Independent School News: February 2026, Week 4

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

Millfield Student Selected As International Physics Captain

Lower sixth Millfield student Pierluigi will soon represent Italy on the world stage as he has been selected to captain his country at the 39th International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT). The week-long international competition, which will be held in Zurich in July, invites teams of students to debate solutions to challenging physics problems. This will be Pierluigi’s second time competing, with the Italian team having finished 23rd last year and receiving an honourable mention.

Discover Millfield: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/millfield

Bryanston Student Wins National Art Award

Alfie, a sixth form student at Bryanston, recently became the youngest ever winner of the BTA Art Prize. Named Young Artist of the Year in the awards, his winning painting (pictured above) – titled Self Portrait at the Easel – impressed the judges with its ‘incredible attention to detail and unique composition’. Alfie, who is currently studying A level Fine Art, will receive a cash prize, a selection of professional art materials and an interview on behindtheartist.co.uk for his achievement.

Discover Bryanston: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/bryanston

Maths Challenge Triumph For St Mary’s Calne Pupils

Thirty-seven pupils at St Mary’s Calne recently won medals in the Intermediate Mathematics Challenge. The national competition, which is run by the UK Maths Trust, challenges pupils’ logistical thinking and creative problem-solving through an hour-long, multiple choice paper. Having achieved high marks, four St Mary’s pupils will be participating in the next round in March.

Discover St Mary’s Calne: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/st-marys-calne

King Edward’s Alumna Selected For Winter Paralympics

Hester Poole, a 2025 graduate of King Edward’s School Bath, has been selected to represent Team GB in the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. The 18-year-old will compete in the para alpine skiing as part of the visually impaired class, taking to the Milano Cortina slopes in March. She said: ‘It is a massive thank you to all my teachers, who showed unwavering belief in me and pushed me to achieve academically and on the slopes.’

Discover King Edward’s School Bath: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/king-edwards-school-bath

Jeannine Manuel Celebrates 10 Years

Jeannine Manuel School, an international French school in London, is busy celebrating its tenth anniversary, which falls this academic year. An alumni reunion and upper school banquet have brought the school community together to mark the occasion, with a whole-school event scheduled for the summer. Founded in 1954 in Paris, the UK school has grown to 700 students and three buildings since opening its doors in 2015.

St Edward’s Partners With Chelsea FC

Thanks to a new partnership between St Edward’s School and Chelsea Football Club, young footballers at the Oxford school will soon receive mentoring from professional coaches. Pupils will also have the opportunity to play matches at Kingsmeadow, home of Chelsea FC Women, and visit the club’s home stadium and training ground. St Edward’s says these opportunities are a ‘particular advantage for those looking to develop their football pathway or seek US football scholarships’.

Discover St Edward’s Oxford: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/st-edwards-oxford