The May Week 3 2025 Education Roundup

All the latest UK news from schools in the past weeks can be read below. Alternatively, find the best school for your child here.

Francis Holland Prep Triumphs at Chelsea in Bloom

The collaborative spirit and artistic flair of Francis Holland Prep’s entire community have blossomed at Chelsea in Bloom 2025. Their imaginative response to this year’s ‘Flowers in Fashion’ theme has earned them a coveted Gold Award.

Central to their display stands a botanical interpretation of courage: the moss-adorned ‘Fearless Girl’, clutching a book whilst sporting the school’s distinctive tartan skirt and navy jumper. Drawing inspiration from Kristen Visbal’s iconic New York sculpture, this floral figure embodies the spirited determination nurtured in every Francis Holland pupil.

This tribute connects the preparatory school on Manresa Road with its senior sister school, Francis Holland Sloane Square. The installation celebrates their educational philosophy through eight core principles: collaboration, craftsmanship, curiosity, compassion, commitment, confidence, communication, and creativity. These values shape confident learners who engage in spirited debate, approach global challenges with empathy, and tackle problems innovatively.

The display showcases a thoughtful blend of natural and handcrafted elements, with pupils aged four to eleven contributing meticulously crafted blossoms fashioned from repurposed school uniforms. This sustainability focus particularly impressed judges, earning special recognition for innovation.

Francis Holland Regent’s Park Champions Female Tech Innovation

Francis Holland Regent’s Park hosted a transformative event on 7th May 2025, welcoming industry pioneers to inspire the next generation of female tech leaders.

With UK girls studying Computer Science plummeting from 43% to 21% between 2015 and 2023, the school’s initiative arrived at a critical juncture. However, Francis Holland Regent’s Park has bucked this troubling trend, witnessing consistent growth in girls selecting Computer Science at GCSE level over recent years.

Head Katharine Woodcock collaborated with Louise Laing, founder of Recode the Curriculum, to create this pioneering programme. Laing’s motivation stemmed from stark statistics revealing that merely 3% of UK venture capital reaches female founders, whilst all-female AI teams receive just 0.3% of investment.

Pupils from Francis Holland and partner school St Marylebone engaged in hands-on activities covering product design, entrepreneurial pitching, and practical technology applications. The event demonstrated creative approaches to digital literacy, emphasising storytelling, ethics, and design alongside traditional coding skills.

Over £58,000 Raised by Young Triathletes at Bryanston for Charity

Bryanston School witnessed extraordinary generosity as more than 780 student athletes from 30 regional schools participated in the Knight Frank Schools Triathlon, generating over £58,000 for charitable causes during their second annual hosting of this remarkable event.

The determined young competitors tackled swimming, cycling, and running challenges, collectively travelling approximately 1,700 kilometres – equivalent to journeying from Blandford to Valencia. Their athletic efforts supported Restless Development alongside more than 30 additional charities chosen by participating institutions.

Port Regis School’s team, The Olive Green, emerged as exceptional fundraisers, securing £1,550 for their chosen causes. 

Bradfield College pupil offered professional contract by Reading Football Club

Bradfield College celebrates a remarkable achievement as sixth-former Carter-Blue Bowdery signed a professional contract with Reading Football Club, beginning just one week after completing his A-Levels this summer.

The talented student, who joined Bradfield aged 13, has demonstrated exceptional prowess throughout his academic career whilst maintaining elite sporting commitments. Carter-Blue contributed significantly to Reading’s U18 squad this season, netting a crucial goal during their Premier League U18 Cup final appearance last month.

His collegiate football achievements prove equally impressive, featuring prominently in Bradfield’s consecutive ISFA Boodles’ Cup victories during 2024 and 2025 – independent school football’s most coveted honour.

Carter-Blue praised Bradfield’s comprehensive support system, highlighting collaborative efforts between housemasters, academic staff, and football coaches in balancing educational excellence with sporting development. David Chatwin, Head of Football Performance, provided crucial mentorship beyond college matches, offering detailed analysis and guidance regarding Carter-Blue’s Reading FC performances.

Oldest Prep School in the UK Announces Merger with Charterhouse School

Windlesham House School, established in 1837, will become part of the Charterhouse family of schools from 1st August 2025, marking a significant milestone for both educational establishments.

The West Sussex day and boarding school holds numerous historical distinctions, including being England’s first prep school and the initial institution to welcome girls in 1967. Notably, it remains amongst few UK prep schools without mandatory uniform requirements.

