored support from passionate subject specialists who inspire curiosity and confidence in every learner. A level results in 2025 were 35 percent A*-A and 61 percent A*-B. GCSE results were 40 percent 8-9 and 61 percent 7-9, with 28 percent achieving above what was projected. Sport & The Arts: Sport and the arts are integral to daily life at the school. A fi nalist for a national arts and music award in 2025, Hampton Court House School offers rich drama, instrumental and vocal tuition, ensembles and productions year-round. Sport includes weekly lessons, clubs and fi xtures. From early years swimming and ballet to senior rowing and expert coaching, the sport provision blends choice (over 70 clubs), quality facilities (on-site and nearby St Mary’s University and Excel Sports Hub) and exceptional staff. Pastoral Care: The school’s behaviour policy and award-winning pastoral care reflect its ethos as staff always ‘seek fi rst to understand’, investing time in conversations with students and families. The tutor and house system ensures each individual is known and supported to flourish personally and academically. The school’s efforts were recognised when it won the National Education Choices Developing Student Voice award in 2025. Exit Destinations: Leavers achieve offers from leading universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Groups. There is a 100 percent success rate for medical applicants. Head’s Philosophy: To place child-centred learning and relationships at the core of our teaching, fostering curiosity and joy. When students are fully engaged, they flourish both academically and personally, ready for a changing world. This has led to the school being nominated as a fi nalist for London Independent School of the Year in 2025.
hamptoncourthouse.co.uk
020 8614 0865 admissions@hchnet.co.uk
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
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Growing character. Blowing minds.
Visit Us
PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Together we grow.
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t ew reen rep, children grow with confidence, creativity and character. Whether in the classroom or beyond, they’re encouraged to express themselves, explore their talents, and enjoy learning. Together we grow through every note, idea and adventure. Don’t just take our word for it—come and experience it for yourself.
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Orchard House School NURSERY & PREP
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Address: Priory House, Priory Avenue, London W4 1TX Founded: 1993 Pupils: 398, aged 3-11 Fees: £4,123-£9,427 per term Head: Mrs Henrietta Adams Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Non-selective. Priority given to siblings, children of alumni and children from other Dukes Education institutions School Visits: Open mornings and weekly group tours available
Curriculum: Specialised teaching tailored to individual needs sparks boundless creativity, nurturing young minds to explore and shape their unique ideas. Beyond fostering academic excellence, the school’s new curriculum, The Learning Orchard, includes time in the innovation hub for hands-on learning as well as a philosophy and oracy programme, encouraging confident communication. Sport & The Arts: Pupils are energetic and passionate in sport, competing in events like the Knight Frank Schools Triatholon, the Mini London Marathon and the ESSA relay championships. Recent successes include a second-place fi nish in the 2025 IAPS U11 national netball championships. The school nurtures a wide range of talents by facilitating over 300 private music lessons weekly across instruments, including piano, violin, drums and wind instruments. The sports, music and performing arts programmes allow every child to develop their unique talents. Pastoral Care: Individual learning plans give pupils a space to share concerns, helping teachers monitor wellbeing. A buddy system helps new pupils settle in, while older pupils mentor younger ones, fostering a caring community. Exit Destinations: Recent leavers have secured places and scholarships to Benenden, Downe House, Emanuel, Francis Holland, Godolphin and Latymer, Ibstock Place, Kew House, King’s College Wimbledon, Lady Eleanor Holles, Latymer Upper, Notting Hill & Ealing High, St Benedict’s, and The Harrodian. Head’s Philosophy: To ensure children are truly seen, heard and celebrated. We fi nd each child’s unique strengths – whether music, running, maths or drama – and help them flourish.
orchardhs.org.uk
020 8742 8544
admissions@orchardhs.org.uk
Old Vicarage School NURSERY & PREP
ALL GIRLS
DAY ONLY
Address: 48 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6QX Founded: 1931 Pupils: 240, aged 3-11 Fees: £3,515-£7,440 per term Head: Mrs Clare Strickland Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Non-selective School Visits: Private tours available all year round
Curriculum: Latest research helps inform best teaching practices, creating an exciting learning environment where the girls learn through collaboration and problem-solving, promoting skills of critical thinking, communication and teamwork – essential soft skills vital for living in the 21st century. There is a focus on the breadth of the curriculum, with specialist teachers for all subjects in years three to six. A post-11+ programme includes an entrepreneurial project, a theatre production and a trip to France. Sport & The Arts: Sports include netball, cross-country, hockey, football, rugby, tennis, athletics and cricket, with opportunities for local and national competitions. All pupils have weekly swimming lessons. The school offers performing arts, visual arts and DT, which includes textiles, ceramics and creative design using advanced 3D printers. A wide range of extracurricular clubs – from music technology and debating to yoga, mindfulness and more – enriches every girl’s experience at Old Vicarage. Pastoral Care: The school is a welcoming and supportive community where girls learn, play and grow together, creating the best possible start in life. Teachers are expertly trained in the Girls on Board approach, helping pupils understand the complexities and dynamics of friendships. The school council, buddying system, and year six prefects are at the heart of the school’s inclusive ethos promoting kindness, leadership and a strong sense of belonging for every girl. Exit Destinations: The class of 2026 comprised 29 girls who went on to 12 different schools and gained a total of 15 scholarships, which inncluded academic, sport, art and music. Head’s Philosophy: To teach the girls that there are no limits in what they can achieve. As they journey through the school, they continue to be challenged in all areas; being ambitious and aiming high is embedded into the ethos of the school. The girls leave the school equipped with the skills to face the challenges of the modern world.
theoldvicarageschool.com
020 8940 0922
registrar@ oldvicarageschool.com
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Parsons Green Prep School PREPARATORY
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Address: 1 Fulham Park Road, London SW6 4LJ Founded: 2001 Pupils: 135, ages 4-11 Fees: £9,545-£10,285 per term Head: Mr Alex Jarrett Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Non-selective School Visits: Saturday open days in May and September, and individual tours available during term-time
Curriculum: An early years curriculum through to the 11+ enables rapid progress and pertinent challenge, leading to high attainment. Specialist teaching in French, music, art and PE with STEAM and an all-embracing core curriculum maximises pupils’ progress. Advanced French programme is offered for fluent speakers. Sport & The Arts: Pupils compete in national ISA and IAPS tournaments and local fi xtures in football, netball, tag rugby, cricket, hockey, swimming and skiing. Alongside a creative art curriculum, there is an art club and exhibitions, and pupils enter national art competitions. Instrument lessons and LAMDA examinations are offered. Pastoral Care: The children have fun, are happy, make friends and learn in a personalised, secure and safe environment. A deep-rooted culture of effective pastoral care and focus on pupils’ mental wellbeing is recognised as a significant strength of the school. In May 2025, the ISI said: ‘The school’s wellbeing and mental health programme supports pupils’ deep understanding of emotional wellbeing very effectively. As a result, they have a secure and very mature understanding of how to regulate their own emotions, while also recognising and supporting the emotional wellbeing of others.’ Exit Destinations: Pupils have been awarded academic, ballet, sport and art scholarships to selective schools in London. Head’s Philosophy: To promote a strong culture of kindness and wellbeing. At Parsons Green Prep School, there is a drive for academic excellene within an adaptive ethos that enables high achievement. We encourage pupils to balance the school’s broad curriculum with cocurricular activities and make intellectual connections, think critically and have the confidence to collaborate and communicate effectively.
parsonsgreenprep.co.uk
020 7610 8085
admissions@ parsonsgreenprep.co.uk
Queen’s College Preparatory School NURSERY & PREP
ALL GIRLS
DAY ONLY
Address: 61 Portland Place, London W1B 1QP Founded: 2002 Pupils: 200, aged 3-11 Fees: £9,180-£10,158 per term Head: Miss Ailsa Buddle and Ms Georgia Habanananda Religious Affiliation: None Entrance Procedure: Broadly selective; main entry points 3+, 4+ and 7+ School Visits: Weekly open events, with private visits available on request
Curriculum: Queen’s College Preparatory School offers a broad and ambitious curriculum designed to inspire excellence and help every girl discover her strengths. Specialist teaching, outstanding pastoral care and an exceptional location in central London support academic achievement, creativity and personal growth. The school’s pioneering Empower programme develops skills in philanthropy, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and global citizenship through practical projects, equipping pupils with the confidence and knowledge to lead with purpose. Sport & The Arts: The school places great value on sport and the creative arts, helping every girl develop confidence, creativity and resilience. A broad programme of team and individual sports promotes teamwork, leadership and physical wellbeing, while specialist teaching in music, dance and performance nurtures artistic talent and self-expression. Through competitions, concerts, productions and performances, girls are encouraged to challenge themselves and celebrate their achievements. Pastoral Care: Pastoral care is a defi ning feature of the school. Staff recognise that girls thrive when they feel happy, secure and understood, and provide a nurturing environment where every child is known as an individual. Strong partnerships between home and school, combined with dedicated pastoral support, help pupils develop confidence, resilience and self-belief. Within the school’s caring community, girls feel supported to be themselves and flourish both in and beyond the classroom. Exit Destinations: With a guaranteed offer of a place at Queen’s College London, QCPS pupils are exceptionally well placed for the next stage of their education, with many also securing places at and scholarships to other leading schools. Head’s Philosophy: To ensure every child flourishes by making her feel known and nurtured, and encouraging her to be boldly curious. Through exceptional pastoral care and inspiring teaching, we equip girls with the confidence, character and curiosity to embrace challenge and shape their own futures.
prep.qcl.org.uk
020 7291 0660
admissions@qcps.org.uk
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Great futures begin
earlier than you think
Book our Open Day Sat 19 Sept
From curious beginnings to confident futures, we’re with every child on o their unique journey.
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Be part of the family
To find out more about how a enscourt ark reparatory School can make a difference to your child, please join us at one of our next Open Mornings.
Part of the Gardener Schools Group - One family, one vision, four schools.
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www.rpps.co.uk
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
St James Preparatory School PREPARATORY
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
St Philip’s School PREPARATORY
ALL BOYS
DAY ONLY
Address: Earsby Street, London W14 8SH Founded: 1975 Pupils: 130, aged 9 months to 11 years Fees: £9,045 per term Head: Mrs Hilary Wyatt Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Selective; test, interview and taster day School Visits: Open events throughout the year and individual visits available by appointment
Address: 6 Wetherby Place, London SW7 4NE Founded: 1935 Pupils: 100, aged 4-13 Fees: £8,760-£9,840 per term Head: Mr Alexander Thomas Religious Affiliation: Catholic Entrance Procedure: Selective; priority given to siblings. Play day for reception entry and assessment day for other year groups School Visits: Regular open days and individual tours available
Curriculum: A stimulating, creative curriculum gives pupils the confidence to open doors for themselves in the future. St James Prep balances academic, pastoral, sporting, creative and spiritual activities to create a vibrant learning environment. Specialist subject teachers support learning from nursery upwards, working with class teachers to give the curriculum an edge. The school’s Academic, Interested and Motivated programme ensures pupils have opportunities to excel and be challenged.
Curriculum: St Philip’s is imbued with a real and valuable sense of fun combined with an ambitious curriculum – unashamedly classical, liberal, and challenging in scope and style. A strong emphasis is placed on the building blocks of literacy, numeracy and the ability to think critically and clearly. We work to capitalise on the boys’ natural enthusiasms and curiosity. The curriculum incorporates an exciting and challenging early years programme through to all subjects required for Common Entrance and scholarship level.
Sport & The Arts: An impressive programme of sports is offered through the school’s well-equipped gym and use of facilities at King’s House, Barn Elms and Fulham pools. St James Prep punches high at ISA regional and national tournaments and also hosts inter-school events. There is specialist teaching in all arts, with performances including a Shakespeare festival, and an art department including pottery. Performing arts is very highly regarded, with many pupils progressing to specialist schools and developing careers in the arts. Pastoral Care: The school’s award-winning holistic wellbeing provision actively offers opportunities for pupils to succeed. By celebrating and sharing pupils’ joy when they do succeed, the school provides pupils with a sense of assurance and the ability to care for themselves and others. Staff are strongly supported in their pastoral role. All pupils are valued and valuable members of the community and are encouraged to speak about their worries, no matter how small, through healthy relationships and a nurturing environment. Exit Destinations: In recent years, pupils have received scholarships from schools including Notting Hill and Ealing High School, Francis Holland, Kew House, Thomas’s College and the St James senior schools. Head’s Philosophy: To ensure children have fun as they learn, because we know happy children succeed. St James’ unique educational approach combines creativity and philosophy with specialist teaching, and as a result, pupils leave at the end of year six as kind, generous, confident and well-balanced individuals.
stjamesschools. co.uk/prepschool
020 7348 1793
admissions@ stjamesprep.co.uk
Sport & The Arts: Sport is central to life at St Philip’s and we make good use of 30 acres of maintained games fields in Barnes. Games are played for the entire afternoon twice a week; approximately 20 percent of the curriculum is dedicated to sport. Music is an integral part of school life – not least the scholar cantorum, which sings regularly at The Little Oratory chapel. There are plenty of extracurricular activities available. The schoolwide annual production is always much anticipated, and many an art competition fiercely contested. Pastoral Care: The school focuses on its Catholic values, at the centre of which lies a consistent call to treat one’s fellow being with respect, dignity and kindness. The staff and parents embody these values, and while St Philip’s provides stellar academic results, it must allow its boys to explore their creativity and enjoy a proper childhood despite being in a very competitive part of London. The school believes this approach sets it apart, with St Philip’s boys encouraged to act ‘with joyfulness and kindness’ – the school motto. Exit Destinations: Most boys go onto highly selective senior schools including Eton, Harrow and Dulwich, but St Philip’s aims to identify the school that suits each boy individually. Head’s Philosophy: To create an atmosphere that is light, airy and optimistic to ensure the boys have as much fun as possible. We treat our boys with kindness and respect and work hard to provide them with opportunities to explore and cultivate their interests and talents in as many ways as possible.
stpschool.co.uk
020 7373 3944
f.kaye@stpschool.co.uk
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
Thomas’s Battersea PREPARATORY
COEDUCATIONAL
Thomas’s Clapham DAY ONLY
PREPARATORY
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Address: 28-40 Battersea High Street, London SW11 3JB Founded: 1990 Pupils: 600, aged 3-13 Fees: £9,730-£11,053 Head: Rupert Hawkins Religious Affiliation: Christian, open to all faiths or none Entrance Procedure: Selective; priority given to siblings. Entry group assessments for reception and taster day for other year groups School Visits: Tours take place throughout the year
Address: Broomwood Road, London SW11 6JZ Founded: 1993 Pupils: 653, aged 4-13 Fees: £8,997-£10,306 per term Head: Jess Mair Religious Affiliation: Christian, open to all faiths and none Entrance Procedure: Ballot entry at reception; selective entrance at year 7 and for occasional places available in other year groups School Visits: Five tours per term to meet leadership and prefects
Curriculum: Reflecting the school’s history, the curriculum combines traditional academic excellence with ambitious innovation. It adopts a four-dimensional approach, enabling pupils to apply knowledge, skills, character and metacognition on a daily basis. Knowledge is relevant, contemporary and engaging; skills span scholastic and societal development; and character is rooted in strong values. Metacognition is developed through dynamic teaching that encourages reflection, adaptability and an understanding of how pupils learn.
