Independent School News: March 2026, Week 4

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

Hampton Court House Named Harmony Eco-School

Hampton Court House has become the first independent school in the country to receive official accreditation from The Harmony Project for its sustainability-focused approach to learning. The accreditation, which took Hampton Court House four years to achieve, requires schools to embed environmental literacy and nature education into their curriculums, inspired by King Charles’ environmental philosophy, Harmony.

Discover Hampton Court House: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/hampton-court-house

Pupils at Port Regis Prep recently released the second issue of their eco-newspaper and celebrated Environment Day

Port Regis Prep Celebrates Environment Day

Port Regis Prep held its first Environment Day this week, filled with a host of eco activities and a colour run raising money for nature charity The Iris Project. Pupils got stuck into tree planting, campfire cooking, and talks on the environment, and enjoyed a vegetarian lunch made entirely with produce sourced within 30 miles of the school. The day coincided with the second issue of the pupil-made newspaper called Green Vision News, which features articles on nature, book reviews, and information about Port Regis Prep’s green initiatives.

New Piano Programme At New Hall

The prep school at New Hall has launched a new piano programme, giving all pupils in years three and four the chance to learn the instrument as part of the weekly curriculum. Each class receives one hour of tuition a week on a suite of Yamaha digital pianos, building on the school’s wider music scheme which allows year threes to try six different instruments before choosing one to specialise in at year four. Director of music Jonathan Turner said: ‘The cognitive benefits of learning an instrument are well-established, and we see this programme as an important driver of wider academic progress.’

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

Sherborne Prep Hosts Grandparents’ Day

More than 140 grandparents and family members gathered at Sherborne Prep this week for the school’s Grandparents’ Day. After joining their grandchildren in a variety of classes, guests enjoyed a programme of performances including drama, choral singing and readings by the pupils. ‘It was wonderful to see the children’s pride and delight as they showed their families around the school,’ said head Annie Gent. ‘It was a truly memorable occasion for all.’

Discover Sherborne Prep: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/sherborne-preparatory-school

The Oratory student Adi Hector has been chosen as captain as the Oxfordshire U18s cricket team for this summer

The Oratory Student Named County Cricket Captain

Sixth former at The Oratory School Adi Hector has been chosen as captain of the Oxfordshire U18s team for this summer. The sports prefect began playing for the county’s U14s team, working his way up over the years with a string of wins, and is now ‘extremely honoured’ to be representing the U18s as captain. ‘Adi has been an absolute model of a schoolboy cricketer,’ said head of cricket at The Oratory, Steve Tomlinson. ‘We look forward to next term and beyond to follow his career.’

Discover The Oratory School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/the-oratory-school

New Head For Papplewick

Papplewick has chosen Nina Kingsmill Moore as its new head from September 2026. Currently head of Wetherby Prep, Kingsmill Moore also has experience as head of Glendower Prep and is a firm believer in the single-sex, full-boarding education model at Papplewick. She takes over from Tom Bunbury, who has been head since 2004.

Discover Papplewick: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/papplewick

Debating Success At Mayfield Girls’

The senior debating team at Mayfield Girls’ recently secured a place in the grand final of the ESU Public Speaking Competition. After winning the regional final, which was hosted at Mayfield last week, sixth formers Ava, Alexa and Alice are preparing to represent Sussex and Kent at the national final in London in May. The trio were praised for their delivery, teamwork and critical engagement with complex issues, such as the use of private healthcare vs the NHS.

Discover Mayfield Girls’: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/mayfield-school