Independent School News: November 2026, Week 1

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

UWC Atlantic Crafts Climate-First Curriculum With LSE

UWC Atlantic has teamed up with the London School of Economics to create a new educational pathway focused on making global change amid the climate crisis. The Systems Transformation Pathway is an IB-approved curriculum focusing on four key areas: biodiversity, energy, food and migration. Currently being developed with LSE academics Dry Mary Martin (director of the UN Business and Human Security Initiative) and Dr Grace Lordan (founding director of The Inclusion Initiative), the pathway will teach students how to drive meaningful change and create climate-focused social action.

The Hawthorns School welcomed Dame Judi Dench to plant an English oak tree in its grounds

Judi Dench Plants Centenary Tree At The Hawthorns

This week, The Hawthorns School welcomed Dame Judi Dench to plant an English oak tree in its grounds, in celebration of the school’s centenary year. Dame Judi has a longstanding connection to the school – her grandson was a pupil at Hawthorns – and her involvement in marking the school’s 100th year was a ‘great privilege’ for everyone, said head Adrian Floyd. ‘Dame Judi is well-known for her love of trees and gardening, and it feels especially fitting that we should plant an English oak – a tree that symbolises strength and longevity. These qualities have helped shape our school community over the past century and will continue to guide us into the future.’

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

Farleigh pupils recently collected and donated a huge range of food and household essentials to Andover Foodbank

Farleigh Pupils’ Donations Support Local Community

As part of Farleigh’s annual harvest festival service last month, pupils collected and donated a huge range of food and household essentials to Andover Foodbank. Tinned, dried and shelf-stable produce – from pasta and beans to treats like Jammy Dodgers – were given to local people in need, with Farleigh donating alongside local companies, groups, churches and other schools. ‘We are very grateful for Farleigh’s generous donations,’ said the foodbank’s secretary Annie Mihell. ‘It has really shown the good people can do to support those struggling to afford the essentials within their community.’

Discover Farleigh School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/farleigh-school

Durham School recently celebrated the 100th birthday of its historic chapel with a special service

Centenary Celebrations At Durham School Chapel

Durham School recently celebrated the 100th birthday of its historic chapel with a special service, which featured the world premiere of a new work by composer and alumnus Will Todd. Pupils, staff, families and alumni came together to mark the centenary of the chapel, which has served as a memorial to Old Dunelmians who lost their lives in WW1 since 1926. Todd’s setting of Before Action, a poem written by Old Dunelmian William Noel Hodgson shortly before he died in the Battle of the Somme, was a ‘moving reminder of the connections that bind generations of Dunelmians together’, said head Michael Alderson.

Hanford Pupils Channel Hockney In Art Project

Year five pupils at Hanford Prep recently completed a project inspired by David Hockney: designing and creating colourful spectacles. Well known for his distinctive glasses and love of colour in his art, Hockney offered a fun and unique way for the girls to approach art, working with vivid colours and interesting shapes to create quirky designs. The project was in collaboration with Jack Ransome, the founder of Hockney’s favourite London opticians, who has put his three favourite creations by the girls on display in his shop window in Hampstead.

Discover Hanford School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/hanford-school

Cardiff Sixth Form College’s new campus and science department in Cardiff Bay was officially opened by Professor Robert Winston

Professor Robert Winston Unveils New Cardiff Sixth Form Facilities

Cardiff Sixth Form College has officially opened its new campus and science department in Cardiff Bay – unveiled by none other than Professor Robert Winston. The Labour peer, scientist and broadcaster was joined by students, parents, staff and guests to celebrate the new building, which accommodates up to 500 students and features new labs, classrooms, social spaces and more. The campus is just five minutes’ walk from the college’s boarding house, which provides en-suite accommodation across 17 storeys.

New Developments

Aldro: A pre-prep is opening at Aldro School for the first time, offering children a continuous path from reception through to year eight from September 2027. The new development is the first step in the school’s long-term plan to create a purpose-built nursery and pre-prep on the school site.

Discover Aldro: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/aldro

Oxford International College: A new webinar series by Oxford International College, which focuses on the university admissions process, launches on 12 November. The five free videos will help sixth formers understand UCAS, entrance tests, interviews and more, and will be available to watch on the college’s website.

Kew College Prep: A new school bus route has been introduced at Kew College Prep, serving families in Sheen, Barnes and Richmond. Following the success of the school’s popular Chiswick bus service, the new route ensures more pupils from nursery upwards can safely get to school.

Discover Kew College Prep: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/kew-college-prep