Curriculum: The Thomas’s Clapham curriculum is dynamic and transdisciplinary, fostering critical thinking across subjects. The school’s priority is to balance innovation with academic rigour, ensuring all pupils receive the support they require to achieve high. Pupils are empowered to explore diverse disciplines while meeting high standards through inclusive, personalised and challenging learning experiences. From year five, the Future Schools team helps families navigate the process of continuing their child’s academic journey to senior school.
Sport & The Arts: The broad curriculum nurtures children’s development in sport, visual art and the performing arts, alongside a strong range of cocurricular subjects including music, drama and dance.
Sport & The Arts: The school offers a vibrant PE and games provision for all pupils. Music, drama, dance and DT encourage creativity, teamwork and wellbeing. Pupils engage in diverse opportunities to perform, from the school’s rock and pop concert at Clapham Grand to its chapel choir tour.
Pastoral Care: Wellbeing sits at the heart of life at Thomas’s Battersea. It is the responsibility of every member of staff, all of whom are committed to ensuring every child feels safe, valued and supported. Robust structures are in place to ensure no pupil’s needs are overlooked. The deputy head of safeguarding and wellbeing works closely with the heads of school, form teachers and learning assistants to monitor and support pupils so every child feels a strong sense of belonging. Exit Destinations: Pupils progress to top UK schools at 11+ and 13+, with more than 25 scholarships awarded last year. Head’s Philosophy: To help every pupil flourish as a compassionate contributor to society and a courageous shaper of the future. To realise this, we champion kindness, community and childhood, a breadth of experience and academic success.
thomas-sbattersea.co.uk
020 7978 0900
lgargour@thomas-s.co.uk
Pastoral Care: Pupils’ wellbeing is the school’s highest priority and is built on strong relationships and cultivating a sense of belonging. Every child is known and supported through a clear pastoral structure, regular data-led wellbeing meetings, and a relational approach. Guided by four school rules – ‘be safe’, ‘be kind’, ‘be calm’, ‘be ready’ – staff promote a positive, inclusive community. The PSHE curriculum and leadership opportunities empower pupils, nurturing confidence, kindness and responsibility. Exit Destinations: In 2026, Thomas’s pupils progressed to more than 50 of the UK’s leading day and boarding schools at 11+ and 13+, securing 61 scholarships and awards for their academic, creative and sporting talents. Head’s Philosophy: To nurture kind, academically successful pupils who are grounded in a culture of thinking. The Thomas’s Clapham philosophy fosters emotional literacy, resilience and self-awareness. We develop young people with an attitude of awareness, ready to engage thoughtfully with others and the world through purposeful choice and meaningful action.
thomas-sclapham.co.uk
020 7326 9300
gjones@thomas-s.co.uk
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Thomas’s Fulham PREPARATORY
COEDUCATIONAL
Thomas’s Kensington DAY ONLY
PREPARATORY
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Address: Hugon Road, London SW6 3ES Founded: 2005 Pupils: 370, aged 4-11 Fees: £10,970-£11,663 per term Head: Annette Dobson Religious Affiliation: Christian, open to all faiths and none Entrance Procedure: Selective; priority given to siblings. Group assessments for reception and taster day for other year groups School Visits: Open mornings available throughout the term
Address: 1 St Albans Grove, London W8 5PN Founded: 1971 Pupils: 350, aged 4-11 Fees: £10,970-£11,663 per term Head: Alex Matthews Religious Affiliation: Christian, open to all faiths and none Entrance Procedure: Selective; priority given to siblings. Entry group assessments for reception and taster day for other year groups School Visits: Weekly tours with head and school captains available
Curriculum: The focus at Thomas’s Fulham is on delivering academic excellence within a broad, specialist-taught curriculum with values at the core. The school’s pedagogy cultivates creative, curious and playful learners, ensuring deep understanding and meaningful skill development. Staff empower children to explore, question and think independently, preparing them for excellent outcomes within a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Curriculum: At Thomas’s Kensington, children become curious, confident and ambitious learners. As a NACE Challenge Award-accredited school, high expectations are combined with expert teaching, encouragement and targeted support, ensuring every pupil is challenged and understood. The broad, intellectually ambitious curriculum inspires children to ask questions and make meaningful connections. Guide by strong values, the school believes curiosity, challenge and self-belief help every child grow academically and personally.
Sport & The Arts: Sport provision promotes wellbeing and is complemented by competitive fi xtures, excellent facilities and well-used lesson time. Music is a notable strength, drama is exceptional, and dance is thriving with growing boys’ participation. Art remains a rich and distinctive strand, strengthened by rich collaboration across the arts. Pastoral Care: Wellbeing is central to school life, supported by robust pastoral systems and values that shape a culture of care. The school’s Learning for Life programme begins in reception. There is a school counsellor and robust ELSA provision for early support, strengthening the expertise of the pastoral team. Exit Destinations: Very strong 11+ and 13+ pre-assessment outcomes see pupils securing places at many of the UK’s leading senior schools, with 40 scholarships and awards secured by the 43 leavers of 2026. Head’s Philosophy: To nurture children who are interested, engaged and well-supported, allowing them to achieve the best outcomes. At Thomas’s Fulham, academic rigour sits within a broad, values-driven curriculum, where the way we teach nurtures creative, curious and playful learners and prepares them for future success.
Sport & The Arts: Sport and the arts are central to a Thomas’s Kensington education, giving children opportunities to discover talents and contribute to school life. The purpose-built school site includes a sports hall, dance studio, theatre, science laboratory and specialist art spaces, providing an inspiring environment where children can flourish. Through performance, competition and creativity, pupils develop confidence, discipline and teamwork. Staff encourage every child to participate wholeheartedly and experience the joy of achieving alongside others. Pastoral Care: Children flourish when they feel they belong. At Thomas’s Kensington every pupil is known, valued and understood, and pastoral care is woven through every aspect of school life. Form teachers, the senior pastoral team and the school counsellor work closely with children and families to provide proactive and responsive support. High expectations are balanced with warmth and compassion, creating a culture of kindness in which pupils feel confident to take risks, embrace challenges and develop resilience. Exit Destinations: Strong outcomes at 11+ and 13+ see children securing places and scholarships at many of the UK’s leading senior schools. Head’s Philosophy: To create a culture of joyful excellence where every child belongs, flourishes and contributes. In a community rooted in kindness, pupils are known and valued as individuals, challenged to think deeply, work hard, and take pride in doing their best. Excellent teaching and rich opportunities build intellectual confidence, ambition and character.
thomas-sfulham.co.uk
020 7751 8200
jhind@thomas-s.co.uk
thomas-s kensington.co.uk
020 7361 6500
aboyer@thomas-s.co.uk
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LONDON PREPARATORY SCHOOLS
The White House Prep PREPARATORY
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY & BOARDING
Address: 24 Thornton Road, London SW12 0LF Founded: 1985 Pupils: 230, aged 3-11 Fees: £7,710-£8,356 per term Head: Joe Knight Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Non-selective; places allocated in order of registration. Settling-in day for younger children School Visits: Weekly show-rounds available by appointment
Curriculum: The White House offers an excellent education that delivers strong literacy, maths, extracurricular lessons and activities. Children relish challenges, enjoy working together to solve problems, have an excellent attitude to learning and are both enthusiastic and eager to participate. Sport & The Arts: Sport is an integral part of the curriculum and all pupils enjoy sport lessons four times a week, including swimming and gymnastics from reception to year six and traditional sports such as netball, football, hockey, rugby, cricket and tennis. The annual drama production and art exhibition are highlights in the school calendar, illustrating its commitment to performance and creative arts and the involvement of all children in these activities. Pastoral Care: The school provides an outstanding education, which is shown through excellent 11+ results and achievements from pupils throughout the year. The children are happy and are encouraged to develop emotionally as well as intellectually, with the ISI recently commenting that pupils’ personal and moral development was excellent. Dedicated and experienced staff work closely with parents to enable all children to excel as people with confidence. The school has two ELSAs to support children’s emotional needs. Exit Destinations: Over 60 percent of pupils receive academic, music, sport and all-rounder scholarships to top London day and boarding schools at 11+. Exit schools include St Paul’s Boys, City of London, Westminster, Dulwich College, Brighton College, Alleyn’s, Benenden, JAGS, Emanuel, Francis Holland and Wimbledon High,. Head’s Philosophy: To encourage and support independent thinking. Smaller class sizes ensure there is no ‘forgotten middle’ and the school feels like one big family, developing strong self-esteem in pupils who are confident but without arrogance.
whitehouseschool.com
020 8674 9514
admissions@ whitehouseschool.com
Tower House School PREPARATORY
ALL BOYS
DAY ONLY
Address: 188 Sheen Lane, London SW14 8LF Founded: 1931 Pupils: 180, aged 4-13 Fees: £6,957-£7,889 per term Head: Mr Neill Lunnon Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Non-selective School Visits: Termly open mornings, with personal tours also available
Curriculum: Tower House offers an exceptional education, focusing on strong literacy, maths and extracurricular activities. Emphasis is placed on academic progress and development through continual monitoring and supporting individual needs. A rich learning environment with small year group sizes means no boy is left behind, and curiosity, debate and critical thinking are strongly encouraged. The boys are taught by a wide range of specialists who monitor progress to make sure every boy is achieving his potential. Sport & The Arts: Tower House is totally inclusive across sport and the arts. Pupils are encouraged to experience the thrill of playing matches as part of a team and represent their school. The performing arts provision is truly special due to the combination of uncompromising ambition and inclusivity: every boy performs, contributes and is celebrated. Art and design are also major strengths at the school, with regular scholarships awarded to leavers. Pastoral Care: The school’s size enables a supportive environment where individuals are given time to fi nd their passions and thrive. Pupils gain the personal skills and confidence to shape their own futures while also developing a sense of their own self-worth. Highly qualified staff help grow each pupil’s personal and moral characters, guiding the boys as they learn to value others and delight in achievement. The glue that sticks the school together is the focus on kindness and respect, and the boys take great pride in how they support each other. Exit Destinations: Pupils achieve places at leading senior schools including St Paul’s, Hampton, Eton and King’s College Wimbledon. Over half the 2026 year eight cohort were awarded scholarships in academics, music, art, drama and sport. Head’s Philosophy: To allow our boys to feel inspired to explore the subjects and areas they love with open hearts and minds. This can happen because of our strong commitment and the school’s uniquely supportive environment, in which all boys feel valued and able to contribute on a daily basis. We believe learning is life’s greatest adventure.
thsboys.org.uk
020 8876 3323
admissions@thsboys.org.uk
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f y M u t ur e i s up t here Space X are going to Mars. I want to be part of that .
Independent day school for girls aged 3-18
Our unique GDST SpaceTech programme launches girls into a world of innovation, discovery and limitless opportunity. Where girls boldly go
blackheathhighschool.gdst.net
Book your place at our Autumn Open Mornings Nursery and Junior School: 26 September 2026 Senior School and Sixth Form: 19 September 2026 3 London Senior.indd 147
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LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS
ASHBOURNE COLLEGE KENSINGTON
A
Over 50% A*/A grades over 10 years Over 60% to Russell Group Universities OFSTED: Two Consecutive Outstanding Ratings Value Added: Top 2.5% of Schools in England
A modern, internationally minded school that embraces its setting in the heart of London.” The Good Schools Guide
An award-winning co-ed day and boarding school on London’s Southbank Year 9 to Sixth Form | 30+ subjects incl. London Learning | Modern campus Top university destinations | Excellent transport links | Small class sizes
REGISTER TO ATTEND OUR OPEN MORNING: 26 SEPTEMBER, 9:30am
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LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS
North Bridge House Canonbury Senior School & Sixth Form SENIOR & SIXTH
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Address: 6-9 Canonbury Place, Canonbury, London N1 2NQ Founded: 2014 Pupils: 250, aged 11-18 Fees: £10,817-£10,933 per term Head: Charlotte Tassell-Dent Religious Affiliation: None Entrance Procedure: Non-selective School Visits: Termly open days, with private tours available
Curriculum: Pupils follow a tailored curriculum designed around individual strengths, interests and aspirations. Maximum class sizes of 18 enable highly personalised teaching, complemented by weekly timetabled enrichment and extracurriculars. Children are noticed and their talents celebrated, wherever they may lie. Learning is supported by strong pastoral care, specialist teachers, excellent arts and STEM programmes, and a culture that promotes curiosity, confidence and independent thinking. Sport & The Arts: Pupils enjoy a vibrant arts and sports programme. A broad range of sports – including judo, fencing, rock climbing and sailing – is offered, supported on site by King Edward Hall and world-class local facilities, such as 2012 Olympics venues. The arts are a particular strength: regular concerts, productions, exhibitions and visiting artist workshops allow pupils to develop creativity, confidence and performance skills, with opportunities extending into the sixth form.
