Independent School News: June 2026 Week 3

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

Headteacher Of The Year For Reigate Grammar

The head of Reigate Grammar School has been awarded Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School in the Pearson National Teaching Awards. Shaun Fenton, who has an OBE for services to education, is one of only four heads across the country to receive the honour. Having been head of Reigate Grammar for 14 years, Fenton is committed to pupil wellbeing alongside academic success and leads the school with the ethos of ‘knowing that you matter, really matters’. The awards also recognise teaching assistants, school partnerships and SEND institutions among a range of categories.

Discover Reigate Grammar School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/reigate-grammar

Financial literary is set to become a compulsory subject at Headington Rye from September for year nine pupils

Headington Rye Introduces Financial Literacy To Curriculum

Financial literary is set to become a compulsory subject at Headington Rye from September. All year nine pupils will complete the Level 2 Award in Financial Literacy – created by the school and accredited by the University of Buckingham – allowing them to enter GCSEs with a firm handle on essential financial principles and prepare them for life beyond school. Over 230 Headington Rye pupils have already completed the course voluntarily, with some noting the course taught them how to compare insurance policies, create budgets and understand topical economic policies.

Booking Opens For OXSS Summer Courses

Oxford Science Studies is offering an early bird booking discount for this year’s summer courses at d’Overbroeck’s school. From £1,250 per week, GCSE, IGCSE, A level and IB students will receive small-group teaching, expert tutors and tailored study available for more than 30 subjects. Students can attend for one to three weeks of study from 27 July to 14 August; both day and boarding options are available, complete with extracurricular activities alongside academic study.

Discover Oxford Science Studies’ summer courses: oxss.co.uk/courses/summer-school

Pupils at Millfield Prep have won the IAPS national swimming championships for the 38th consecutive year

Millfield Prep Becomes 38-Time Swimming Champion

Pupils at Millfield Prep have won the IAPS national swimming championships for the 38th consecutive year. Recently competing in the finals in London, the 33-strong squad were crowned overall champions while the girls’ team also claimed gold for the 38th year in a row and the boys’ team for the 24th year. ‘It was a fantastic team effort,’ said Millfield Prep swimming coach, Maria Jones. ‘Every swimmer raced with determination and showed great team spirit throughout, support each other and rising brilliantly to the occasion.’

Discover Millfield Prep: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/millfield-preparatory-school

Day Of Play And Languages At Berkhamsted Prep

Last week, Berkhamsted Prep celebrated two themed days: Day of Play and Day of Languages. Activities for the Day of Play saw pupils engaging in a range of activities, from a maths scavenger hunt in year five and team building activities in years four and six. Meanwhile, Berkhamsted Sixth students visited the prep school to share the importance of learning languages, some leading lessons in French and Chinese. A number of prep pupils even learned Bollywood dance with a visiting company, with one pupil saying: ‘I like this day because we learn that everyone is different all around the world, and we don’t all need to speak the same language.’

Discover Berkhamsted Schools Group: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/berkhamsted-schools-group

New Schools, Staff, Bursaries & More

Pangbourne College: Mill Hill Education Group has officially welcomed Pangbourne College into its family of schools. The acquisition will provide the college with group-wide expertise in curriculum development as well as enhanced opportunities for pupils, but day-to-day decisions will continue to be made by the school and led by head Oliver Knight.

Highgate School: A new Changemakers bursary programme at Highgate School is offering four fully funded places to the school’s sixth form in the 2027/28 academic year. Aimed towards those with ‘strong academic drive and entrepreneurial flair’, the initiative will provide students with mentoring, cocurricular funding and career support to help them make a mark on the world beyond school.

Knightsbridge School: Adam Anstey will join Knightsbridge School as its new head from September, succeeding the 14-year tenure of Shona Colaço. As a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and more than two decades of experience in independent education – including Broomfield House, where he is currently head – Anstey hopes to build on Knightbridge’s commitment to a community ‘defined by kindness, ambition and respect’.

Abingdon Prep: A recent ISI inspection at Abingdon Prep has recognised the school with a ‘significant strength’ for its extracurricular programme. According to the report, the programme has a strong positive impact on pupils’ academic, personal and social development. Other highlights of the report included the school’s welcoming community, broad curriculum, emotional support of pupils, and opportunities for pupils to contribute to school life.

Tonbridge School: In September 2028, the sixth form at Tonbridge will become coeducational. Girls will join initially as day pupils, with boarding provision planned from September 2030 as facilities are developed. ‘A coed sixth form will provide an environment that more closely reflects the world beyond school and will support pupils’ development as confident, capable young people,’ said head James Priory.

Discover Tonbridge School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/tonbridge-school

Trinity School: Trinity School will welcome Cara McCartney as its new assistant director of sport in September. Currently in the same role at Caterham School, McCartney joins the school ahead of its move to full coeducation beyond the sixth form in 2027. Her appointment marks a new step in the school’s aim to deliver the leading girls’ sport programme in south London.