Independent School News: February 2026, Week 2

Considering independent education? Find the best school for your child here. Otherwise, read on for the latest independent school news (February 2026).

Eaton House The Manor Holds Successful Art Auction

This week, a space-themed art auction at Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep raised over £2,600 for Momentum children’s charity. The evening saw competitive bidding on artworks from statues to colourful mobiles, with many parents determined to take home their favourite pieces. All funds raised have gone towards Momentum’s mission of supporting families of children with serious illnesses across the south west.

Discover Eaton House Schools: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/eaton-house-schools

New Netball Initiative Underway At Bryanston

In May, Bryanston School will be launching a new netball centre to strengthen elite pathways for its female students as well as girls across the south west. The initiative, which is in partnership with netball team London Pulse, will be the first in the region to offer elite netball development – ensuring talented young players aren’t limited by where they live. ‘We’re passionate about ensuring women and girls not only enter the sport, but stay in it and are supported to achieve their absolute best,’ said Sam Bird, CEO of London Pulse. ‘This partnership with Bryanston is an exciting step which will provide young athletes in the south west with outstanding coaching, development opportunities and a route to the elite game.’

Discover Bryanston: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/bryanston

Sidcot Launches Tech-Free Play Programme

In a bid to encourage tech-free play during school holidays, Sidcot School has launched an offline activity programme in partnership with Ocean Adventures indoor play. The Offline Adventure campaign invites children to take part in activities from building dens to embarking on scavenger hunts, with the aim of helping busy parents keep their children away from screens outside of term time.

Significant Strength For Halliford School

In a recent ISI inspection, Halliford School was awarded a ‘significant strength’ for its development of pupils’ leadership skills. The Shepperton school was praised by inspectors for encouraging pupils to articulate their opinions and ideas confidently, allowing them to play a ‘substantial role in the school and wider community’. The school is also proud to have met the rigorous standards of the ISI in the wider report.

Law Insight Day At Berkhamsted Sixth

Year 12s at Berkhamsted Sixth recently enjoyed learning more about careers in law thanks to a law insight day at the school. Hosted by a successful criminal barrister, the event introduced students to different pathways into law before everyone took part in a practical plea mitigation activity. The exercise encouraged participants to argue their case for why a client should receive a lesser sentence, with one student noting it ‘really made me wonder if law could be the right path for me’.

Discover Berkhamsted: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/berkhamsted-schools-group

St Anne’s Joins The New Hall Family

New Hall School has announced that it will welcome St Anne’s Prep to its family of schools from September 2026. While the partnership will see the two Chelmsford schools continuing to operate the same day-to-day, St Anne’s will adopt New Hall’s Catholic ethos and will benefit from enhanced opportunities in the arts, academics and RE. The two schools have a longstanding relationship, with many St Anne’s students choosing to go on to New Hall for senior school.

Discover New Hall School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/new-hall-school

Heatherton Welcomes Champion Para-Athlete

Last week, world-record-breaking para-athlete Nerys Pearce paid a visit to pupils at Heatherton School. After a fun fitness session, Pearce gave a talk about resilience in which she discussed her experience becoming paralysed after an accident, yet still going on to compete in multiple sports in the Commonwealth games. ‘The main message was to keep pushing and never give up,’ said head of PE Katie Pickering, ‘and this is true in every aspect of school life.’