Autumn Open Events BOOK ONLINE
jags.org.uk
Pastoral Care: Pastoral provision is integrated into every facet of school life. Small classes and daily tutor meetings allow staff to adopt a ‘high support, low pressure’ approach to helping every pupil achieve more than they believed possible. Staff create an environment in which pupils feel seen and heard, with specialist SEN and mental health support, expert-led workshops and guest speakers. For year seven pupils, there is a tailored fi rst term transition featuring an exciting outdoor adventure trip. Exit Destinations: Strong results see leavers progress to Oxbridge, Russell Group and specialist universities (such as LSE, UAL and the Royal Academy of Music) as well as international destinations (including Haverford and the University of Minnesota). Head’s Philosophy: To place the individual at the heart of education, recognising that pupils thrive when they feel known, supported and challenged. With strong pastoral care, small classes and a culture of kindness, we nurture confident, curious young people who think independently, take risks and love learning.
northbridgehouse.com
020 7428 1520
joinus@ northbridgehouse.com
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Growing minds. Exploding magnesium.
Visit Us
Together we grow.
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At Kew House School, curiosity is sparked and ideas come to life. Our students are encouraged to question, experiment and explore—with confidence and creativity. Together we grow through discovery, challenge and ambition. Come and see how learning here goes beyond the expected—we’d love to show you around.
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LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS
F O R G E Y O U R Future V I S I T O U R AWA R D -W I N N I N G S C H O O L , E M P O W E R I N G G I R L S 4 - 1 8 F O R 1 4 0 Y E A R S S Y D E N H A M D U LW I C H G I R L S . G D S T . N E T
DREAM BIG
SIXTH FORM
Changemakers Bursary
Looking for a Sixth Form for your Teenager? They could receive funding with a Changemakers Bursary at Highgate. Applications are now open for September 2027 entry. highgateschool.org.uk/bursaries/ changemakers-bursary-programme/
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IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE
T H AT M AT T E R S
To find out more about how Maida Vale School can make a difference to your child, please join us at one of our next Open Mornings. www.maidavaleschool.com
Part of the Gardener Schools Group - One family, one vision, four schools.
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LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS
Queen’s College, London SENIOR & SIXTH
ALL GIRLS
DAY ONLY
Address: 43-49 Harley Street, London W1G 8BT Founded: 1848 Pupils: 450, aged 11-18 Fees: £10,914 per term Head: Mr Richard Tillett Religious Affiliation: None Entrance Procedure: Broadly selective, using the London 11+ Consortium School Visits: Regular open events, with individual visits also available upon request
Curriculum: Queen’s College, London offers an exceptional curriculum which combines academic excellence with innovation. Pupils achieve outstanding GCSE and A level results while benefiting from the pioneering Queen’s Diploma, which develops leadership, creativity and real-world skills. All teachers work hard to provide engaging enrichment in and out of the classroom, allowing pupils to explore their interests and develop academic independence across all subjects. Sport & The Arts: Thriving sporting and creative arts programmes encourage pupils to participate, perform and achieve. With more than 100 fi xtures annually, pupils enjoy success in football, athletics, hockey and cricket, alongside swimming and nationally ranked cheerleading teams (#1 and #2 in the UK). Drama and music flourish through concerts, productions and performances, giving pupils opportunities to shine on stage, build confidence and work as part of a team. Pastoral Care: Queen’s College’s pastoral-led culture is built on the belief that happy girls are confident girls, and that confidence leads to success. Through the school’s Thrive programme – which has been shortlisted for the TES Awards for four consecutive years – every pupil is supported to flourish both academically and personally. Thrive brings together wellbeing initiatives, PSHE, peer mentors, anti-bullying ambassadors and the school’s Queen’s Off Screens initiative, ensuring every girl feels known, supported and empowered. Exit Destinations: In 2025, 89 percent of UK applicants secured places at Russell Group universities, with others attending top institutions including the University of St Andrews and leading US colleges. Head’s Philosophy: To ensure girls’ success comes not from pressure, but from kindness, tolerance and respect. Supported by outstanding teaching and pastoral care, our pupils develop confidence, character and purpose. While our academic results are exceptional, our pupils remain our fi nest ambassadors.
qcl.org.uk
020 7291 7000
admissions@qcl.org.uk
St James Senior School, London SENIOR
ALL GIRLS; COED YRS 7 & 12
DAY ONLY
Address: Earsby Street, London W14 8SH Founded: 1975 Pupils: 210, aged 11-18 Fees: £10,550 per term Head: Mrs Helen De Mattos Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Selective; assessment and interview School Visits: Open events and taster days throughout the year. Private tours also available
Curriculum: The curriculum is carefully planned to ensure pupils experience a broad range of subjects, promoting academic excellence while developing a true love of learning. Staff encourage and create opportunities for all pupils to fi nd their passions. Emotional wellbeing and resilience is actively supported through the school’s daily meditative practice, The Pause, a period of quiet reflection and stillness. This allows pupils to join the present moment, refocus and digest the fruits of their learning. Each year, nearly 50 percent of A level pupils achieve A*-A grades. Sport & The Arts: St James nurtures a spark of sporting enthusiasm in each pupil with a wide range of sports, from team to individual activities. The school hosts several whole-school drama and music events as well as art shows and sales to support its pool of artists. Pastoral Care: Caring for the emotional health of pupils at an individual level is a fundamental part of the St James ethos, and personal development is embedded within its educational approach. Teachers work to support all pupils, helping them discover their particular interests, strengths and qualities, and provide the necessary tools to develop self-confidence. The school’s pastoral care is structured to equip pupils with strategies to support positive mental health and nurture emotional resilience. Exit Destinations: Each year, over 90 percent of leavers gain a place at their fi rst choice university. Head’s Philosophy: To educate with an approach rooted in kindness and a belief in the limitless possibility of the human spirit, facilitated by expert teaching and compassionate pastoral care. Our pupils are never afraid to pause and think, drawing on wisdom to bring fresh perspectives and solutions to personal and global challenges.
stjamesschools. co.uk/seniorgirls
020 7348 1748
admissions@ stjamesgirls.co.uk
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Handmade, for you. Merchant Taylors’ is renowned for its outstanding academic education. Our mission is to truly know each pupil. We support them in exploring world-class opportunities, helping them discover and develop their unique talents.
Open Morning Saturday 26 September Visit our website to find out more
Boys 11-18
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Moor Park
www.mtsn.org.uk
14/08/2026 09:50
LONDON SENIOR SCHOOLS
Thames Christian School
This is
SENIOR & SIXTH
our
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
classroom
The greatest education doesn’t happen in a building. It happens in a .
City
Address: 12 Grant Road, London SW11 2FR Founded: 2000 Pupils: 200, aged 11-18 Fees: £10,776 per term Head: Dr Stephen Holsgrove Religious Affiliation: Christian, welcoming all faiths or none Entrance Procedure: Non-selective School Visits: Termly open days and visitor mornings, with individual visits also available
Visit us this September
ANNOUNCING THE RETURN OF…
17–20 September 2026
Curriculum: With small class sizes and a high pupil-to-teacher ratio, the curriculum can be tailored to the needs of pupils often down to an individual level. The range of GCSEs and A levels allow pupils to pursue subjects in line with their personal and career interests, often with crossovers between the sciences, arts, languages and humanities. In 2025, 43 percent of GCSEs results were 9-7 and 39 percent of A level results were A*-A, with 85 percent A*-C. Sport & The Arts: There is a rich programme of visual and performing arts, including drama, music, fi ne art, 3D design and textiles. A dedicated drama studio featured professional sound and lighting, and there is also a dance studio and music suite. In sport, the school offers a wide range of choices, with pupils engaging in more than four hours of physical activity per week using the school’s own and nearby specialist facilities. Sports include football, rugby, netball, athletics, cross-country, basketball, tennis, padel, badminton, boxing and fitness. Pastoral Care: The school’s pastoral care is comprehensive and rooted in Christian values, with mutual respect and self-responsibility at its heart. An environment of trust means pupils listen and learn from one another, and a wellbeing programme emphasises personal development and the importance of forming healthy relationships. Values of compassion and respect are supported by responsive tutoring and a pastoral care team, helping pupils make good choices, learn self-responsibility and help them ‘navigate for life’ – the school’s ethos. Exit Destinations: Leavers typically go on to Russell Group and leading universities including Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Essex, Exeter, Kingston, Manchester, Nottingham Trent, Sheffield, Surrey, Swansea, Goldsmiths, and City & Guilds Art School. Career choices include law, engineering, architecture, medicine and the creative arts. Head’s Philosophy: To view each child as a story waiting to be told. We nurture their unique gifts and talents within a broad and flexible curriculum, with value placed on both academic achievement and life skills. This helps pupils fi nd their purpose and prepares them to navigate life when they leave school.
A Weekend of Arts & Culture: Inspiring Talks, Performances & Outdoor Entertainment
thameschristian school.org.uk
020 7228 3933
admissions@ thameschristianschool.org.uk
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Rethink your child’s education.
We have.
Book our open day to discover how Saturday 19 September 2026 Co-educational London school for 3-18 | stdunstans.org.uk
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COUNTRY SCHOOLS
Farleigh School, Andover, Hampshire
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HOME COUNTIES SOUTH SCHOOLS
An independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 7 -13 Shackleford, near Godalming, Surrey
Book your place!
Our next open morning
Saturday 3rd October
Guiding the next generation of boys and girls
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BC HX
“BOARDING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2025”
“ONE WORD: EXCEPTIONAL”
“SUCH A FUN PLACE TO BE”
THE SUNDAY TIMES
TATLER
GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE
United Kingdom School of the Decade THE SUNDAY TIMES
BRIGHTONCOLLEGEPREPHANDCROSS.CO.UK HXPCounties 225w x 298h School House 4BC Home South.indd 161 - BCO 7158.indd 1
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HOME COUNTIES SOUTH SCHOOLS
Join our next open event
Junior School & Nursery
Looking for a place in Reception?
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“One of the leading schools in the world” ...once again Spear’s Index 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 A Complete Education means I can benenden.school 4 Home Counties South.indd 163
Girls | Boarding | 11-18 13/08/2026 17:07
HOME COUNTIES SOUTH SCHOOLS
Every moment, extraordinary
Find your spark | Cumnor.co.uk Generic Display Adverts_210mm x 297mm.indd 1
24/09/2025 14:02
EVERY DAY IS A CHANCE TO DISCOVER
Visit us on a school day and experience the warmth, energy and strong sense of belonging that make our school so unique. Arrange a personal tour or a taster day and discover first-hand a school where every child is a name, not a number. +44 (0)1323 744820
admissions@standrewsprep.co.uk
standrewsprep.co.uk
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US JOIN N A FOR OPEN T EVEN
A D|3 CO-E
L CHOO S G IN Y OARD B URRE & S , M DAY HA FARN | 8 1 TO
R UT OU O B A ASK
DS AWAR S T R A FORM SIXTH
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OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER MULTI AWARD-WINNING EDUCATION HMC Independent Day and Boarding School for boys & girls aged 4 to 18 years
Academically, Caterham is up there with the big guns... all achieved without any undue stress. If Caterham isn’t on your list already, it most certainly should be.’ TATLER SCHOOLS GUIDE
caterhamschool.co.uk
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INSPIRING EDUCATION FOR LIFE
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Bedales School NURSERY & SIXTH
COEDUCATIONAL
Farleigh School DAY & BOARDING
NURSERY & PREP
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY & BOARDING
Address: Church Road, Steep, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 3DG Founded: 1893 Pupils: 732, aged 3-18 Fees: £3,683-£18,999 per term Head: Will Goldsmith Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Selective; assessment and interview School Visits: Next open mornings 19 September (sixth form), 3 October (senior and prep), 28 November (senior) and 2 December (pre-prep)
Address: Red Rice, Andover, Hampshire SP11 7PW Founded: 1982 Pupils: 430, aged 2-13 Fees: £2,430-£13,890 per term Head: Fr Simon Everson Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic, welcoming all or no faiths Entrance Procedure: Non-selective School Visits: Next open morning Saturday 26 September, with private visits welcome anytime
Curriculum: From the very youngest, students are encouraged to think critically through an innovative, intellectually challenging curriculum that fosters curiosity and purposeful learning. In the senior school, students take core IGCSEs alongside the school’s own university-recognised Bedales Assessed Courses (BACs) such as Global Perspectives, Digital Game Design and Sports Science. Sixth formers follow a tailored programme of A levels and enrichment courses that support individual academic aspirations and future pathways.
Curriculum: The stimulating curriculum is broad and tailored to each child’s individual needs. It is creatively delivered in a nurturing environment by subject-specialist teachers, ensuring all children thrive both academically and personally and are well prepared for the next stage of their education. High standards are achieved both inside and beyond the classroom and excellent academic results are consistently achieved.
Sport & The Arts: Bedales aims to create a positive and engaging sporting environment that enables students to develop the confidence and competence to succeed in a wide range of sports, both individually and within a team. Tennis, hockey, netball, football and cricket are the main sports, with the school competing regionally and nationally. Bedales is acclaimed for its creativity and arts, with vast opportunities for theatre, dance, art and music and award-winning performance and practical spaces. Pastoral Care: Educational welfare was a core founding principle of Bedales, and to this day, wellbeing remains at the heart of school life. Each student is recognised as an individual and encouraged to be themselves within a nurturing, collaborative and authentic community. The use of fi rst names reflects the atmosphere of mutual respect and connection that underpins all relationships. Mixed-age dormitories encourage meaningful friendships and shared experience across year groups. Exit Destinations: Students go on to study at a range of prestigious educational and artistic destinations, including Oxbridge and other QS top 100 universities, music conservatoires, art colleges and overseas institutions. Head’s Philosophy: To nurture the individual as well as the community, aligning with Bedales’ motto: ‘Work of each for weal of all.’ Students are known, supported and inspired and become rounded learners as a result of a diverse curriculum that encourages intellectual endeavour and creativity.
bedales.org.uk
01730 711733
admissions@bedales.org.uk
Sport & The Arts: Sport, art, DT, music and drama are pupil-centred and inclusive, with countless opportunities to spark interests and discover talents beyond the classroom. Outstanding facilities include an all-weather pitch; a purpose-built music school with 12 practice rooms, a recital hall, rehearsal room, soundproof rock room and recording studio; a theatre with tiered seating, adaptable staging and built-in LED lighting; a drama/dance studio; a sports hall; a 22m heated indoor swimming pool; tennis courts; and a food tech room. Pastoral Care: Farleigh is renowned for its pastoral care and the strength of the relationships between staff and pupils as well as the pupils themselves. The school recently received a prestigious ‘significant strength’ commendation from the ISI, which said: ‘Pupils’ understanding of the dignity of the human person is evident in the way they respect and are demonstrably kind to each other. Their positive behaviour, which strongly reflects the school’s ethos, is a significant strength of the school.’ Exit Destinations: Each year, more than a third of year eight pupils gain a scholarship or award to their chosen destination. This year, these included academic, art, drama, music, performing arts, sport and allrounder scholarships to Ampleforth, Bryanston, Dauntsey’s, Downside, Marlborough, Radley, Sherborne Boys’, Sherborne Girls’, St Mary’s Calne, St Swithun’s and Stowe. Head’s Philosophy: To create an educational environment full of energy, spirited enquiry and warmth in which all pupils thrive, giving them a strong foundation for senior school and a fulfi lling life beyond.
farleighschool.com
01264 710766
office@farleighschool.com
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“Freemen’s is a poster school for achieving outstanding academics through stellar pastoral care.”
