Independent School News: July Week 2

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

Beechwood Park’s Magical Speech Day

Headmaster or magicmaster? Beechwood Park School’s recent speech day had a spellbinding twist when head Christian Pritchard transformed still water into Coca-Cola – a metaphor for bringing out the ‘fizz’ and sparkle that exists in every child. A video of the trick caught the internet’s attention, gaining over 70,000 views and hundreds of positive comments on Instagram. As a result, Pritchard has appeared on BBC Three Counties Radio and in a number of local papers to talk about the important message behind his trick: that every child has something special to offer.

The new Earlscliffe Football Academy, in partnership with Tottenham Hotspur FC, is a full-time pathway to nurture football talent for both boys and girls

Earlscliffe Launches Football Academy With Spurs FC

Earlscliffe sixth form college and Tottenham Hotspur FC have teamed up to launch the Earlscliffe Football Academy, a full-time pathway to nurture football talent for both boys and girls. Students attending the academy will receive training from a Spurs football development coach and will compete in competitive fixtures alongside their GCSE or A level studies. Opening for entry in September for players aged 15 to 19, the programme is specially designed for international families who want their child to pursue a professional football career while ensuring they don’t compromise on their academic education.

Frensham Heights School Opens Staff Research Hub 

As part of its centenary celebrations, Frensham Heights has opened a new research space called ARCH (Action Research Collaboration Hub). Described as ‘a dedicated space for curiosity, partnership and academic innovation’, ARCH provides a structured framework for staff research projects on teaching methods and ideas. Projects completed in the hub so far include one led by year three teacher Elana Pickering, which explored how challenge-based activities support the development of perseverance in young children. 

Art History Abroad’s northern Italy summer course sees students travel across Venice, Florence and Rome for two weeks

Final Call For Art History Abroad Italian Summer Course

It’s the last chance to sign up for Art History Abroad’s summer course in northern Italy, where students will travel across Venice, Florence and Rome for an unforgettable two-week cultural experience. As well as visiting historic sites like St Mark’s Basilica, the Trevi Fountain and the Roman Colosseum, students will be immersed in Italian culture and traditions. They will try their hand at mask-making, Tuscan cooking, marble-sculpting and more – with plenty of great food along the way. The programme begins in just ten days, taking place from 20 July to 3 August.

Record-Breaking IB Results For Bradfield College

Bradfield College is celebrating this year’s impressive set of IB results, with an average score of 37 out of 45 (equivalent to A*AA at A level) – the strongest ever average in the college’s recent history. Ten students performed particularly well, achieving 40 points or more (equates to A*A*A*A*). The future looks particularly bright for the top scorers, who have received offers from universities including Oxbridge, Edinburgh, Durham and St Andrews.

Four students at City of London Freemen’s School recently won the overall prize at the Wings of Hope Achievement Awards for raising £5,472 for the Wings of Hope children’s charity

City of London Freemen’s Pupils Win Charity Achievement Award

A team of four students at City of London Freemen’s School recently won the overall prize at the Wings of Hope Achievement Awards for raising an impressive £5,472 for the Wings of Hope children’s charity. The team, known as Hopeful Horizons, comprised students Ethan, Noah, Rayann and Toby, whose creativity and resilience gained them the top spot over 200 other teams. Their triumph has earned them a trip to India where they will undertake an educational programme of volunteering and cultural exchange. 

Disover City of London Freemen’s School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/city-of-london-freemens-school

New Heads, Acquisitions and Bursaries

Highgate School: A new bursary programme by Highgate School offers four fully funded places into the school’s sixth form for ambitious, academically gifted students. The means-tested scheme, available for the 2027-28 academic year, will offer additional funding for cocurricular activities and trips alongside full fee relief.

The Hawthorns School: Andy Morris, current deputy head of The Hawthorns School, will become its new head in September 2027. Taking over from Adrian Floyd after 12 years, Morris says he is ‘excited’ to build on the current strengths and successes within the school’s community. 

Discover The Hawthorns School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/the-hawthorns-school

St Swithun’s School: Head of St Swithun’s Jane Gandee has been appointed president of The Girls’ Schools Association from September 2027. Gandee, who was previously director of studies at City of London School for Girls, hopes her new role will allow her to further increase the possibilities available for young women. 

The Study Prep School: The Study Prep School has joined the Girls’ Day School Trust, the UK’s leading network of all-girls’ independent schools. With many girls from The Study Prep historically going on to GDST senior schools, the partnership was a natural choice for helping young girls achieve success as they move through their educational journeys.