Martina Asmar, Chair of Governors, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, emphasising shared educational philosophies and enhanced opportunities for families. The partnership promises to strengthen Windlesham’s long-term sustainability whilst maintaining its distinctive character.

Under the merger terms, Windlesham retains complete operational independence, preserving its identity, values, leadership structure, and no-uniform tradition and current Headmaster Ben Evans will continue leading the school.

Exceptional Academic Results for Eaton House The Manor Girls

Eaton House The Manor Girls celebrates remarkable success with 29 prestigious scholarships and awards secured across diverse disciplines. Headmistress Claire Fildes expressed immense pride in the Class of 2025’s achievements, describing their performance as truly brilliant.

Students earned recognition spanning Academic, Art, Sport, Music, and Choral categories at leading institutions. Notable achievements include Brighton College’s coveted 11+ Millennium Scholarship combining Art, Sport, and Choral excellence, alongside academic scholarships at Alleyn’s, Benenden, and Epsom College. Music scholarships were awarded at Francis Holland Sloane Square, Godolphin & Latymer, and St Paul’s Girls’ School.

Multiple awards distinguished James Allen’s Girls’ School recipients, whilst Streatham and Clapham High awarded five academic scholarships. Woldingham recognised exceptional talent with two academic and two art scholarships.

Beyond scholarship success, pupils secured places at thirty prestigious schools including Marlborough, North London Collegiate, Queen’s Gate, Roedean, St Mary’s Ascot, and Wycombe Abbey, demonstrating the school’s exceptional preparation standards across all academic pathways.

Portsmouth High School Head Girls Supporting Sophie’s Legacy

Portsmouth High School‘s Head Girl team has proudly selected Sophie’s Legacy as their chosen Sixth Form charity, dedicating the forthcoming academic year to supporting this vital cause.

The leadership team delivered a comprehensive whole-school assembly highlighting the charity’s mission. Sophie’s mother, Charlotte, operates from a Fareham warehouse, coordinating Cook meal deliveries, essential care packages for hospitalised children, and Saturday evening pizzas for families across forty paediatric wards nationwide.

Sophie’s Legacy honours nine-year-old Sophie Fairall, who received a devastating Rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosis in September 2020. Deputy Head Girl Rosie explained how Sophie courageously endured nine intensive chemotherapy cycles and seven weeks of radiotherapy before tragically passing away aged ten in September 2021.

Head Girl Emma emphasised the charity’s mission to brighten hospital experiences for families facing childhood cancer. Sophie’s vision encompassed comprehensive improvements including seven-day play specialist provision, enhanced hospital nutrition, expanded healthcare professional training in paediatric oncology, and increased childhood cancer research funding. The school’s partnership aims to advance these crucial objectives whilst honouring Sophie’s inspiring legacy.

Tudor Hall student wins prestigious Trenchard Cox Scholarship Award

Tudor Hall student, Halyna, recently won the prestigious Trenchard Cox Scholarship. The Award, founded in memory of renowned art historian and former Director of the V&A Museum Sir George Trenchard Cox, offers the winner an Art History Award two-week summer course to the value of £5,000. 

AHA have congratulated Halyna on her achievement: “Halyna impressed us with her brilliant writing on two contrasting works: A Map of Days by Grayson Perry, which she loved, and Monk by the Sea by Caspar David Friedrich, which she loathed. 

With 53 strong entries, this year was an especially competitive one. The final decision was made by Nick Ross, Director of Art History Abroad, and Senior Tutor Florence Blackburn.” 

Tudor’s Head of History of Art, Alice Montgomery, said:  “Halyna winning the Trenchard Cox Scholarship is an amazing achievement. I am absolutely thrilled for her and I know she will make the most of every minute of her time away.” 

Eaton House The Manor Boys Student Wins Scholarship To Westminster

Tremendous news for Eaton House The Manor Prep – Ayaan B. has been elected as one of Westminster’s King’s Scholars. This is a remarkable achievement as he came in 3rd overall and 1st in History.

Mr Sprott, Eaton House The Manor Prep’s Head of Latin, was delighted that Ayaan’s Latin had a special mention saying he is our ‘lean mean (Latin) translating machine!’

We are not surprised that he has come top in History with EHTM’s amazing Head of History Mr Wormersley who has encouraged Ayaan’s ‘curiosity and depth of understanding.’

This is a momentous moment for him and his family who generously said, ‘We are so grateful to you and your staff for all the love, support and encouragement.