Think you know Freemen’s? Think again.
Talk Education
www.freemens.org
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Halliford School SENIOR & SIXTH
ALL BOYS, COED SIXTH
Pennthorpe School DAY ONLY
NURSERY & PREP
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Address: Russell Road, Shepperton, Surrey TW17 9HX Founded: 1921 Pupils: 500, aged 11-18 (16-18 for girls) Fees: £9,270 per term Head: Dr Millan Sachania (interim); Mr Richard Amlot (from Jan 2027) Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Selective School Visits: Open mornings year-round, with individual tours available
Address: Church Street, Rudgwick, West Sussex RH12 3HJ Founded: 1930 Pupils: 172, aged 2-13 Fees: £3,524-£8,127 per term Head: Mr Jon Marler Religious Affiliation: None Entrance Procedure: Non-selective School Visits: Termly open days, with individual visits available
Curriculum: In the early years, Halliford offers a broad and engaging curriculum, giving students the opportunity to explore a diverse range of subjects while building a strong foundation in essential skills. Staff set high expectations and are committed to nurturing each individual, ensuring every student is supported to achieve their full potential. With a strong academic focus, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for successful entry to leading universities.
Curriculum: At Pennthorpe, learning is inspiring, supportive and rooted in strong relationships. A curriculum shaped by kindness, confidence and ambition blends academic rigour with creativity, sport and discovery. Small classes and specialist teaching help pupils feel known and supported, encouraging curiosity, resilience and self-belief as they prepare for the next stage of education and beyond.
Sport & The Arts: Halliford boasts outstanding facilities designed to inspire excellence in every student. The sports hall features a climbing wall, newly refurbished fitness suite and versatile multi-games courts, and is complemented by playing fields both on-site and nearby, which support a wide and dynamic sports programme. The school’s theatre and exceptional music, art and DT facilities provide the perfect environment for creativity to flourish. Pastoral Care: The health and wellbeing of students is paramount to everything staff do at Halliford. A safe, supportive and nurturing environment encourages each individual to grow and flourish. Alongside academic achievement, staff place strong emphasis on students’ emotional, social and physical development, equipping them with the self-awareness, resilience and confidence needed to thrive both in school and beyond. Exit Destinations: Hallifordians progress to leading universities, with 96 percent gaining places to their fi rst choice in 2025. Head’s Philosophy: To place each child at the heart of a warm, valuesled community where they are known, respected and inspired to grow. Recognised with an ISI ‘significant strength’ for pupil leadership, we offer an exceptional, supportive community in which to grow and enjoy childhood. We invite children to come as they are, and go as all they can be.
hallifordschool.co.uk
01932 223593
registrar@ hallifordschool.co.uk
Sport & The Arts: Sport and the arts are central to life at Pennthorpe. Through music, drama, art and a broad sport programme, pupils build confidence, teamwork and creativity. Every child has the opportunity to represent the school is competitive matches, learning to celebrate success and show resilience. Specialist teaching encourages children to try new challenges, build self-belief and develop interests that last well beyond the classroom. Pastoral Care: Pastoral care is at the heart of Pennthorpe life. Children are known and supported through strong, trusting relationships, including their own Pennthorpe champion – an adult chosen by the child whose role is simply to listen, encourage and champion them. Wellbeing, confidence and personal growth are woven into everyday school life alongside clear expectations built on kindness and respect. This nurturing approach helps pupils feel secure, valued and confident to grow. Exit Destinations: Pupils move on to a wide range of senior schools, with most joining local independent schools. Pennthorpe is part of the Hurst family of schools, so many pupils progress to Hurst as well as destinations including Worth, Ardingly, Seaford and Brighton College. In 2025, pupils secured nine scholarships, representing 30 percent of the cohort. Head’s Philosophy: To ensure happy children can learn and succeed by placing wellbeing at the heart of school life. Every child feels known, valued and inspired; is supported by kindness, trust and strong relationships; and is enriched by an education that helps them discover their strengths and grow with confidence.
pennthorpe.com
01403 822391
admissions@pennthorpe.com
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School Ho
HOME COUNTIES SOUTH SCHOOLS
Moon Hall School, Reigate PREP & SENIOR
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY ONLY
Address: Flanchford Road, Leigh, Reigate, Surrey RH2 8RE Founded: 1985 Pupils: 200, aged 7-16 Fees: £9,913-£11,811 per term Head: Mrs Michelle Catterson, BSc PGCE NPQH Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational, welcoming all or no faiths Entrance Procedure: Non-selective; specialist school for dyslexia School Visits: One open day per term
Curriculum: Moon Hall School delivers a child-centred curriculum tailored to individual needs, adapting the National Curriculum to maximise access and achievement. Small classes (with a maximum of 14) and specialist teaching support strong foundations in literacy and numeracy through expert dyslexia-informed, multi-sensory approaches. A broad curriculum includes science, humanities, IT, art, PE, textiles, digital media, e-sports and food technology. At GCSE, personalised pathways across five exam boards help pupils achieve their full potential. Sport & The Arts: Moon Hall offers a wide range of sporting and creative opportunities that build confidence, teamwork and self-expression. Pupils enjoy fi xtures, games and outdoor learning, including forest school in the school’s extensive grounds. Creative arts are central to school life, with art, digital media, animation and other creative subjects taught by specialist staff. Small class sizes encourage participation and support, enabling every pupil to develop their talents, skills and interests in sport and the arts.
Learning without limits OPEN MORNING
Pastoral Care: Pastoral care is at the heart of everything staff do at Moon Hall. Pupils join having experienced frustration, anxiety or low self-esteem in previous schools. A specialist, whole-school approach ensures every child is understood, supported and empowered to succeed. Staff are trained in dyslexia and support is embedded throughout the school day. Small classes, personalised learning and a nurturing environment help pupils build confidence, resilience and self-belief, enabling them to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Exit Destinations: Pupils progress to a range of sixth forms, colleges and specialist post-16 providers, securing places on A level, BTEC and vocational courses tailored to their strengths, interests and ambitions. Head’s Philosophy: To ensure every child has access to an education that enables them to succeed beyond dyslexia. Through specialist support, barrier-free learning and a focus on confidence, resilience and independence, we equip pupils with the skills, strategies and self-belief to thrive in education, work and life.
Saturday 3rd October 10am - 12pm Book your visit today: SAINTEDMUNDS.CO.UK
moonhallschoolreigate.co.uk
01306 611372
admissions@ moonhall.co.uk
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School House Advert 2026_Layout 1 10/07/2026 14:14 Page 1
CHRIST’S HOSPITAL CO-EDUCATIONAL BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS AGED 11 - 18
Over 470 years of heritage and tradition Academic excellence | Leading university destinations Inspiring environment | World-class facilities Extensive co-curricular opportunities | Stunning 1,200-acre campus
Discover why families choose Christ's Hospital discover@christs-hospital.org.uk
01403 246555 | hello@christs-hospital.org.uk www.christs-hospital.org.uk Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 0LJ Registered Charity No.: 1120090
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Where every child is encouraged and given the confidence to shine.
Nestled in the heart of the South Downs, Windlesham House is an outstanding country prep school where children aged 4–13 are encouraged to become critical thinkers, active learners and curious explorers. With a rich blend of innovative and traditional education, exceptional opportunities and a warm, nurturing community, children are inspired to discover, create and thrive.
Join us on 9th October 2026 for our next Open Morning
Curious? Come and discover Windlesham House for yourself.
www.windlesham.com | 01903 874700 whsadmissions@windlesham.com
JOIN US AT OUR OPEN MORNING
SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER
THERE’S MORE TO A PILGRIM
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PRE-PREP & NURSERY SCHOOL
Independent Pre-Prep and Nursery School for boys and girls aged 6 months - 7 years
Co-Educational Prep School from September 2027
Book your place Contact 01483 563 160 RHAdmissions@rydeshill.org.uk
Tormead family
GUILDFORD
#WhereGirlsThrive Independent day school for girls aged 4 - 18
Find Her Future
Book your place Contact 01483 575 101 admissions@tormeadschool.org.uk
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Where true confidence takes flight World-class education that empowers girls to thrive We deliver outstanding academic results in a supportive, pressure-free environment. Just an hour from London, yet far from city stress, Mayfield School offers an extended day, flexible boarding, and more than 80 extracurricular activities. Here, girls leave with a strong sense of self and the confidence to navigate an ever-changing world.
Join our Open Morning 25th September & 27th November
Independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18
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Mayfield School, The Old Palace, High Street, Mayfield, TN20 6PH mayfieldgirls.org registrar@mayfieldgirls.org 01435 874600
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HOME COUNTIES SOUTH SCHOOLS
Reed’s School SENIOR & SIXTH
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY & BOARDING
Address: Sandy Lane, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2ES Founded: 1813 Pupils: 850, aged 11-18 Fees: £9,705-£15,475 per term Head: Mr Mark Hoskins BA MA MSc Religious Affiliation: Church of England but open to all faiths Entrance Procedure: Selective School Visits: Two open mornings per year; smaller group visits available
Curriculum: The forward-looking educational curriculum at Reed’s provides as broad an education as possible. The curriculum in each year is designed to lead naturally into the next stage of a pupil’s education, with subjects taught by specialist teachers at all levels. The philosophy behind the Reed’s curriculum is based on three dimensions: core knowledge, skills and values. The ability to impart information, share knowledge and make connections across multiple disciplines is crucial.
Find out more
WELCOMING GIRLS FROM 2027 IN YEAR 7 For further information: t: 01932 869001 w: www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk e: admissions@reeds.surrey.sch.uk
Sport & The Arts: Cocurricular life is an essential part of the educational experience offered by Reed’s. Hockey, rugby, cricket and netball are the major sports, with academies in tennis, ski racing, golf and swimming, plus a wide range of additional sports. Access is offered to the highest quality sporting opportunities, aiming to generate a lifelong love of sport. Drama, music, fi ne art, graphic design and photography all nurture self-expression, spark imagination and build confidence while instilling a lifelong appreciation for creativity. Pastoral Care: The bedrock of a Reed’s education is the quality of the pastoral care given. It underpins the very essence of school life and places pupils at the heart of the school, with an emphasis on values and character to provide a rounded education. Reed’s believes this is critical to produce happy and secure children who will thrive in and outside the classroom. The house system and boarding infrastructure provide the wrap-around care that benefits all pupils. Exit Destinations: The majority of pupils go on to Russell Group or prestigious overseas unversities to study a vast range of courses. In recent years, record numbers of places have been offered to study medicine and veterinary medicine. Head’s Philosophy: To provide an excellent education for boys and girls that inspires them to achieve their full potential and prepares them for a rapidly changing world with the ability to think critically. Instilling values of compassion, curiosity, resilience, responsibility and independence means they leave Reed’s as rounded individuals.
Sandy Lane | Cobham Surrey | KT11 2ES reeds.surrey.sch.uk
01932 869001
admissions@reeds.surrey.sch.uk
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Roed
Nurturing her Authentic Self Independent Day & Boarding School for Girls 11-18 BOOK YOUR VISIT Open Mornings |
Explore & Connect
admissions@roedean.co.uk | +44 1273 667500 Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton, BN2 5RQ, UK roedean.co.uk
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INTERNATIONAL | COEDUCATIONAL | DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL | AGES 4-18
Join Our Open Day Learning is limitless on our beautiful 46-acre campus is located in Thorpe, Surrey. Bus service is available locally and from West London.
October 10, 9:30 a.m. TASISENGLAND.ORG
“
Tonbridge has set me on a path where I know I can achieve anything. You’re treated like an individual rather than part of a class or cohort, and my goals have been fulfilled and supported. From Tonbridge to The University of Cambridge discover Daniel’s journey into Medicine.
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St Catherine’s School, Bramley NURSERY TO SIXTH
ALL GIRLS
DAY & BOARDING
Westbourne House School NURSERY & PREP
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY & BOARDING
Address: Station Road, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0DF Founded: 1885 Pupils: 806, aged 2-19 Fees: £3,685-£15,830 per term Head: Ms Emma Watson Religious Affiliation: Church of England Entrance Procedure: ISEB Common Pre-Tests for 11+ entry School Visits: Regular open days, with individual visits also available
Address: Coach Road, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 2BH Founded: 1907 Pupils: 305, aged 2-13 Fees: £5,140-£9,225, plus extra for boarding Head: Guy Musson Religious Affiliation: Church of England Entrance Procedure: Non-selective School Visits: Termly open days and individual visits available
Curriculum: In the fi rst three years at St Catherine’s, all students follow a general academic programme that is designed to give each girl experience of a broad curriculum in advance of selecting her GCSE/IGCSE options in year nine. In 2025, 30 percent of A level grades were A*, 70 percent A*-A, and 91 percent at A*-B. This puts St Catherine’s in the top five girls’ boarding schools in the UK for A level results. Of all GCSE grades awarded in 2025, 79 percent were 9-7, 59 percent were 9-8 and 33 percent were 9, putting the school in the top 50 girls’ boarding schools in the UK for GCSE results.
Curriculum: A culture of kindness enables every child to try their best at all the enriching opportunities on offer. The school has a ‘brave, not perfect’ ethos, giving children the confidence to question, explore and challenge ideas. It is a fun, happy place where imagination roams free, friendship grows and mistakes are simply part of the adventure. This approach allows the school – a place that does not assess academics on paper at entry – to send many pupils to top senior schools, often with scholarships.
