Independent School News: October 2026, Week 1

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

Tudor Hall Officially Becomes World Class

Tudor Hall has become the first school in Oxfordshire to achieve a World Class accreditation, recognising its commitment to developing student skills in a rapidly changing world. The World Class Education Network awards schools who go above and beyond the frameworks of national inspections, with only 140 schools worldwide having gained the accreditation since it was created in 2014. Tudor Hall’s ambition and ethos was noted as a strength by the assessor, who said: ‘Seldom have I seen a school with such a palpable mission. Every girl is given the belief that they can achieve.’

Discover Tudor Hall: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/tudor-hall-school

Stage Stars is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

Tring Park Pupils Star On The BBC

This week, series two of a documentary showing the behind-the-scenes of Tring Park School for the Performing Arts aired on CBBC. The new series of Stage Stars follows students as they prepare for West End roles, audition for TV shows, struggle through injury and meet big names from the world of showbiz. The real-life look into life at a UK performing arts school is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Papplewick Hosts Inter-School Maths Tournament

At the end of September, prep-age pupils from across the UK flocked to Papplewick School for a UKMT inter-schools maths challenge. Year fives and sixes from schools including Winchester House, The Beacon and Milton Keynes Prep took part in team challenges throughout the day, working together to test their logic, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Discover Papplewick: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/papplewick

A a surprise dance performance by pupils kicked off The Hawthorns’ year-long centenary celebrations

The Hawthorns Celebrates 100 Years

The Hawthorns recently kicked off its centenary year with a special ceremony, bringing together the school community to mark the start of 12 months of celebrations. Guests enjoyed a surprise dance performance by pupils before creating a time capsule for future generations at The Hawthorns. ‘Reaching our centenary is a moment of great pride,’ said head Adrian Floyd. ‘A school is so much more than its buildings: it is the people, relationships and memories created here.’

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

Heathfield Ranks High For Summer School

Heathfield Summer School has been ranked in the top five percent of UK summer schools by the British Council. Taking place at Heathfield in Ascot in July and August, the programme was praised in a recent BC inspection for its facilities, learning resources, course design and safeguarding, receiving a total of 13 ‘areas of strength’ – far exceeding the national average of 3.6.

Discover Heathfield: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/heathfield-school

New Heads, Partnerships & More

Aldro: In February, Aldro will become part of Radley Schools Group, joining eight other schools including Cothill House, Radley College and Beeston Hall. The prep school will benefit from increased resources and opportunities while retaining its own character and ethos.

Discover Aldro: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/aldro

St Paul’s Cathedral School: James Featherstone has joined St Paul’s Cathedral School as its new head after ten years at Exeter Cathedral School. In addition to his years of education and leadership experience, Featherstone is a former Durham Cathedral choral scholar and sang with the choir of Jesus College Cambridge.

Wellington Kenya: Gareth Parker-Jones, current head of Rugby School, has been appointed founding master of Wellington Kenya. Upon opening in September 2028, the school will become the second Wellington College Education institution to open in Africa.

Discover Wellington College: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/wellington-college

Bryanston/Ferndown Upper: A new partnership with Bryanston School will see Ferndown Upper pupils benefit from a new scholarship programme recognising exceptional potential. The new collaboration between the two Dorset schools will also create more teacher training and cocurricular opportunities.

Discover Bryanston: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/bryanston