Old Oratorians receive DofE Gold Award at Buckingham Palace

On Friday 9 May, former Oratory School students Charles Wilmott, Jake Ford, Joe Bradley and Milo Briffett were honoured at Buckingham Palace, where they received their prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. The occasion marked one of two celebratory gatherings hosted at the Palace, welcoming more than 8,000 award recipients and guests over the two-day event.

Reflecting on the experience, Milo Briffett shared: “The DofE was a true test of perseverance and teamwork. Meeting those challenges and pushing myself brought a huge sense of accomplishment.”

To secure a Gold Award, candidates must commit to 12 months of volunteering, complete a four-day expedition, and engage in sustained physical, skills-based, and residential challenges.

Assistant Head Co-Curricular Marcus Fec praised the quartet for their commitment: “Their initiative and dedication, particularly in self-organising a winter trek in Snowdonia alongside school-led preparations in the Brecon Beacons, was exemplary.”

Jake, Milo and Charles contributed through leadership in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), while Joe launched a Chess club at his former primary school. Notably, Charles joined directly at Gold level, whereas the others progressed through all three DofE tiers.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is one of many enriching co-curricular opportunities offered at The Oratory School, designed to broaden horizons, foster resilience, and inspire a lifelong love of adventure.

Thomas’s Battersea To Introduce New Formal 7+ And 8+ Entry

We are delighted to share an exciting new initiative at Thomas’s Battersea: Formal entry at 7+ and 8+. They will be holding a tour for these entry points on 25th June from 0845am. This will be the perfect opportunity for families to find out more about the Thomas’s Battersea offering, their broad curriculum and academic success. To book in, click here. 

Prince’s Mead School and King Edward VI School Announce Exciting Merger

Prince’s Mead School in Winchester and King Edward VI School (KES) in Southampton have officially announced a merger, following a detailed period of review and strategic planning by both Boards of Governors.

The partnership brings together two highly regarded schools, each with a proud tradition of academic excellence and a shared ethos centred on nurturing potential and delivering an exceptional educational journey.

Crucially, both institutions remain in a robust financial position, with consistently healthy surpluses. The merger is a forward-thinking step to build on their strengths, ensuring long-term financial resilience while expanding pathways for student development. One significant benefit for Prince’s Mead pupils is the introduction of the KES Head’s Recommendation – a guaranteed Year 7 place at KES for qualifying pupils, removing the uncertainty of the traditional entrance exam.

Over the coming two years, both schools will explore collaborative opportunities while preserving their individual identities.

Adam King, Head of Prince’s Mead, remarked, “This union fortifies our future and offers exciting new prospects for our pupils, staff, and families, without compromising our core values.”

Lochinver House School to Merge with Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools

From September 2025, Lochinver House School in Potters Bar will officially merge with the prestigious Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools, which includes both Haberdashers’ Boys’ and Girls’ Schools. The union brings together institutions with proud histories, aligned values, and a mutual dedication to delivering outstanding, well-rounded education.

This merger is rooted in a shared belief in education that inspires curiosity, builds character, and supports every pupil to achieve their fullest potential. Together, the schools aim to cultivate independence, resilience, and a sense of social responsibility in all their pupils.

Haberdashers’ Elstree currently educates around 2,600 pupils aged 4-18 and is part of the wider Haberdashers’ family of fifteen schools across the UK.

Gus Lock, Executive Principal at Haberdashers’, expressed enthusiasm for the future collaboration, while Jonathan Wadge, Headmaster of Lochinver House, described the merger as a timely and strategic evolution that will allow the school to flourish amid growing pressures on standalone independent schools.

Startup Cress Launches National Campaign With Preloved Uniform Shops

Cress, a Manchester-based social enterprise, has launched a nationwide campaign to revolutionise school fundraising and reduce environmental waste through its innovative online platform. The service offers schools a 24/7 digital shop for buying and selling second-hand uniforms, allowing families to save money while directly supporting their child’s school.

Founded by entrepreneur Carl Morris alongside a team of fellow parents, Cress began working with schools in Greater Manchester and is now scaling across the UK. The model is completely free for schools to join and has already proven impactful in supporting both household budgets and school finances.

Cress helps parents significantly reduce the average annual spend on uniforms—currently £422 per child—while every transaction contributes to school fundraising without adding to administrative workloads. At the same time, the platform tackles clothing waste, reduces carbon emissions, and engages pupils with real-world lessons in sustainability and the circular economy.

“This is more than just a marketplace—it’s a mission with heart,” said Carl Morris, CEO of Cress. “We’re creating a scalable, purposeful solution that benefits families, schools, and the planet.”

Cress is already working with ParentKind and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and aims to partner with 1,000 schools by the end of 2025.