Independent School News: October Week 4

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

Storytelling Festival At Eaton House The Manor

On Saturday 29 November, Dukes Education is holding its first ever Festival of Stories at Eaton House The Manor. Children aged two to 12 will enjoy a day of storytelling and imagination featuring beloved children’s authors and illustrators such as Chloë Inkpen, Rob Bidulph and Laura Ellen Anderson. There will even be face painting, a puppet show, a performance by the Little Angel Theatre and appearances by special guests Peter Rabbit and the Gruffalo.

Tickets are on sale through Eventbrite.

Discover Eaton House Schools: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/eaton-house-schools

Fundraising Success For KES Bath

Earlier this month, King Edward’s School, Bath held its first ever giving day and raised an impressive £126,000. Pupils, staff, parents, alumni and other school supporters came together to take part in activities including quizzes, talent shows and games, with the money raised going towards supporting the school’s bursary programme and the construction of two new outdoor spaces. The day also resulted in the school’s largest ever collection for Bath Foodbank, far surpassing the original donation target of 1,552 items.

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

Badminton pupils with Ronald McDonald House Bristol community fundraiser, Ericka Heron

Badminton Supports Alumna-Founded Charity

Students from Badminton School recently donated over £2,000 to family support charity Ronald McDonald House Bristol. Founded by Badminton alumna Dr Audrey Evans in 1974, the charity provides free accommodation for families whose children are receiving hospital treatment and was the beneficiary of the school’s summer charity week. ‘This generous donation will pay for the equivalent of 68 nights of free accommodation for a family in need,’ said the charity’s community fundraiser, Ericka Heron. ‘It was so lovely to show the students around and for them to learn more about the legacy of Dr Audrey Evans.’

Discover Badminton: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/badminton-school

Abbey College’s New Young Explorers Programme

Abbey College Cambridge has launched a new programme designed to introduce pupils to the nature and history of Cambridgeshire. Through Young Explorers every Saturday morning, pupils have had the chance to experience Cambridge’s Dragon Boat Festival and punting on the River Cam, with future activities including a visit to Wicken Fen Nature Reserve and the Cambridge Photography Show. ‘This programme allows us to make the most of the local environment, history and wonderful events to expand young minds,’ explained principal Elena Hesse. ‘While our pupils work hard in class, it’s equally important to have opportunities to relax, refresh and build a healthy mind.’

Bryanston’s RE-IMAGINE 2025 art and design exhibition

Bryanston Completes Annual Art Showcase

Bryanston’s RE-IMAGINE art and design exhibition returned this month, featuring work from across the Bryanston community. Paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints were showcased at the Royal Watercolour Society Gallery from 12-18 October, with artists also creating new pieces live at the venue. ‘At the heart of the exhibition is the power of imagination – how ideas are sparked, explored and realised,’ said the show’s curators. ‘Bryanston’s community includes acclaimed artists and designers as well as makers who create for the joy of expression. The exhibition celebrated them all.’

Discover Bryanston: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/bryanston

Royal Hospital School Announces National Competition

Royal Hospital School has launched a national competition for creative students with big, bold ideas. The RHS Young Thinkers’ Challenge is open to entries from pupils across the UK in years five to eight that demonstrate innovation and critical thinking on a topic of their choice. ‘Examples could be a written piece on the wonders of nature or life-changing books, or a short podcast on future technologies,’ explained Royal Hospital School. Winning entries from the competition will be showcased at the RHS Scholarship Information Evening on Thursday 20 November.

Discover Royal Hospital School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/royal-hospital-school

Ali Sparkes with pupils from St Catherine’s Bramley

Children’s Author Visits St Catherine’s Bramley

Years five, six and senior pupils at St Catherine’s Bramley recently enjoyed a visit by award-winning British children’s author Ali Sparkes. Best known for her Shakeshifter book series, Sparkes spoke to the girls about her childhood, how she developed a love of reading, and her top tips for aspiring writers: ‘Don’t do it for fame or money. It’s hard work, but if you love writing you can’t help but do it.’

Discover St Catherine’s Bramley: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/st-catherines-bramley

Skill Award For Highfield And Brookham

Highfield and Brookham has been honoured with an award recognising its commitment to building children’s essential skills. The Skills Builder Gold Award is given to schools that deliver the highest quality skills-based education, fully embedding the Skills Builder framework in its curriculum and teaching it with confidence. Following this framework, Highfield and Brookham’s Essential Skills programme covers eight key areas: listening, speaking, problem-solving, creativity, staying positive, aiming high, and leadership and teamwork.

Discover Highfield and Brookham: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/highfield-brookham-schools