Independent School News: April 2026 Week 2

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

Top Scholarships For Eaton House The Manor

Eaton House The Manor is celebrating as its pupils have achieved a total of 29 scholarships and awards to top senior schools this year. While pupils at the boys’ prep have landed 15 ‘early result scholarships’ in music, academic and all-rounder, the girls’ prep has achieved 16 scholarships, which include academic, sports, drama, art, music and all-rounder. The pupils will go on to schools such as Dulwich College, City of London Girls’, Alleyn’s, Francis Holland, St Paul’s Boys’ and King’s College Wimbledon.

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

At their third time in the finals, the U15 team at Beech Hall won their age category at the National Schools Lacrosse Championships

Downe House Girls Become Lacrosse Champions

Downe House pupils recently became champions at the England Lacrosse National Schools Championships, with the U15 team defeating Berkhamsted 3-2. This was the girls’ first win at the tournament, having narrowly missed out on the trophy after making it to the finals in the last two years. ‘Making it to the final three years in a row is a significant achievement,’ said Downe House director of sport, Katie Lauder, ‘and it is a testament to the girls’ resilience and self-belief that they made it third time lucky this year. We could not be more proud.’

Discover Downe House School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/downe-house-school

Pupils at Beech Hall School braved near-freezing water to raise money for homelessness charity Crisis

Beech Hall Hosts Charity Ice Swimming Challenge

In an adequately named ‘icebreaker challenge’, 55 pupils at Beech Hall School recently took part in an ice swimming event to raise money for homelessness charity Crisis. With water at just 9°C in the school’s outdoor swimming pool, the challenge aimed to imitate the harsh conditions faced by those sleeping rough during the winter months. A total of £775 was raised for the charity, with headmaster James Allen adding that the pupils were ‘motivated by the knowledge that their efforts would provide warmth and support for those who need it most through the incredible work of Crisis.’

DLD College Shines At Oxford Maths Tournament

DLD College London students recently took part in the Oxford Mathematics Team Challenge, hosted by the University of Oxford’s mathematics department. Now in its second year, the tournament sees year 11-13s test their problem-solving skills and creativity by solving a host of complex mathematical questions in teams. ‘Our students embraced every moment with enthusiasm and determination and we are immensely proud of how they represented DLD College,’ said principal James Kidd. ‘It was an inspiring and intellectually energising experience, buzzing with curiosity and friendly competition.’

Discover DLD College London: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/dld-college-london

Musicians at Dauntsey’s (pictured) will benefit from the school’s new partnership with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

Dauntsey’s Partners With Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

Dauntsey’s has announced that the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) is now its conservatoire in residence. This new partnership gives Dauntsey’s pupils access to specialist mentoring, support and workshops with staff at RWCMD, which is regarded as one of the UK’s top conservatoires for music and drama. A number of Dauntsey’s alumni have gone on to study at RWCMD, with the school’s director of music, Alison Jury, saying: ‘To see these alumni returning in a professional capacity and mentoring younger pupils is inspiring for those who aspire to follow in their footsteps.’

New Heads

Maltman’s Green School: Ashmi Morjaria has joined Maltman’s Green in Gerrards Cross as its new head. With years of senior leadership experience including deputy head academic at Northwood College for Girls, Morjaria brings a commitment to girls’ education and is ‘delighted to build on the outstanding foundations’ built by her predecessor, Jill Walker.

Windlesham House School: From 1 September, Sophie Baber will become the new head of Windlesham House in West Sussex. In addition to experience leading a number of the UK’s top independent schools, Baber has taught in Malaysia and Singapore as well as the UK state primary sector. Outside of work, Baber is a qualified netball umpire and has run the London Marathon.