Independent School News: October Week 3

Considering independent education? Find the best school for your child here. Otherwise, read on for the latest independent school news (October 2025).

Celebrated Children’s Author Inspires Wetherby Pupils

The author of the How To Train Your Dragon Series, Cressida Cowell MBE, visited Wetherby Prep this week to help inspire a love of reading in young pupils. The award-winning children’s author revealed to pupils in years three to five how she comes up with book ideas, took them through her writing process, and shared what made her want to become a writer. For the school’s head of years three to five, Velvet Grainger, it was an ‘exceptional talk’ that ‘reminded the children that everybody has the power to be a writer, but only a few have the courage to tell their story’.

Discover Wetherby Prep: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/wetherby-prep

Alun Wyn Jones OBE at Haberdashers’ Monmouth

Habs Monmouth Welcomes Global Rugby Legend

Alun Wyn Jones OBE – the world’s most capped rugby player – recently visited Haberdashers’ Monmouth to deliver an inspiring session on leadership. The school’s sport students and senior prefects heard from Jones about the importance of self-discipline, how to balance professional sport and personal life, and what it means to be a good leader. ‘Nothing is ever as good, nor as bad, as you think it is,’ Jones concluded. ‘Celebrate the small wins.’

Bryanston Hosts Mini-MUN Conference

Earlier this month, more than 100 pupils from 11 schools attended Bryanston’s Mini Model Model United Nations (Mini-MUN) conference. Designed to give younger pupils a look into the Model UN, the event saw school groups represent UN countries, deliver speeches and solve problems about pressing global issues. ‘What was striking was the growth in pupils’ confidence as the day progressed,’ shared Bryanston’s MUN coordinator, Arabella de Seiger Khandwala. ‘To see so many of them contributing to their committees as well as speaking to eloquently in the UN General Assembly debate was really inspiring.’

Discover Bryanston School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/bryanston

Hugh Bonneville at Beaudesert Park School

Beloved British Actor Visits Beaudesert Park

Actor Hugh Bonneville – best known for his roles in the Downton Abbey series, the Paddington films and Notting Hill – visited Beaudesert Park School this week ahead of the launch of his new children’s book. Bonneville is visiting a number of primary schools across Gloucestershire to introduce Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room, a story of two friends trying to earn enough money to buy a model sailboat they hope to sail to South America. At Beaudesert Park, pupils heard excerpts from the book and had the chance to ask Bonneville questions, with the actor and author sharing that he had ‘the best day’ at the school.

Discover Beaudesert Park: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/beaudesert-park

Accreditations & Awards

New Hall School: New Hall School has become the first Catholic independent school in the UK to be accredited by the Royal College of Organists (RCO). The accreditation, which recognises schools that demonstrate the highest standards of organ tuition and performance opportunities, means that New Hall students now have access to specialist training, masterclasses and mentoring scheme through the RCO.

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

Marlborough College: This week, Marlborough College announced it has been recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School for the 2025-26 academic year. To join the programme – which helps schools advance their digital learning strategies as part of a global network – the college had to demonstrate innovative use of technology as a way to enhance both teaching and learning.

Discover Marlborough College: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/marlborough-college

St Helen’s College: Pupils at St Helen’s College in Hillingdon have once again been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award for environmental work. The school’s Eco Team, which comprises pupils from nursery to year six, have been recognised for their dedication to promoting sustainability practices across the school, including the recent installation of water butts and ‘waste week’.

New Heads & Acquisitions

Stonyhurst College: William Doherty has today been appointed as the new head of Stonyhurst College from 1 May 2026. Taking over from John Browne, who led the school for ten years, Doherty will join from Xavier College in Australia, where he has been principal since 2018. In addition to 30 years of experience in education, Doherty holds a master’s degree in educational leadership.

Discover Stonyhurst College: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/stonyhurst-college

Prestfelde School: Prestfelde School has joined the Shrewsbury family of schools, making it the third prep school to do so. With 125 former Presfelde pupils currently at Shrewsbury School, the two schools have a longstanding relationship that Shrewsbury headmaster Leo Winkley believes will go from ‘strength to strength’ due to this acquisition. Prestfelde will retain its own identity and its pupils will be free to attend a wide range of senior schools.