Independent School News: June 2026 Week 1

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

Queenswood Students Campaign For Female Representation

Two Queenswood students have gained over 1,000 signatures and support from an MP on a petition to include more female scientists in the National Curriculum. Aria and Sophia, both in year ten, discovered that of the 42 scientists featured in the GCSE science curriculum, only two are women – and decided to call on the government to make a change. The petition caught the attention of Andrew Lewin, MP for Welwyn Hatfield, who visited Queenswood to meet the ‘inspiring duo’, later writing to the Secretary of State for Education highlighting the girls’ passion and the ‘real sense of injustice’ they feel about the curriculum’s lack of representation.

The upper school campus of Maclachlan College in Ontario, now part of Dukes Education

Dukes Education Expands Into Canada

Dukes Education is expanding into Canada for the first time as MacLachlan College in Ontario joins the group. Founded in 1978, the college is all-through and coeducational, and educates more than 400 students across two campuses. Its strong academic reputation and focus on student wellbeing ‘aligns closely with the values at the heart of Dukes Education’, said Dukes founder Aatif Hassan. Machlachlan students study to the IB curriculum is both early and middle years, with older students also having access to AP opportunities.

Harrogate Ladies’ College welcomed the King for a private visit

The King Visits Harrogate Ladies’ College

Last week, Harrogate Ladies’ College (Duchy College from September) welcomed the King for a private tour, marking the first time a reigning monarch has visited the school. King Charles III was guided around by three prefects before watching performances by the chapel choir, whose leader mentioned it was a moment she will ‘never forget’. At the end of the day, the King presented the school with a native British oak tree, one of 80 being gifted ahead of his 80th birthday in 2028.

Highfield Prep To Host Wellbeing Week

Highfield Prep School (Duchy College Prep from September) is gearing up to launch its first Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Week, immersing pupils in a wide range of wellbeing activities. Taking place from 8-12 June, the week will see pupils of all ages taking part in events built around four key themes: ‘move it’ (physical activity), ‘fuel it’ (nutrition), ‘balance it’ (sleep, mindfulness and healthy screen habits) and ‘grow it’ (challenge and resilience). Activities will include dance classes, mindfulness workshops, healthy cooking sessions and more.

Ravenscourt Park Prep has been highly commended at The Big Draw Festival Awards for a ‘draw together’ project

Success For Ravenscourt Park In Art Awards

Ravenscourt Park Prep has been highly commended at The Big Draw Festival Awards for a collaborative project between Ravenscourt Park pupils and those from neighbouring primary schools. Over three days, 670 pupils explored the festival’s theme of ‘drawn together’ by drawing their responses to various objects, ideas and media side-by-side. The final installation was recognised in the Creative Innovation category, with Leeds Art Gallery awarded first place – with Ravenscourt Park Prep noting it is a ‘significant achievement’ to be recognised alongside such a ‘respected cultural organisation’.

Discover Ravenscourt Park Prep: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/ravenscourt-park-prep-school

New Schools, New Facilities & New Bursaries

The Leys/St Faiths: Two schools in Cambridge, The Leys and St Faith’s, will merge to become a single coeducational school from September 2028. Named The Leys School, Cambridge, the all-through school will see pupils from early years to year eight education at the current St Faith’s site, and years nine to 13 at the current site of The Leys.

Discover The Leys: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/the-leys-school

Queenswood: Queenswood School has opened eight Red Plus clay tennis courts in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association, forming the largest clay court competition venue in the UK. In mid-June, the courts will host the LTA 11U International Team Trophy, giving talented young players their first experience of competing on an international level.

Canford: From September, Canford military families will pay just 10 percent of the full boarding fee as the school moves to a Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) model. The scheme, run by the UK Ministry of Defence, allows children of military families to receive a stable education, with Canford head Chris Wheeler noting that such families ‘contribute enormously’ to school life through their ‘values of service, resilience and adaptability’.

Discover Canford: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/canford-school