Sport & The Arts: A wide range of sports is offered, including lacrosse, gymnastics, swimming, athletics, cross-country, cricket, tennis, squash and badminton. There is a two-year cycle of senior school musicals, with this year’s being Les Misérables. Each year, the lower sixth also puts on a musical from scratch – most recently Frozen – and there is a year six leavers’ production, which this year was Annie. St Catherine’s has a large number of choirs and music ensembles, including a symphony orchestra, jazz band, senior choir and flute choir. Pastoral Care: Pastoral care has consistently been identified in inspections as fundamental to the education and experience of St Catherine’s girls. The school’s most recent ISI report identified it as ‘a healthy environment in which the wellbeing of pupils is paramount, enabling them to enjoy their education and thrive personally’. Exit Destinations: Leavers go on to leading universities including Durham, Exeter, LSE, Cambridge, KMITL Bangkok, UCL, Edinburgh, Royal Welsh College of Music, Imperial, Manchester, NYU, Bristol, Bath, Nottingham, Birmingham, King’s College London, Warwick, Cardiff and Newcastle. Head’s Philosophy: To allow girls to feel seen and valued for who they are. Teaching should be rigorous and ambitious, but also personal and fi lled with joy. Girls should be encouraged to embrace opportunities and strive for full, vibrant and fulfi lling lives.
stcatherines.info
01483 893363
admissions@stcatherines.info
Sport & The Arts: The sport and arts curriculum is 100 percent inclusive, with passionate teachers of sport, art, drama and music helping pupils fi nd their strengths. Facilities include a 25m pool, AstroTurf, a climbing wall, pitches, courts and a lake for canoeing. Every child is in a team and active. An exciting rotation in textiles, ceramics, robotics, art and food technology brings art to life. Five annual shows, involving every year group, give pupils the chance to shine on stage, and there are over 15 choirs, ensembles, bands and orchestras. Pastoral Care: Kindness at Westbourne House is not just a poster on the wall; it is the foundation of how children learn, how teachers guide and how every member of the community interacts with one another. Staff nurture the whole child, building emotional intelligence, self-belief and positive overall wellbeing. Pastoral systems are proactive and there is an extensive peer mentoring programme. A dedicated social, emotional and behavioural coach provides support. In 2025, the school was a fi nalist in the Talk Education Awards’ Pastoral Care and Wellbeing category. Exit Destinations: In 2026, 31 scholarships were awarded for academic, music, drama, art, sport and all-round attainment to Brighton College, Bryanston, Canford, Charterhouse, Churcher’s, Eton, Lancing, Portsmouth Grammar, Radley, Ryde School, Seaford, Sherborne and Tonbridge. Head’s Philosophy: To nurture pupils to be happy, engaged and dare to try – a philosophy I see in action every day as I walk around the school. At Westbourne House, every child flourishes when provided with inclusive, enriching opportunities and the encouragement to take risks. We don’t fasttrack excellence, but rather ignite the spark that allows each child to blaze their own trail.
westbournehouse.org
01243 782739
admissions@ westbournehouse.org
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Walthamstow Hall Junior School
Walthamstow Hall Senior School
PREPARATORY
SENIOR & SIXTH
ALL GIRLS
DAY ONLY
ALL GIRLS
DAY ONLY
Address: Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3UL Founded: 1838 Pupils: 40, aged 7-11 Fees: £7,379 per term Head: Ms Louise Chamberlain Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Christian Entrance Procedure: Selective School Visits: September and March open mornings; coffee with the headmistress, taster days and individual visits available
Address: Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3UL Founded: 1838 Pupils: 400, aged 11-18 Fees: £10,063 per term Head: Ms Louise Chamberlain Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Christian Entrance Procedure: Selective School Visits: September and March open mornings; coffee with the headmistress, taster days and individual visits available
Curriculum: A broad and well-balanced curriculum is taught by committed teachers. Lots of learning outside the classroom. Wholeschool themed learning days – like community day and courage day – are cornerstones of the creative curriculum.
Curriculum: The curriculum offers unusual breadth and choice. Teachers are enthusiastic experts who nurture intellectual curiosity and aim their expectations high. In five of the last six years, Walthamstow Hall has ranked in the top five percent of independent schools for value added at GCSE.
Sport & The Arts: Pupils are taught by dedicated sports, art, music, dance and drama specialists. Sport curriculum includes netball, cricket, football and year-round weekly swimming lesssons for all pupils. An extensive co-curricular programme encourages participation in a diverse range of activities, from Lego and chess clubs to tennis. Pastoral Care: Strong and effective pastoral systems and open communication underpins a supportive and harmonious community. The school’s size ensures that all pupils are known and seen. Pupils play an active role as peer mentors. Exit Destinations: In 2026, scholarships were awarded to Walthamstow Hall Senior School, Sevenoaks School, Lingfield School and grammar schools. Head’s Philosophy: To offer pupils tremendous scope for discovering who they could be, and staff with an enthusiastic commitment to accompanying that voyage of discovery. Walthamstow Hall staff see each pupil as an individual capable of shining in their own distinct way.
walthamstow-hall.co.uk
01732 468703
registrar@whall.school
Sport & The Arts: An embedded culture of getting involved and taking risks combined with a timetable with built-in cocurricular time means high participation levels in sport as well as the performing and creative arts. Walthamstow Hall is the biggest Trinity drama centre in the UK, and pupils excel at regional and national levels in sport. In 2026, School Sport Magazine placed Walthamstow Hall in the top one percent best schools for sport nationwide. Pastoral Care: Strong and effective pastoral systems and open communication underpins a supportive and harmonious community. The school’s size ensures that all pupils are known and seen. Pupils play an active role as peer mentors, prefects and Diana Award anti-bullying ambassadors. Exit Destinations: The majority of pupils go on to university, with over half going to Russell Group. Apprenticeships have also been gained at Barclays, Laing O’Rourke and Unilever. Head’s Philosophy: To offer pupils tremendous scope for discovering who they could be, and staff with an enthusiastic commitment to accompanying that voyage of discovery. Walthamstow Hall staff see each pupil as an individual capable of shining in their own distinct way.
walthamstow-hall.co.uk
01732 468703
registrar@whall.school
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Christ Church Cathedral School NURSERY & PREP
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY & BOARDING
A Life in Balance 12 issues for only £39 Address: 3 Brewer Street, Oxford OX1 1QW Founded: 1546 Pupils: 130, aged 3-13 (boys) and 3-7 (girls) Fees: £6,150-£9,370 per term (£5,870 for cathedral choristers) Head: Richard Murray Religious Affiliation: Church of England Entrance Procedure: Non-selective; process varies by entry point School Visits: Termly open days; nursery stay and plays and individual visits throughout the year
Curriculum: The Montessori-inspired coeducational nursery prepares boys and girls for the school’s early years and pre-prep setting. Boys in years three to eight experience a rich and challenging curriculum, with fi rst-class teaching in small classes tailored to the individual. An enrichment programme offers opportunities in a diverse range of cultural and physical activities. Staff aim to ensure every child gets the best from each lesson and is prepared for entry to a variety of senior schools, with the school working with each family to identify the best path for their child. Sport & The Arts: Pupils have opportunities ranging from core sports such as rugby, football and swimming to Bikeability, real tennis, archery and fencing. Other clubs include chess, robotics and embroidery, with new activities added regularly. The school is widely recognised for its musical standard, providing choristers for Christ Church Cathedral, Worcester College Chapel and Pembroke College Chapel. With over 150 music lessons every week, the school’s instrumental and vocal output results in consistently high achievements and accolades. Pastoral Care: The school has a warm and nurturing ethos where every child is noticed and feels part of the CCCS family. The tutor system ensures each prep boy has someone looking out for him over and above the care he receives from every staff member. The pastoral team includes learning support, a full-time school matron and a qualified school counsellor. The headmaster’s door is always open.
12
print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39
Exit Destinations: Many leavers achieve academic and music scholarships and awards to a variety of senior schools. This year’s leavers’ cohort of 19 boys included two of the 14 Winchester scholarship holders. Head’s Philosophy: To always have high expectations of pupils – to take any other approach is an insult to those in our care. Our teachers are exceptional and it is their inspiration that sows the seeds of a love of learning. Good manners are seen as an outward sign of kindness, thoughtfulness and self-confidence.
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cccs.org.uk
01865 242561
registrar@cccs.org.uk
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Visit Felsted Leading all-round education with pupil wellbeing at its heart. Give your child the space to grow and thrive with our variety of modern boarding and day options. Based on a safe rural campus in North Essex.
OPEN DAY: SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER 2026
Find out more and book your visit at www.felsted.org/opendays
Co-educational, ages 3-18, boarding & day, IB Diploma, A Levels, BTEC
#FelstedFamily
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HOME COUNTIES NORTH SCHOOLS
Discover Greene’s:
www.greenesoxford.com admissions@greenes.org.uk +44 (0)1865 664400
D E S I G N Y O U R E D U C AT I O N TRANSFORM YOUR FUTURE Greene's SHM ad.indd 3
09/06/2026 12:55
Discover LVS Ascot LVS Ascot is an award-winning independent co-educational day and boarding school, providing a future-ready education from Reception through to Sixth Form. Our 26-acre campus in Ascot, Berkshire, combines outstanding facilities with a caring and ambitious environment where pupils are known as individuals and encouraged to flourish.
Whole School Open Mornings on 9am, Sat 26th September 2026 9am, Sat 14th November 2026 Scan the QR code to register and discover why we are proud to be LVS Ascot.
Part of
LVS Ascot, London Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8DR
01344 882770 | admissions@lvs.ascot.sch.uk | www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk
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MORE VALUE-ADDED “In a crowded Berkshire/Oxfordshire school market, The Oratory is a distinct alternative and is well worth a visit.” The Good Schools Guide 2026 Flexi, full boarding & day placements available: admissions@oratory.co.uk
EXPERIENCE THE ORATORY ARRANGE A VISIT BOOK YOUR PLACE
Be you. Become more.
INDEPENDENT BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS & BOYS AGED 11-18
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HOME COUNTIES NORTH SCHOOLS
& ng on di nd ar o bo m L y kl ro ee rt f W spo n tra
P A N G B O U R N E
Excellent academic outcomes - over 60% A Level A*-B. Weekly, part and flexi boarding options available. 230 acres of North Wessex Downs National Landscape. 6km of the finest stretches of rowing river in the country on the River Thames. Outdoor exploration and adventure curriculum.
C O L L E G E
OPEN DAY 26 September 2026 ACADEMIC RIGOUR
|
pangbourne.com/visit
EXPLORATION
|
COMMUNITY
|
LEADERSHIP
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YHS S
York House School for girls and boys from 3 to 11 years. As a truly independent school, every decision we make is pupil-centered. Our approach is always guided by what we believe is best for your child and informed by the experience and knowledge of our team. Leading to more choice for families and greater diversity in our future school destinations.
Your adventure awaits
Book your visit today
01923 772395 | york-house.com |
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HOME COUNTIES NORTH SCHOOLS
Ludgrove PREPARATORY
ALL BOYS
Papplewick BOARDING ONLY
PREPARATORY
ALL BOYS
DAY & BOARDING
Address: Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB Founded: 1892 Pupils: 186, aged 8-13 Fees: £14,477 per term Head: Simon Barber Religious Affiliation: Predominantly Church of England Entrance Procedure: Selective, except in year 4 School Visits: Individual appointments to tour the school and meet the head and his wife can be booked by emailing the registrar
Address: Windsor Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LH Founded: 1947 Pupils: 200, aged 6-13 Fees: £8,394-£17,592 per term Head: Mrs Nina Kingsmill Moore HDE Med Religious Affiliation: Church of England Entrance Procedure: Non-selective School Visits: Next open events Friday 6 November 10am-12pm and Saturday 14 November 9.30-11.30am. Individual visits also available
Curriculum: The main focus at Lugrove is to build fi rm academic foundations and encourage a love of learning. Staff aim to realise the highest academic expectations for all the boys with fi rst class teaching and small classes.
Curriculum: Papplewick is known for its strength on the academic front while supporting those who need additional help. Class sizes are 13 on average. There is a strong emphasis on reading, writing and numeracy for boys in year two to four, but the curriculum also includes science, French, history, geography, drama, music, ICT, PE and DT, with Latin introduced in year five and Greek in year six. The curriculum has a close reference to the National Curriculum, CE and public school scholarship syllabuses. Papplewick believes teachers are there to inspire, not just deliver.
