Independent School News: November Week 4

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

Blackheath Alumna Wins GDST Alumni Award

Abi Gilchrist, founder and director of Soul Choirs and Blackheath High School alumna, has been named 2025 Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) Alumna of the Year. The award recognises Gilchrist’s contribution to music, community and the arts through her community choir organisation, which is focused on the joy and wellbeing benefits of group singing and has raised a total of £60,000 for UK mental health charities. ‘This recognition means a huge amount to me,’ shared Gilchrist. ‘Running Soul Choirs has shown me the incredible impact group singing has on mental health – I’ve seen people’s lives transformed by the sense of belonging that a choir brings.’

Discover Blackheath High School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/blackheath-high-school

Queen Camilla is patron of St Catherine’s, Bramley

Queen Camilla Visits St Catherine’s, Bramley

St Catherine’s, Bramley recently welcomed its patron, Queen Camilla, to the school to celebrate its 140th anniversary. Highlights included The Queen listening to a performance by the prep and senior choir and symphony orchestra, and talking to students about their creations in photography, culinary arts and design technology. St Catherine’s said: ‘The day was filled with pride, joy and a sense of history in the making.’

Discover St Catherine’s, Bramley: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/st-catherines-bramley

Millfield Swimmer Named Emerging Athlete of the Year

Last week, upper sixth Millfield student Filip Nowacki was named Emerging Athlete of the Year at the 2025 Aquatics GB Awards. Aged just 18, Nowacki’s swimming achievements this year include gold medals in the 100m and 200m breaststroke at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania, breaking four world records in the process. He is coached by Millfield’s head of swimming, Keiron Piper.

Discover Millfield: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/millfield

RGS Schools Team Up With Chelsea FC

Thanks to a new partnership with Chelsea FC, aspiring footballers at Reigate Grammar School and RGS Surrey Hills will soon receive weekly expert coaching from the club’s managers. The initiative, which is open to pupils of all football abilities, also includes visits to Stamford Bridge and masterclasses at Chelsea FC’s training ground in Cobham. ‘This partnership is about far more than football,’ said executive head of the RGS schools group Shaun Fenton. ‘It’s about helping our young people find confidence, develop leadership and character, and unlock their potential.’

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

Jude Law opened Hampstead Fine Arts College’s new theatre

Jude Law Opens New Theatre At Hampstead Fine Arts College

Last Saturday, British actor Jude Law visited Hampstead Fine Arts College to officially open its new performing arts space. The Law Theatre, which seats 120, is located on the college’s second campus in Belsize Park and its opening was celebrated with a special performance of The Watsons, a play by Laura Wade. Law said: It is an honour to open The Law Theatre, a dedicated space that will take performing arts to the next level, enabling students to express human experience, develop empathy and collaborate’. Law has been a strong supporter of Hampstead Fine Arts College since his two sons joined the school for sixth form.

Ursuline Prep School’s Successful Shoe Box Appeal

As part of a Christmas shoe box appeal, pupils at Ursuline Prep School have created 162 boxes of gifts for humanitarian aid charity Samaritan’s Purse. The boxes will be sent to children in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, with the school saying that ‘every box will bring great joy and happiness to children who might not have received a present or gift before’.

Taunton School Celebrates Cricket Success

An impressive 48 students at Taunton School have been selected to join county cricket pathways and academies this season. The selections span age groups from U10 to U18 and include Megan (U16), who will become the youngest player in Somerset Academy and who gained her place despite dealing with an injury. ‘To have so many students join pathways and academies this season is extremely exciting and a testament to their huge amounts of talent and dedication,’ said Millfield’s director of cricket, Pete Sanderson.

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

Wells Cathedral School Announces Football Trial Day

Wells Cathedral School has announced a second trial day for its new Football Specialism programme in collaboration with Chelsea FC. On 9 February 2026 at the club’s training ground in Cobham, pupils aged 11-18 are invited to showcase their football abilities in hopes of gaining a place onto the programme, which includes nine weekly coaching sessions from Chelsea coaches, individual mentoring from Wells’ head of football, and the opportunity to play at Kingsmeadow Stadium, home of Chelsea Women and Chelsea U21. Register your interest for the trial day here.

Discover Wells Cathedral School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/wells-cathedral-school

Haileybury recently opened a new ourdoor education area

Haileybury Unveils New Outdoor Education Space

Haileybury recently opened a new outdoor education area, featuring an outdoor classroom, a cooking area, a fire pit, an archery range and a campsite. To celebrate the opening, pupils explored the area by building dens, lighting fires, making hot chocolate on camping kettles, and finally enjoying a lunch served in the outdoor kitchen. ‘This new area provides a wonderful environment for our young people to challenge themselves, work together and develop the confidence that comes from learning in the natural world,’ said Eugene du Toit, master of Haileybury. ‘I look forward to the many adventures and discoveries that will take place here.’

Discover Haileybury: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/haileybury

Solihull School Releases Podcast Series

Solihull School has launched its first podcast series, hosted by BBC Radio West Midlands presenter PJ Ellis. Thrive in 465 celebrates the life, stories and spirit of the school’s 465-year-old community, bringing together pupils, staff, parents and alumni to share their experiences of Solihull. ‘Our podcast series captures what makes Solihull so remarkable: its people,’ said headmaster Charles Fillingham. Listen to the entire six-episode series here.

New Head For Talbot Heath

Ross Cameron will be joining Talbot Heath School as head from the 2026 summer term. Currently deputy head at The Peterborough School, Cameron’s teaching career also includes time at Millfield School and Redmaids’ High. He will take over from Tracy Harris, with current deputy head Anna Talbot stepping in as interim head for the spring term.

Discover Talbot Heath School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/talbot-heath

Greene’s College Oxford Celebrates Excellent ISI Inspection

The latest ISI report has rated Greene’s College Oxford ‘excellent’ across all areas, describing the school’s quality of education as exceeding expectations. According to the report, students benefit ‘from a high standard of education that supports them in making excellent progress from their starting points’. The inspectors also added that progression rates to higher education are ‘outstanding’.

Discover Greene’s College Oxford: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/greenes-college-oxford