Independent School News: October Week 1

Considering independent education? Find the best school for your child here. Otherwise, read on for the latest independent school news (October 2025).

New Nursery At Aldwickbury

Aldwickbury School has announced plans to open a nursery on its site in Harpenden in September 2026. The move will allow children from age three to join the school before moving up to the pre-prep at four to five. This year, Aldwickbury also moved to co-education in its pre-prep, meaning both girls and boys will be welcome to join the nursery from next September.

Bede’s Pupils Receive Eco Accreditation

Bede’s Prep School has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with Distinction for the fourth consecutive year. Being the highest Eco-Schools achievement, the award recognises Bede’s’ dedication to teaching pupils about climate and sustainability, with the judges noting that they were particularly impressed by how the topics were woven into a variety of subjects across the curriculum. Other initiatives that were praised included the school’s Eco Week, nursery vegetable patch, gardening club and regular litter picks and beach cleans. Bede’s eco-coordinator Miriam Mcdonnell said: ‘It’s the pupils’ excitement that truly makes our eco-efforts so successful, turning lessons into a real-life mission they champion every day.’

Discover Bede’s Prep School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/bedes-prep-school

Triumphant Giving Day At Taunton

At the end of September, Taunton School raised an incredible £415,000 from its first ever giving days. Throughout two days of musical performances, face painting and sport competitions, more than 400 donors including parents, alumni, school governors and members of the local community came together to reach the total – far surpassing the school’s original goal of £250,000. The money will go towards Taunton’s bursary scheme as well as two building projects on the school’s campus.

Discover Taunton School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/taunton-school

Reigate Grammar School Welcomes Royal Duke

On Tuesday, the Duke of Gloucester visited Reigate Grammar School as part of its 350th anniversary celebrations. In addition to touring the school and speaking to students, staff and guests, the Duke planted a commemorative tree in the grounds to represent the school’s ongoing environmental efforts. It was the Duke’s second visit to Reigate Grammar – in 2001, he officially opened the Peter Masefield Hall, which now serves as the school’s dining hall.

Discover Reigate Grammar School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/reigate-grammar

October Independent Schools Show

The Independent Schools Show returns to London next Thursday 9 October. Taking place this year at the RHS Lindley Hall in Victoria, the annual show gives parents the chance to discover some of the UK’s leading independent schools and speak directly with their admissions teams. Expert speakers will also be offering guidance on how to make the correct decision when choosing the right school for your child.

Book free advance tickets via schoolsshow.co.uk

Brentwood Cadet Named Number One

At a special ceremony at the home of the RAF, Brentwood School student Jonathan Dedman was awarded the title of the top cadet in the country. He was honoured with the Sir John Thomson Memorial Sword, which is presented each year to the cadet judged to be the best based on their leadership skills, dedication and achievement within the Combined Cadet Force. Dedman is the first Brentwood student to win the prize – something he said he is ‘truly honoured’ by.

Introducing Wetherby Pembridge

Wetherby Pembridge, the newest school by Inspired Education Group, opened last month with its first cohort of students in years seven to nine. Located in Kensington Olympia, the senior school builds on the academic reputation of top Inspired institutions Wetherby and Pembridge Hall. Wetherby Pembridge students benefit from 15 acres of outdoor sports grounds, performance spaces and international student exchange programmes.

New Addition To Simply Learning Tuition

London tutoring company Simply Learning Tuition will welcome the current head of Cameron Vale School to its team from January 2026. Alison Melrose will bring 30 years of experience in education – including running her own educational consultancy – to her new post as director of client services. ‘Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping children flourish in the right environment,’ she shared. ‘I look forward to working with the Simply Learning Tuition team to ensure families receive the very highest level of personalised support as they navigate the best education for their child.’

Choral Concert For Downside Scholarships

A recent concert by the Bevan Family Consort – a choir made up of 16 cousins – raised £5,000 towards Downside School’s Bevan Chorister Scholarship. Both the choir and the scholarship pay tribute to Roger Bevan, who was director of music at Downside for 40 years and founded the Bevan Family Choir in the 1970s. With a programme featuring works from well-known British composers as well as pieces composed by members of the choir, the concert at Downside Abbey church was a huge success that has helped to support the future of Downside School’s transformative choral scholarship.

Discover Downside School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/downside

All photos courtesy of the respective schools.