Sport & The Arts: The school offers a vibrant extracurricular programme with exposure to music, drama, the creative arts in a 350-seat theatre, and many sports, making the most of the 130-acre site with playing fields, cricket nets, tennis, fives and squash courts, AstroTurf and a 20m indoor swimming pool. The school has one of the fi nest facilities for science, coding, art, CDT and ceramics in a prep school anywhere in the country. Pastoral Care: The outstanding body of staff get to know the boys incredibly well, with Sophie Barber, the headmaster’s wife, overseeing the pastoral care. Alongside Mrs Barber, the resident matrons, school nurse, on-site boarding houseparents and all other staff are committed to ensuring a child’s confidence is nurtured at every opportunity. Two of the matrons have trained as ELSAs to help the boys understand their emotions, cope with life’s challenges and feel happy and secure. Exit Destinations: Recent scholarships awarded to leavers include two King’s Scholarships to Eton; music and academic scholarships to Brighton College; a Clay Prize in Greek and Latin to Harrow School; a Sewell Scholarship to Radley College; a music exhibition to Radley College; and a sports award to Marlborough College. Head’s Philosophy: To develop the boys’ confidence, character and creativity in a caring and supportive environment. As the country’s only allboys full, fortnightly boarding prep school, Ludgrove is a rare fi nd where boys are able to hold onto their childhood for longer. Each boy is valued as an individual, enabling them to flourish and make friends for life along the way. We are unashamedly ambitious at Ludgrove, and are proud of our strong academic and scholarship record.
ludgrove.net
01189 789881
registrar@ludgroveschool.co.uk
Sport & The Arts: There is sport for all abilities, including water polo, swimming, golf, cross-country, skiing, trampolining, hockey and gymnastics. The three major sports at Papplewick are football, rugby and cricket. The school offers nearly 1000 fi xtures per years in multi-sporting events, giving every boy an opportunity to play from A to D teams. Music, art and drama are equally strong with 14 ensembles, regular art exhibitions and numerous productions put on each year. Pastoral Care: The school has a very strong tutor system, with houseparents also caring for boarders. Two-thirds of staff live on site and pupils can go to any member of staff if they have any problems. They also meet with their tutors regularly to discuss all aspects of school life, and there is a school counsellor. STEER Tracking, a tool to track and improve pupils’ mental health, is used. Exit Destinations: Papplewick has a very strong scholarship record to top UK public schools such as Eton College and Harrow, with regular King’s Scholarships won to Eton College. Pupils also gain music, art, sport and DT scholarships. Head’s Philosophy: To celebrate the natural spark and individuality of prep-age boys, who thrive on high expectations and challenge. Happiness comes fi rst at Papplewick; at the end of the year, the most highly valued award goes to the boy who has demonstrated the greatest enthusiasm for life, has contributed the most to his community and has shown the most kindness to others.
papplewick.org.uk
01344 621488
schoolsec@papplewick.org.uk
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SOUTH WEST SCHOOLS
Badminton School NURSERY TO SIXTH
ALL GIRLS
Hazlegrove Prep School DAY & BOARDING
Address: Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3BA Founded: 1858 Pupils: 520, aged 3-18 Fees: £3,610-£20,365 per term Head: Mrs Jessica Miles Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Entrance Procedure: Selective School Visits: Next open events 25 September (sixth form), 10 October and 20 November (whole school). Private tours available
Curriculum: The emphasis at Badminton is on a holistic education, not narrowly academic. The curriculum and timetable are constructed to create balance between academic achievement, personal development, life skills and enriching extracurricular activities. In 2025, 50 percent of pupils achieved A*-A grades at A level, with 73 percent of grades awarded being A*-B. Sport & The Arts: The Badminton Creative Arts Centre provides pupils with the inspiration and facilities to excel in various mediums of art. Music and sports are a large part of school life. The wide variety of activities on offer means every pupil fi nds her passion and gets fully involved. Pastoral Care: Badminton knows that a student’s wellbeing is the foundation of everything they achieve, both in the classroom and beyond. The school is committed to nurturing the whole individual, offering a pastoral care system that ensures every student feels supported, valued and understood. One of the most important ways the community care for each other is by truly looking out for one another. The pastoral team is led by the deputy head pastoral and designated safeguarding lead, who is always around to support, guide and empower every student. Exit Destinations: Leavers pursue studies at a wide range of world-class universities, music conservatoires, drama schools and other further education institutions. In 2025, 65 percent progressed to Russell Group, with 5 percent securing places at Oxbridge. Each year, a small number also choose to study overseas, typically in the US, Hong Kong or Europe. Leavers choose a diverse range of courses; in 2025, this included animal therapy, dental surgery, crimonology and business management, fashion marketing and medicine. Head’s Philosophy: To nurture pupils’ natural curiosity and fuel their passion for learning. At Badminton, we believe in practically engaging with the subjects and really getting under the skin of them. The excellence that Badminton girls achieve stems from the positive atmosphere and holistic approach to education.
badmintonschool.co.uk
01179 055271
admissions@ badmintonschool.co.uk
NURSERY & PREP
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY & BOARDING
Address: Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7JA Founded: 1519 Pupils: 391, aged 2-13 Fees: £4,212-£13,952 per term Head: Mr Ed Benbow Religious Affiliation: Church of England Entrance Procedure: Taster day and assessment School Visits: Termly open days; individual visits by appointment
Curriculum: Hazlegrove’s broad and balanced curriculum inspires curiosity through creative teaching, outdoor learning and sustainability. With a strong focus on practical skills and hands-on exploration, pupils develop a questioning mindset. Trips, visits and projects enrich learning and nurture individual interests. From classroom experiences to real-world engagement, every child is encouraged to explore, discover and grow in confidence across a wide range of subjects and opportunities. Sport & The Arts: Pupils take part in major sports each term, including rugby, hockey, netball, athletics, swimming and cricket alongside options such as football, tennis, squash and martial arts. The dynamic music curriculum features pop, rap, gospel, Indian ragas and gamelan. Pupils sing, compose and perform in choirs, DJ lessons and bands, with older children collaborating with King’s School, Bruton to enrich their musical experience. Pastoral Care: Pastoral care is central at Hazlegrove, with all staff supporting pupil wellbeing. Tutors and the pastoral team meet regularly to address concerns. Emotional development is nurtured through assemblies, PSHE and support groups like Time to Talk. The Zones of Regulation approach provides a shared language for emotional awareness. Calm spaces, including a nurture room and wellbeing areas, offer pupils safe environments for reflection and support. Exit Destinations: In 2026, year eight pupils achieved 42 awards and scholarships to senior schools. Head’s Philosophy: To celebrate childhood and nurture curiosity, creativity and confidence. At Hazlegrove, children thrive through outstanding pastoral care, a vibrant curriculum and a strong community, growing into kind, self-assured individuals ready for life.
hazlegrove.co.uk
01963 442606
admissions@hazlegrove.co.uk
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SOUTH WEST SCHOOLS
CANFORD BOARDING AND DAY • CO-EDUC ATIONAL • 13-18
NO.1 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL NEW Headmaster from September 2025 IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND See our award winning education in action at our Autumn events: SIXTH FORM EVENING
23RD SEPTEMBER 2026 OPEN MORNING
3RD OCTOBER 2026 Scan to book your place
Canford School Wimborne Dorset BH21 3AD www.canford.com
@CanfordSchool
OPEN MORNING
10 October 2026 and 6 March 2027 To book your place please visit: www.downside.co.uk/open-morning Or email admissions for a private tour admissions@downside.co.uk or call 01761 235103
• Co-educational day & boarding school for pupils aged 11-18 • New Sixth Form Centre opened in September 2024 • Full daily minibus service available from Bath and surrounding villages • Awarded ‘Outstanding’ in all categories by Catholic Schools Inspectorate May 2024 • Wrap-around care from 8am-9pm • Second highest means-tested bursary provider in the UK • Organ, choral, music, art, drama, sports, academic, product design & all-rounder scholarships available www.downside.co.uk | Downside School, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, Near Bath, Somerset, BA3 4RJ
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# GreatFutu resK ingsBruton
‘A small historical bastion of a school that is absolutely booming in the 21st century’ The Good Schools Guide
Inspiring Co-educational Boarding and Day School for pupils aged 13–18 01749 814 200 | www.kingsbruton.com | admissions@kingsbruton.com | Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0ED
DISCOVER BRILLIANCE millfieldschool.com/open-days
Open Day 3 October Scholarships available for 2027 entry, apply by 7 October for Sixth Form and 1 December for Years 7-9
G I R L S A N D B OY S , D AY A N D BOARDING, AGES 2-18
Millfield_SchoolHouse_Aug26_195x129.5_Patrick_Amelia.indd 1
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SOUTH WEST SCHOOLS
Tockington Manor School for boys & girls aged 2 - 13
We’re more than a school. We’re a family. Located in 28 acres of beautiful countryside just outside Bristol, we offer small classes and a family-based education. Visit us to find out what makes our school so special.
Pinewood School NURSERY & PREP
COEDUCATIONAL
DAY & BOARDING
Address: Bourton, Swindon, Wiltshire SN6 8HZ Founded: 1875 Pupils: 410, aged 3-13 Fees: £4,232-£9,780 per term, plus £2,631 weekly boarding fee Head: Mr Neal Bailey Religious Affiliation: Ecumenical, accepting children of all faiths Entrance Procedure: Non-selective; taster days for reception and up School Visits: Next open morning Thursday 1 October, with personal tours also available by appointment
01454 613229 | BS32 4NY
www.tockingtonmanorschool.com Curriculum: In addition to a rigorous academic provision covering all core subjects, an innovation centre opens its doors in September, supporting the school’s new curriculum development designed specifically for year seven and eight pupils. Pinewood also has a broad extracurricular SKILLS programme, offering over 50 diverse activities with academic, pastoral and social benefits. Sport & The Arts: The extensive 84-acre grounds are home to a state-ofthe-art sports hall, two multi-use AstroTurfs, a nine-hole golf course, 16 tennis courts, and a refurbished enclosed swimming pool. A purpose-built music school supports the arts, with excellent successes achieved in art and drama.
DISCOVER THE
PORT REGIS DIFFERENCE Open Morning
Pastoral Care: At the heart of Pinewood is a family atmosphere and a support structure has been created to reflect this, with huge importance placed on pastoral care. Mental health is prioritised from an early age and there is a dedicated wellbeing and emotional support department, based in the state-of-the-art teaching and learning centre.. The school’s focus is on nurturing and educating happy children in a safe space and helping to develop personal characteristics such as resilience, self-awareness and confidence. Exit Destinations: In 2026, leavers moved on to 22 different schools, including Abingdon, Cheltenham, Downe House, Eton, Marlborough, Radley, Tudor Hall and Wellington, securing 23 scholarships across 13 of these institutions. Head’s Philosophy: To build an environment where every child is seen, valued and empowered; where kindness, friendship and shared support are daily habits; and where we strive humbly for excellence and are never complacent, always improving, ambitious yet prudent, and responsible and united.
Friday 2nd October
Find out more and book your place
Motcombe, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9QA
pinewoodschool.co.uk
01793 782554
emilymiller@ pinewoodschool.co.uk
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8800 S
Shaping minds · Developing character · Fostering community www.marlboroughcollege.org
68800 South West.indd School House195 225x298+3mm.indd 1
marlboroughcollege
visit us
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SOUTH WEST SCHOOLS
Sandroyd School NURSERY & PREP
COEDUCATIONAL
St Mary’s Calne DAY & BOARDING
Address: Rushmore, Tollard Royal, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 5QD Founded: 1888 Pupils: 200, aged 2-13 Fees: £4,130-£13,450 per term Head: Sarah Segrave Religious Affiliation: Christian Entrance Procedure: Non-selective School Visits: Individual visits available throughout the year
Curriculum: Academic success is a key part of a Sandroyd education, and staff take great pride in the progress their pupils make in the classroom. The school’s primary aim is to spark curiosity and a love of learning. The academic curriculum is carefully designed to stretch and support each child as they prepare for Common Entrance or scholarship exams, important milestones that reflect the high standards Sandroyd upholds. Teaching equips pupils with the foundations and confidence they need to thrive at their senior schools and beyond. Sport & The Arts: The academic side of the timetable is balanced by more practical demands in the form of art, performing arts, DT and sport. The purpose-built dance studio, art studio and theatre are in constant use. Pupils are given plenty of opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of sports including rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, swimming and athletics. Horse-riding is also a large part of Sandroyd life. Broader activities include archery, fencing, polo, Pilates, gymnastics and Greenpower club. Pastoral Care: Pastoral care is absolutely central to everything Sandroyd does. A friendly and nurturing boarding environment equips children with the confidence and skills to really challenge themselves, to be happy, and to succeed. The school’s size creates a wonderfully unique family atmosphere that allows staff to properly focus on the individual needs of each child at every stage of their education. Exit Destinations: Leavers progress to the top independent schools in the country, including Winchester, Marlborough and Sherborne. Fift y percent of leavers gained awards last year. Head’s Philosophy: To wrap my arms around every family and be the champion of their children. I am ambitious for every child, and encourage them to believe in themselves and focus on their strengths. I encourage them to take responsibility for their actions and to live their lives graciously and thoughtfully.
sandroyd.org
01725 516264
office@sandroyd.com
SENIOR & SIXTH
ALL GIRLS
DAY & BOARDING
Address: Curzon Street, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0DF Founded: 1873 Pupils: 340, aged 11-18 Fees: £11,598-£20.346 per term Head: Mrs Anne Wakefield Religious Affiliation: Church of England Entrance Procedure: Selective; assessment and interview School Visits: Open days in October and May and open mornings in September, February and March. Individual visits also available
Curriculum: In an all-girls environment, the school balances academic rigour with exceptional care, empowering every pupil to embrace challenges and win their own race. St Mary’s encourages broad and deep thinking, personal growth, and independence, helping girls become confident, socially aware, tech-savvy learners ready for academic success and future careers. Sport & The Arts: Sport and the creative arts are central to school life. Girls thrive through participation, teamwork and personal challenge in activities from lacrosse to dance. Drama, music, art, languages and humanities spark curiosity, self-expression and cultural awareness, helping pupils grow confident, creative and ready to embrace new perspectives. Athletes compete at county, national and international level, while creatives regularly achieve recognition at national competitions. Pastoral Care: Wellbeing drives school life at St Mary’s. Through wholeschool programmes and personalised care, the close-knit community ensures every pupil is known, valued and supported. Pastoral guidance, tutors and wellbeing teams help girls navigate academic and personal challenges, while mindfulness, reflection and physical activity foster balance. Pupils leave the school confident, independent and ready to thrive in all aspects of life. Exit Destinations: In 2025, 93 percent of pupils gained Russell Group offers, with 98 percent going on to attend their chosen university. Popular destination include Oxbridge, Russell Group, London universities and global institutions such as NYU, Rice and Trinity Dublin. Head’s Philosophy: To deliver education that is both ambitious and personally tailored, nurturing each girl to become her most confident, capable and curious self. As a girls’ education specialist, I believe learning is a journey of discovery where academic excellence and personal growth go hand in hand.
stmaryscalne.org
01249 857206
admissions@stmaryscalne.org
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Why Girls? Why Not. Open Events Sixth Form Friday 25 September Whole School Saturday 26 September
Register here
For Girls. For Life.
Boarding & Day School for girls aged 9-18 royalhighbath.gdst.net | +44 (0)1225 313877
A N I N D E P E N D E N T DAY & B OA R D I N G S C H O O L FO R AG E S 0 - 1 8
SCHOLARSHIPS AT TAUNTON SCHOOL We warmly invite students to discover the benefits of an inspiring education here at Taunton School and apply for our scholarship opportunities with 2027 entry into Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form.
