Independent School News: October Week 2

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

Leighton Park’s Female Empowerment Conference

A female leadership conference co-organised by Leighton Park was a big success this month, teaching girls from six Reading Borough secondary schools how to recognise and tackle sexism. In partnership with London-based charity The Female Lead, the LeadHERship conference featured keynote speaker, author and activist Laura Bates, who shared her own experiences of everyday misogyny as well as statistics highlighting institutional sexism. ‘Hearing Laura’s struggles showed us that we aren’t alone and that we can do anything if we put our minds to it,’ said year ten Reading Girls’ School student Sahara. ‘It’s really inspiring how we’re all in the same room, and whether we have the same struggles or not, it feels like there’s no judgement and we’re all in this together.’ Inspired by The Female Lead ambassador Holly Francis, the girls also worked together to brainstorm ideas about activism campaigns and female empowerment societies in their own schools.

Discover Leighton Park: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/leighton-park

Culture Learning At Papplewick

To celebrate European Day of Languages at the end of September, parents of Papplewick pupils delivered workshops at the school about a variety of countries in Europe. From Spain to Russia, the boys learned about each country’s language, cultural food and customs – with pupils particularly fascinated by the Spanish tomato-throwing festival La Tomatina. ‘The boys learn so much about their friends’ home countries,’ shared head Tom Bunbury. ‘European Language Day is always a very special day.’

Discover Papplewick: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/papplewick

Maths Triumph At St Mary’s Calne

St Mary’s Calne student Jessica recently achieved the highest score in the south west in the 2025 Mathematical Competition for Girls. Presented by the UK Maths Trust, the competition took place at the end of September and invited young female mathematicians to sit a challenging 90-minute paper. St Mary’s Calne said: ‘Jessica’s achievement is a wonderful testament to her talent and commitment to mathematics. A truly remarkable accomplishment.’

Discover St Mary’s Calne: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/st-marys-calne

Stamford Introduces Engineering BTEC

From September 2026, Stamford School will offer an Engineering BTEC, making it the only education provider in south Lincolnshire to offer the course. The BTEC is equivalent to one A level and will provide students will practical preparation for a wide range of engineering degrees and apprenticeships. For head of design technology engineering Steve Newton, the new programme is ‘more than just a qualification. It will enable students to think like an engineer: designing, creating and delivering real projects. They will leave not only with strong subject knowledge, but with employable skills in teamwork, communication, resilience and critical thinking’.

Tockington Helps Fight For Literacy

Pupils at Tockington Manor School have raised almost £3,500 for its 2024/25 charity partner: literacy advocacy charity Teach Us Too. The money – which was raised through events such as bake sales and activity days – will go towards the charity’s research project, which collects and shares powerful first-hand stories about the power of literacy for children with complex needs. ‘We are enormously proud of our pupils and their families for their fundraising efforts,’ shared head Stephen Symonds. ‘They have learned that their actions can change lives, opening doors for children who are often underestimated.’

Discover Tockington Manor School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/tockington-manor-school-nursery

Learning About Microplastics At Kimbolton

Sixth formers at Kimbolton School learned about the dangers of plastic pollution this week, thanks to an insightful guest lecture from an acclaimed environmental professional. Jamie Woodward, a professor at the University of Manchester and regular expert commentator on BBC programmes, spoke to the students about the causes and consequences of plastic pollution in the UK’s waterways. The students were encouraged to consider their own potential to drive environmental change, with the school’s head of geography, Simon Wilson, adding that the talk was ‘an excellent reminder of the power of education to change and inspire’.

King’s Worcester Achieves Green Flag

King’s Worcester has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation in recognition of its positive environmental work. The school’s eco-committee has introduced a number of school-wide sustainability projects over the last year, from limiting food waste to installing houses for bugs and birds, and has even worked with local organisations such as the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. Teacher Adam Jackson said: ‘I’m delighted that the committee’s hard work has not only been recognised with this award, but has also made a real and lasting difference to the King’s community.’

New Scholarships

Burgess Hill: In celebration of its 120th anniversary next year, Burgess Hill Girls has launched a new scholarship exclusively for talented state school pupils. The Beatrice Goode Award – named after the school’s founder – aims to recognise potential, ambition and character and provide transformational support for girls who would otherwise not have access to a Burgess Hill education. The award is open to girls who are currently state-educated and would join Burgess Hill in years three to five in September 2026, with applications closing on 5 December 2025. Learn more here.

St Catherine’s Bramley: St Catherine’s Bramley has announced it will be offering new scholarships in art, drama and sport. Children wishing to join the school from September 2026 can now choose from five 11+ scholarships to apply for, with academic and music still available as usual. The new art, drama and sport awards will recognise children who show potential and passion for the field, providing them with coaching and special opportunities in and out of school. Learn more here.

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

New Heads & New Owners

Royal Hospital School: Inspired Education Group will take over ownership of Royal Hospital School from Greenwich Hospital, which has run the school since it was founded in 1712. As a key Royal Navy charity funder, Greenwich Hospital has decided to step back now that only a small number of RHS pupils are from naval families – in contrast to all pupils when the school opened. According to Inspired’s founder Amit Mehta, the group is honoured to be taking over RHS and is ‘committed to preserving and enhancing Greenwich Hospital’s legacy’.

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

St Mary’s School: Lars Fox has joined St Mary’s School in Garrards Cross as its new – and second ever male – head. Fox has had a successful 25-year career in all-girls’ education, driven by the ‘transformational change’ he saw in his own daughter after attending a single-sex school. Under his leadership, St Mary’s will train staff in how to adapt to AI in education, while the school’s no-phone policy for students will continue.

Churcher’s College: Will Scott has been appointed as the new headmaster of Churcher’s College from September 2026. Currently principal of Dame Allan’s Schools in Newcastle upon Tyne, Scott’s background also includes six years in the Royal Navy, a career in international finance and roles in international schools around the country. His goal is to ‘preserve and strengthen the Churcher’s College ethos while guiding the school confidently through the challenges of a changing world’.

Discover Churcher’s College: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/churchers-college