BOOK AN OPEN EVENT
APPLY FOR YOUR SCHOLARSHIP
11+ 13+ 16+ IB countryandtownhouse.com/schools —— AUTUMN /WINTER 2026 —— 197
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SOUTH WEST SCHOOLS
"KES STATES THAT IT'S A SCHOOL FOR ADVENTUROUS MINDS AND WE AGREE"
RANKED AS THE TOP PERFORMING INDEPENDENT CO-ED SECONDARY SCHOOL IN THE SOUTH WEST THE SUNDAY TIMES PARENT POWER GUIDE 2026
GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE
RATED "VERY GOOD" IN THE TELEGRAPH'S BEST VALUE PRIVATE SCHOOLS GUIDE
JOIN US @ KES BATH Sixth Form Open Evening Friday 2 October Senior School, Pre-Prep and Junior School Open Morning Saturday 3 October Please register at kesbath.com or call 01225 820 399 #TheSchoolForAdventurousMinds
THE TELEGRAPH
CE EXPWEESRTOINEBN IRT Discover a school where every child is supported to become the very best version of themselves.
BOOK YOUR OPEN DAY
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EASTERN, CENTRAL, NORTHERN, WALES, IRELAND & SCOTLAND SCHOOLS
‘Top Ten Best Value Boarding Schools in the UK’ Good Schools’ Guide. Boys 11-18. Five minutes from Belfast City Airport. Fees from £8,690 a term.
Discover more at campbellcollege.co.uk
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EASTERN, CENTRAL, NORTHERN, WALES, IRELAND & SCOTLAND SCHOOLS
Let’s see who you are... Boarding at Framlingham offers stability and continuity in a welcoming home-away-from-home environment. Our Flexi, Weekly and Full boarding options are tailored to suit the needs of the modern family. From age 7 (Year 3) to 18 (Year 13), our boarding provision provides a vibrant, supportive environment where every pupil can grow, thrive, aspire and achieve. START YOUR CHILD’S JOURNEY TODAY Join us for an Open Day or arrange a personal visit to experience us for yourself. A WELCOMING HOME-FROM-
WE OFFER A SPRINGBOARD FOR
HOME FOR PUPILS TO GROW,
INDEPENDENCE, FRIENDSHIP
ASPIRE AND ACHIEVE
AND OPPORTUNITY
Discover more about us at an Open Day or book a private visit. Go to framlinghamcollege.co.uk, email us admissions@framlinghamcollege.co.uk or call 01728 723789.
Independent School | Girls and Boys, ages 2-18 | Day and Boarding
King’s Ely Open Mornings scan to register now
scan to register now
scan to register now
scan to register now
Saturday 26th September 2026 Saturday 10th October 2026 Saturday 13th March 2027
You’d be barking mad to miss them!
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Your future, your world CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY AND BOARDING school BETWEEN YORK, HARROGATE AND LEEDS | 3 months to 19 years
open day 3 october 2026 book now at qe.org
A lEVELS, btecs, GCSEs | medical pathway | oxbridge programme | performance pathways for sport and performing arts | extensive enrichment programme
90% of gcse grades at 9-7 (A-A* Equivalent) | 83% A*-A and 95% A*-B grades at a Level
Call us on 01423 333330 email admissions@qe.org or visit qe.org for more information queen ethelburga’s 8 Eastern, Ireland & Scotland.indd 201
queenethelburgas 14/08/2026 09:55
EASTERN, CENTRAL, NORTHERN, WALES, IRELAND & SCOTLAND SCHOOLS
Scan the QR code to start your Shrewsbury journey.
Shrewsbury Family of Schools
Visit Prestfelde in Shropshire
Visit Packwood in Shropshire
Visit Terra Nova in Cheshire
A co-educational independent preparatory school in Norwich for children aged 3–13. Book an open morning or private tour today: Email: admissions@townclose.com or call 01603 599030
NE
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SC H
...at Town Close School.
2027 AWARDS
ZI
Matters
OUSE M A H G L O
A
Every Moment
09/06/2026 10:35
SCH O
School House Half page horizontal advert H 129.5mm x W 195mm.indd 1
HO
A U SE M
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WANT TO ENTER OUR 2027 AWARDS?
We’d love to have you! Stay tuned for more information about next year’s awards and get prepping your entries. Details will be published in our Spring/Summer 2027 issue. @townclose
#teamtownclose
townclose.com
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DIRECTORY
Mount Kelly, Tavistock, Devon
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Nurseries 39 134
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Eaton House Belgravia Nursery 3-5 Eaton Gate London SW1W 9BA 020 7730 9343 eatonhouseschools.com Eaton House The Manor Nursery 58 Clapham Common Northside London SW4 9RU 020 7924 6000 eatonhouseschools.com
126
Noah’s Ark, Dolphin School 106 Northcote Road London SW11 6QW 020 7924 3472 dolphinschool.org.uk
126
Noah’s Ark, West Side West Side Church Melody Road London SW18 2ED 020 7924 3472 dolphinschool.org.uk
127
Pippa Pop-ins, 430 Fulham Road London SW3 2QF 020 7730 5797 pippapopins.com
Kew Green Nursery 85 Kew Green Richmond TW9 3AH 020 8948 5999 kewgreennursery.com
127
The Little Courtiers at Hampton Court House The Little Courtyard Hampton Court House Richmond KT8 9BS 020 8614 0857 hamptoncourthouse .co.uk
127
127
Little Shells Nursery at St James 14 Gorleston Street London W14 8XS 020 7348 1793 stjamesschools.co.uk
127
Missy Daisy’s Belgravia 28 Eccleston Street London SW1W 9PY 020 7730 5797 missdaisysnursery.com
128
Miss Daisy’s Brook Green 69-71 Brook Green London W6 7BE 020 7730 5797 missdaisysnursery.com
124
Miss Daisy’s Chelsea St Luke’s Church Crypt Sydney Street London SW3 6NH 020 7730 5797 missdaisysnursery.com
124
Miss Daisy’s Hyde Park The Long Garden, Albion Street, London W2 2AX 020 7730 5797 missdaisysnursery.com/ hyde-park
124
Miss Daisy’s Knightsbridge St Simon Zelotes Church Hall, Milner Street London SW3 2QF 020 7730 5797 missdaisysnursery.com
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52
Pippa Pop-ins, 5 Kensington Place London SW3 2QF 020 7730 5797 pippapopins.com Pippa Pop-ins, 91-93 Princedale Road London SW3 2QF 020 7730 5797 pippapopins.com Pippa Pop-ins, 165 New King’s Road London SW3 2QF 020 7730 5797 pippapopins.com Pippa Pop-ins, 233 New King’s Road London SW3 2QF 020 7730 5797 pippapopins.com Thomas’s Kindergarten The Moorings Battersea Church Road London SW11 3NA 020 7978 0680 thomas-s.co.uk Wetherby Pembridge Pre-Prep 4 Wetherby Gardens London SW5 0JN 020 3910 9760 wetherbyschool.co.uk
London Preparatory
39 134
Eaton House The Manor Boys 58 Clapham Common North Side London SW4 9RU 020 7924 6000 eatonhouseschools.com
130
Bassett House School 60 Bassett Road London W10 6JP 020 8969 0313 bassetths.org.uk
39 134
IFC 1
Brighton College Prep Kensington 10, 13 Prince’s Gardens London SW7 1ND 020 7591 4620 brightoncollegeprep kensington.co.uk
Eaton House The Manor Girls 58 Clapham Common North Side London SW4 9RU 020 7924 6000 eatonhouseschools.com
133
130
Broomfield House School 10 Broomfield Road Richmond TW9 3HS 020 8940 3884 broomfieldhouse.com
Eaton Square Prep School 55-57 Eccleston Square London SW1V 1PH 020 7225 3131 eatonsquareschools.com
64
49
Broomwood Prep, Girls 68-74 Nightingale Lane London SW12 8NR 020 8682 8810 broomwood.com
Eltham College Junior School Mottingham Lane London SE9 4RW 020 8857 3457 eltham-college.org.uk
149
49
Broomwood Prep, Boys 26 Bolingbroke Grove London SW11 6EL 020 8682 8888 broomwood.com
Francis Holland Preparatory School 15 Manresa Road London SW3 6NB 020 7352 7077 francishollandprep.org.uk
68
Fulham Prep School 200 Greyhound Road London W14 9SD 020 7386 2444 fulhamprep.co.uk
135
Hampton Court House Hampton Court Road, Richmond KT8 9BS 020 8614 0857 hamptoncourthouse.co.uk
135
Heathfield House School Heathfield Gardens London W4 4JU 020 8994 3385 heathfieldhouse.co.uk
136
Hornsby House School Hearnville Road London SW12 8RS 020 8673 7573 hornsbyhouse.org.uk
29
Inspired Edge Academy Olympia London Hammersmith Road London W14 8UX inspirededge.com
137
Kew Green Preparatory School Layton House Ferry Lane Richmond TW9 3AF 020 8948 5999 kgps.co.uk
131
Charterhouse Square School 40 Charterhouse Square London EC1M 6EA 020 7600 3805 charterhousesquare school.co.uk
132
Chigwell School High Road Chigwell IG7 6QF 020 8501 5700 chigwell-school.org
132
Dolphin School 106 Northcote Road London SW11 6QW 020 7924 3472 dolphinschool.org.uk
134
Dulwich Prep & Senior 38-42 Alleyn Park London SE21 7AA 020 8766 5500 dulwichprepsenior .org.uk
39 134
Eaton House Belgravia 3-5 Eaton Gate London SW1W 9BA 020 7730 9343 eatonhouseschools.com
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DIRECTORY 50 51
Kneller Hall School 65 Kneller Road Twickenham TW2 7DN 020 8891 6264 knellerhallschool.org
105
Knightsbridge School 67 Pont Street London SW1X 0BD 020 7590 9000 knightsbridgeschool.com
138
138
139
37 139
141
136
132
St Paul’s Waldorf School 1 St Paul’s Road London N1 2QH 020 7226 4454 stpaulswaldorfschool.org
143
St Philip’s School 6 Wetherby Place London SW7 4NE 020 7373 3944 stpschool.co.uk
128 144
Thomas’s Battersea 28-40 Battersea High St London SW11 3JB 020 7046 1457 thomas-sbattersea.co.uk
128 144
Thomas’s Clapham Broomwood Road London SW11 6JZ 020 7326 9300 thomas-sclapham.co.uk
Parsons Green Prep School 1 Fulham Park Road London SW6 4LJ 020 7371 9009 parsonsgreenprep.co.uk
128 145
Thomas’s Fulham 49 Hugon Road London SW6 3ES 020 7751 8200 thomas-sfulham.co.uk
Queen’s College Preparatory School 61 Portland Place London W1B 1QP 020 7291 7070 qcl.org.uk
128 145
Thomas’s Kensington 17-19 Cottesmore Gardens London W8 5PR 020 7361 6500 thomas-skensington .co.uk
Old Vicarage School 48 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6QX 020 8940 0922 oldvicarageschool.com Orchard House School Priory House Priory Avenue London W4 1TX 020 8742 8544 orchardhs.org.uk
Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School 16 Ravenscourt Avenue London W6 0SL 020 8846 9153 rpps.co.uk
146
Rosemead Preparatory School 70 Thurlow Park Road London SE21 8HZ 020 8761 1307 rosemeadprep.org.uk
81
140
Sarum Hall School 15 Eton Avenue London NW3 3EL 020 7794 2261 sarumhallschool.co.uk
146
142
St Christopher’s The Hall School 39 Bromley Road Beckenham BR3 5PA 020 8650 2200 stchristophersthehall .org.uk
140
143
St Dunstan’s College Junior School Stanstead Road London SE6 4TY 020 8516 7200 stdunstans.org.uk St James Preparatory School Earsby Street London W14 8SH 020 4538 1687 stjamesschools.co.uk
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Tower House School 188 Sheen Lane London SW14 8LF 020 8876 3323 thsboys.org.uk Wetherby Pembridge Prep Bryanston Square London W1H 2EA 020 7535 3520 wetherbyprep.co.uk The White House Preparatory School 24 Thornton Road London SW12 0LF 020 8674 9514 whitehouseschool.com
135
Hampton Court House Hampton Court Road Richmond KT8 9BS 020 8614 0865 hamptoncourthouse.co.uk
152
Ashbourne College 17 Old Court Place London W8 4PL 020 7937 3858 ashbournecollege.co.uk
Highgate School North Road London N6 4AY 020 8340 1524 highgateschool.org.uk
150
Blackheath High School 27 Vanbrugh Park London SE3 7AG 020 8853 2929 blackheathhighschool .gdst.net
James Allen’s Girls’ School ( JAGS) 144 East Dulwich Grove London SE22 8TE 020 8693 1181 jags.org.uk
151
Kew House School 6 Capital Interchange Way, London TW8 0EX 020 8742 2038 kewhouseschool.com
50 51
Kneller Hall School 65 Kneller Road Twickenham TW2 7DN 020 8891 6264 knellerhallschool.org
105
Knightsbridge School 67 Pont Street London SW1X 0BD 020 7590 9000 knightsbridgeschool.com
24
London Park School Clapham 7-11 Nightingale Lane London SW4 9AH 020 8161 0305 londonparkschools.com
24
Dulwich College Dulwich Common London SE21 7LD 020 8693 3601 dulwich.org.uk
London Park School Mayfair & Hybrid 106 Piccadilly London W1J 7NL 020 7491 7393 londonparkschools.com
24
Dulwich Prep & Senior 38-42 Alleyn Park London SE21 7AA 020 8766 5500 dulwichprepsenior .org.uk
London Park School Sixth 79 Ecclestone Square London SW1V 1PP 020 7491 7393 londonparkschools.com
153
Eltham College Grove Park Road London SE9 4QF 020 8857 1455 eltham-college.org.uk
Maida Vale School 18 Saltram Crescent London W9 3HR 020 4511 6000 maidavaleschool.com
155
Merchant Taylors’ School Sandy Lodge Northwood HA6 2HT 01923 820644 mtsn.org.uk
2 3
MPW London 90-92 Queen’s Gate London SW7 5AB 020 7835 1355 mpw.ac.uk
London Senior 148
147
156
149
149
148
54
134
64
149
149
City of London School 107 Queen Victoria St London EC4V 3AL 020 3680 6300 cityoflondonschool.org.uk Collingham College (A level) 23 Collingham Gardens London SW5 0HL 020 7244 7414 collingham.co.uk Collingham College (GCSE) 16 Young Street London W8 5EH 020 7584 7196 collingham.co.uk DLD College London 199 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7FX 020 7935 8411 dldcollege.co.uk
Francis Holland Regent’s Park Ivor Place London NW1 6XR 020 7723 0176 fhs-nw1.org.uk Francis Holland Sloane Square 39 Graham Terrace London SW1W 8JF 020 7730 2971 fhs-sw1.org.uk
14/08/2026 12:01
150
North Bridge House School 6-9 Canonbury Place London N1 2NQ 020 7428 1520 northbridgehouse.com
83
North London Collegiate School Canons Drive Edgware HA8 7RJ 020 8952 0912 nlcs.org.uk
37 154
Queen’s College, London 43-49 Harley Street London W1G 8BT 020 7291 7070 qcl.org.uk
158
St Dunstan’s College Stanstead Road London SE6 4TY 020 8516 7200 stdunstans.org.uk
154
St James Senior School Earsby Street London W14 8SH 020 3978 0103 stjamesschools.co.uk
152
Sydenham & Dulwich Girls GDST 19 Westwood Hill London SE26 6BL 020 8557 7000 sydenhamdulwichgirls .gdst.net
156 157
11 128
Thames Christian School 12 Grant Road London SW11 2FR 020 7228 3933 thameschristianschool. org.uk Thomas’s College Queen’s Road, Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6JW 020 7978 0902 thomas-s.co.uk
Home Counties South 160
160
Brighton College Prep School Walpole Lodge Walpole Road Brighton BN2 0EU 01273 704210 brightoncollege.org.uk
161
Brighton College Prep Handcross London Road, Handcross West Sussex RH17 6HF 01444 400526 brightoncollegeprep handcross.co.uk
115
The Beacon Amersham Road Chesham Bois Bucks HP6 5PF 01494 433654 beaconschool.co.uk
Brighton College Prep Hove 190 Dyke Road Brighton and Hove East Sussex BN1 5AA 01273 093161 brightoncollegeprephove .com
168
Bedales School Church Road Steep, Petersfield Hampshire GU32 2DG 01730 300100 bedales.org.uk
167
Caterham School Harestone Valley Road Caterham Surrey CR3 6YA 01883 343028 caterhamschool.co.uk
22
Bede’s Nursery, Prep & Upper School Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne East Sussex BN20 7XL 01323 734222 bedes.org
43
Charterhouse School Godalming, Surrey GU7 2DX 01483 291500 charterhouse.org.uk
173
Christ’s Hospital Horsham West Sussex RH13 0LJ 01403 211293 christs-hospital.org.uk
162
Churcher’s College Midhurst Road, Liphook Hampshire GU30 7HT 01730 236870 churcherscollege.com
22
163
171
162
165
9
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Aldro School Lombard Street Shackleford, Godalming Surrey GU8 6AS 01483 810266 aldro.org
9
Bede’s Senior School & Sixth Form The Dicker, Upper Dicker East Sussex BN27 3QH 01323 843252 bedes.org Benenden School Cranbrook Kent TN17 4AA 01580 240592 benenden.school Bligh House SEND Centre at Cobham Hall Brewers Road, Cobham Kent DA12 3BL 01474 823371 cobhamhall.com
162
169
Brambletye Lewes Road East Grinstead RH19 3PD 01342 321004 brambletye.co.uk Breaside Preparatory School 41-43 Orchard Road Bromley BR1 2PR 020 8460 0916 breaside.co.uk Brighton College Eastern Road Brighton BN2 0AL 01273 704200 brightoncollege.org.uk
171
164
Churcher’s College Junior School Ramshill, Petersfield Hampshire GU31 4AS 01730 263033 churcherscollege.com City of London Freemen’s School Ashtead Park Surrey KT21 1ET 01372 822400 freemens.org Cobham Hall Brewers Road, Cobham Kent DA12 3BL 01474 823371 cobhamhall.com Cumnor House Sussex London Road, Danehill Haywards Heath RH17 7HT 01825 790347 cumnor.co.uk
175
Downsend School 1 Leatherhead Road Leatherhead Surrey KT22 8TJ 01372 372197 downsend.co.uk
164
Eastbourne College Old Wish Road Eastbourne BN21 4JY 01323 452300 eastbourne-college.co.uk
168
Farleigh School Red Rice, Andover Hampshire SP11 7PW 01264 710766 farleighschool.com
172
Farringtons Perry Street Chislehurst BR7 6LR 020 8467 0256 farringtons.org.uk
166
Frensham Heights School Frensham Heights Road Rowledge Farnham GU10 4EA 01252 792561 frensham.org
170
Halliford School Russell Road Shepperton TW17 9HX 01932 223593 hallifordschool.co.uk
166
Highfield & Brookham School Highfield Lane Liphook GU30 7LQ 01428 728000 highfieldandbrookham .co.uk
OBC
Hurtwood House Holmbury St Mary, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6NU 01483 279000 hurtwoodhouse.com
4
Lancing College Lancing West Sussex BN15 0RW 01273 452213 lancingcollege.co.uk
177
Mayfield School The Old Palace, Mayfield East Sussex TN20 6PH 01435 874600 mayfieldgirls.org
172
Moon Hall School, Reigate Burys Court, Flanchford Rd Reigate RH2 8RE 01306 611372 moonhallschoolreigate .co.uk
170
Pennthorpe School Church Street, Rudgwick Horsham RH12 3HJ 01403 822391 pennthorpe.com
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The Pilgrims’ School 3 The Close Winchester SO23 9LT 01962 854189 thepilgrims-school.co.uk
178
Reed’s School Sandy Lane, Cobham Surrey KT11 2ES 01932 869044 reeds.surrey.sch.uk
179
Roedean Roedean Way, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 5RQ 01274 667500 roedean.co.uk
180
176
182
172
181
181
176
174
183
Royal Alexandra & Albert School Gatton Park, Reigate Surrey RH2 0TD 01737 649000 raa-school.co.uk Rydes Hill Prep School & Nursery Rydes Hill House, Aldershot Road, Guildford GU2 8BP 01483 563160 rydeshill.com St Catherine’s School, Bramley Station Road, Bramley Guildford GU5 0DF 01483 893363 stcatherines.info St Edmund’s School Portsmouth Road, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6BH 01428 604808 saintedmunds.co.uk TASIS England Ten Acre Lane, Thorpe Egham TW20 8TE 01932 565252 tasisengland.org Tonbridge School High Street, Tonbridge Kent TN9 1JP 01732 365555 tonbridge-school.co.uk
183
Walthamstow Hall Senior School Holly Bush Lane Sevenoaks TN13 3UL 01732 451334 walthamstow-hall.co.uk
184
Christ Church Cathedral School 3 Brewer Street, Oxford OX1 1QW 01865 242561 cccs.org.uk
182
Westbourne House School Crowthorne, Chichester West Sussex PO20 2BH 01243 782739 westbournehouse.org
73
Elstree School Woolhampton Hill Upper Woolhampton Reading RG7 5TD 01189 713302 elstreeschool.org.uk
Windlesham House School Washington, Pulborough West Sussex RH20 4AY 01903 874700 windlesham.com
185
174
75
Home Counties North 63
63
63
Tormead School Cranley Road, Guildford Surrey GU1 2JD 01483 575101 tormeadschool.org.uk Walhampton School Lymington Hampshire SO41 5ZG 01590 613300 walhampton.com Walthamstow Hall Junior School Bradbourne Park Road Sevenoaks TN13 3LD 01732 453815 walthamstow-hall.co.uk
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Worth School Paddockhurst Road Turners Hill West Sussex RH10 4SD 01342 710200 worthschool.org.uk
IBC
12
Berkhamsted Boys’ School Castle Street, Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 2BB 01442 358000 berkhamsted.com Berkhamsted Girls’ School Doctors Commons Road, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 3DW 01442 358201 berkhamsted.com Berkhamsted Prep School Kings Road, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 3BG 01442 358166 berkhamsted.com Bradfield College Bradfield, Reading Berkshire RG7 6AU 01189 644500 bradfieldcollege.org.uk Cheam School Headley, Newbury Berkshire RG19 8LD 01635 268242 cheamschool.co.uk
Felsted School Felsted, Essex CM6 3LL 01371 822600 felsted.org
186
Greene’s College Oxford 45 Pembroke Street Oxford OX1 1BP 01865 664444 greenesoxford.com
93
Haberdashers’ Boys’ School Butterfly Lane, Elstree Hertfordshire WD6 3AF 020 8266 1700 habselstree.org.uk
93
Haberdashers’ Girls’ School Aldenham Road, Elstree Hertfordshire WD6 3BT 020 8266 2300 habselstree.org.uk
16
Haileybury London Road, Hertford Heath, Hertford SG13 7NU 01992 706200 haileybury.com
15
Heathfield School London Road, Ascot Berkshire SL5 8BQ 01344 898343 heathfieldschool.net
190
Ludgrove School Ludgrove, Wokingham Berkshire RG40 3AB 01189 789881 ludgrove.net
186
LVS Ascot London Road, Ascot Berkshire SL5 8DR 01344 882770 lvs.ascot.sch.uk
188
New Hall School The Avenue, Boreham Essex CM3 3HS 01245 467588 newhallschool.co.uk
187
The Oratory Woodcote Oxfordshire RG8 0PJ 01491 683500 oratory.co.uk
14
188
190
Oxford International College 1 London Place Oxford OX4 QBD 01865 203988 oxcoll.com Pangbourne College Pangbourne Road, Reading RG8 8LA 01189 842101 pangbourne.com Papplewick School Windsor Road, Ascot Berkshire SL5 7LH 01344 621488 papplewick.org.uk
84
Reddam House Berkshire Bearwood Road, Sindlesham Wokingham RG41 5BG 01189 748300 reddamhouse.org.uk
7
St Edward’s Oxford Woodstock Road Oxford OX2 7NN 01865 319204 stedwardsoxford.org
76 77
St John’s Beaumont Priest Hill, Old Windsor Berkshire SL4 2JN 01784 432428 sjbwindsor.uk
10
Tudor Hall School Wykham Park, Banbury Oxfordshire OX16 9UR 01295 263434 tudorhallschool.com
189
York House Sarratt Road, Croxley Green Rickmansworth WD3 4LW 01923 772395 york-house.com
189
Wellington College Crowthorne Berkshire RG45 7PU 01344 444000 wellingtoncollege.org.uk
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DIRECTORY
South West 191
Badminton School Westbury Road Bristol BS9 3BA 01179 055200 badmintonschool.co.uk
31
Bryanston School Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 0PX 01258 452411 bryanston.co.uk
192
Canford School Wimborne Dorset BH21 3AD 01202 841254 canford.com
192
Downside School Stratton-on-the-Fosse Somerset BA3 4RJ 01761 235100 downside.co.uk
32
191
198
193
195
193
193
194
Hanford Prep Child Okeford, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8HN 01258 860219 hanfordprep.group Hazlegrove Prep School Sparkford, Yeovil Somerset BA22 7JA 01963 440314 hazlegrove.co.uk King Edward’s School, Bath North Road, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 6HU 01225 464313 kesbath.com King’s Bruton The Plox, Bruton Somerset BA10 0ED 01749 814251 kingsbruton.com
194
Port Regis School Motcombe Road Shaftesbury SP7 9QA 01747 857800 portregis.com
197
Royal High School Bath Lansdown Road Bath BA1 5SZ 01225 313877 royalhighbath.gdst.net
196
Sandroyd School Rushmore Park Salisbury SP5 5QD 01725 516264 sandroyd.org
32
32
32
196
197
194
Marlborough College Bath Road, Marlborough Wiltshire SN8 1PA 01672 892200 marlboroughcollege.org Millfield Prep School Edgarley Hall Glastonbury BA6 8LD 01458 832446 millfieldschool.com Millfield Senior School Butleigh Road, Street Glastonbury BA16 0YD 01458 442291 millfieldschool.com Pinewood School Bourton, Shrivenham Wiltshire SN6 8HZ 01793 782205 pinewoodschool.co.uk
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198
Sherborne Boys’ School Abbey Road, Sherborne Dorset DT9 3AP 01935 812249 sherborneboys.group Sherborne Girls’ School Bradford Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3QN 01935 812245 sherbornegirls.group Sherborne Prep Acreman Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3NY 01935 812097 sherborneprep.group St Mary’s Calne 63 Curzon Street, Calne SN11 0DF 01249 857200 stmaryscalne.org Taunton School Staplegrove Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AD 01823 703703 tauntonschool.co.uk Tockington Manor School Washingpool Hill Road Tockington, Bristol BS32 4NY 01454 613229 tockingtonmanorschool .com Westonbirt School Tetbury Gloucestershire GL8 8QG 01666 880333 tauntonschool.co.uk
Eastern, Ireland, Scotland, Central & Northern 97
Bredon Pull Court, Bushley Tewkesbury GL20 6AH 01684 293156 bredonschool.org
199
Campbell College Belmont Road, Belfast Northern Ireland BT4
2ND
101
59
202
Stonyhurst College Stonyhurst Clitheroe BB7 9PT 01254 826345 stonyhurst.ac.uk Town Close School 14 Ipswich Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 2LR 01603 620180 townclose.com
028 9076 3076 campbellcollege.co.uk Concord College Acton Burnell Hall, Shrewsbury SY5 7PF 01694 731631 concordcollegeuk.com
200
Framlingham College College Road, Framlingham Woodbridge IP13 9EY 01728 723789 framlinghamcollege. co.uk 199
Haberdashers’ Monmouth School Almshouse Street Monmouth Wales NP25 3XP 01793 782205 habsmonmouth.org
200
King’s Ely Barton Road Ely CB7 4DX 01353 660700 kingsely.org
201
Queen Ethelburga’s Thorpe Underwood
Estate
York YO26 9SS 01423 333333 qe.org
27
Rugby School Lawrence Sheriff Street Rugby CV22 5EH 01788 556216 rugbyschool.co.uk
202
Shrewsbury School Ashton Road Shrewsbury SY3 7BA 01743 280500 shrewsbury.org.uk
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Bradfield.indd 1
03/07/2026 11:46
...that she left it too late to apply for Hurtwood House, because it’s simply the best for acting, dancing, singing, film making - “A utopia for creative minds” - as the Good Schools Guide says.
So, if you’re looking for a really exciting and rewarding change of school at 16 - don’t leave it too late.
Hurtwood House.indd 1
03/12/2025 11:19