The May Week 2 2025 Education Roundup

All the latest UK news from schools in the past weeks can be read below. Alternatively, find the best school for your child here.

Kimbolton Prep School pupils run 425 miles to mark 425th birthday

Pupils at Kimbolton Prep School, Cambridgeshire, recently laced up their trainers and united in celebration of a remarkable milestone, the 425th anniversary of the School. To mark the occasion, they took on an ambitious challenge: to collectively run 425 miles in a single afternoon.

With determination, energy, and plenty of smiles, pupils from across the Prep School participated enthusiastically in the challenge and they didn’t just meet their goal, they exceeded it.

From reception to Year 6, pupils ran 426 miles in total, with staff also taking part in the event. Every pupil played their part – whether running, supporting or cheering on their House team. Staff were also on hand in every role, from marshals and runners to lap counters and first aiders, guiding and cheering pupils through every stride.

New Hall School Opens Learn-to-Ride Centre

New Hall School has launched an innovative Learn-to-Ride Centre in Chelmsford, featuring advanced Racewood simulators ‘Genesis’ and ‘Eos’. The state-of-the-art facility blends technological innovation with traditional equestrian training, offering students year-round riding opportunities.

Principal Katherine Jeffrey highlighted the centre’s commitment to a balanced curriculum, introducing BTEC Level 3 Sport and expanding equestrian education. The school’s competitive team has already achieved notable success, with students qualifying for national championships in various disciplines.

Leweston Students Shine in Multisport European Qualifiers

Leweston School hosted national qualifiers for Triathle (a multisport event combining laser pistol shooting, swimming, and running) and Laser Run (running and shooting), with students delivering exceptional performances.

Eleven students competed in the Laser Run, with Izzy K winning gold in the U15 category and Izzy W securing silver in U19. Six Leweston pupils have been selected for the GB team across various age groups.

In the Triathle event, 13 Leweston athletes achieved remarkable results, with gold medals for Izzy K, Izzy W, and Dylan R. Nine students have been chosen to represent Great Britain at the European Championships in Turkey.

Bolton School Launches Ambitious Bursary Campaign

Bolton School has initiated the Open Futures Bursary Campaign, aiming to expand its bursary scheme to support one in three pupils. Currently supporting 1 in 5 children across its Senior Schools, the campaign seeks to create opportunities for up to 250 additional bursary students.

Head of Foundation Philip Britton highlighted the school’s historical commitment to social mobility, noting challenges posed by recent VAT changes on independent school fees. The campaign aims to maintain the school’s tradition of accessibility, ensuring bright students can access quality education regardless of financial circumstances.

Governing Body Chair Ian Riley emphasised the school’s 110-year ethos of providing educational opportunities to every child with potential, regardless of background.

To learn more about the Open Futures Campaign, and watch the campaign video, click here.

Wellbeing Gardens Bloom at Highfield and Brookham

Highfield and Brookham School in Liphook is revolutionising student wellbeing through innovative outdoor spaces. A once-forgotten pond has been transformed into a meticulously designed wellbeing garden, created collaboratively with the student council. This green sanctuary offers students a vital retreat from academic pressures, providing a space to relax, connect, and recharge.

Headteacher Suzannah Cryer emphasises the critical importance of these natural spaces: ‘In an era of unprecedented stress for young people, these wellbeing gardens offer a sanctuary for emotional restoration.’ By involving students directly in the garden’s design, the school empowers pupils to take an active role in their mental health and personal growth.

Young Writers Honour Inspirational Women with Essay Competition

Harrogate Ladies’ College celebrated female achievement through its annual Inspirational Woman Essay Competition, showcasing students’ remarkable tributes to extraordinary women. From rugby players to vaccine scientists, authors to beloved family members, students explored diverse narratives of female inspiration.

Principal Joanna Fox praised the participants, noting the competition’s power to illuminate remarkable women through young eyes. First-place winners included Alba, Coral, and Violet, who wrote compelling essays about teachers, grandmothers, and historical figures like Beatrix Potter.

The event awarded book prizes and celebrated the children’s ability to recognise and articulate the profound impact of inspirational women across generations and an array of disciplines.

Clayesmore School Joins Inspired Learning Group

Clayesmore School has announced its partnership with Inspired Learning Group (ILG), marking an exciting new chapter for the institution. Chair of Governors Rosie Stiven highlighted the alignment of shared values, emphasizing the group’s commitment to outstanding teaching and community.

Head Jo Thomson praised the move, noting Clayesmore’s warm, inclusive atmosphere will be preserved. CEO Amit Mehta expressed excitement about welcoming the school, particularly its innovative LEX personal development programme and impressive academic results.

The partnership, effective from 1st September 2025, promises to continue Clayesmore’s tradition of exceptional pastoral care and educational excellence.

Yehudi Menuhin School Announces Director of Music

The Yehudi Menuhin School has announced the appointment of acclaimed violist Rosalind Ventris as its next Director of Music, starting in September 2025. Rosalind, who becomes the first woman to hold the post, brings a wealth of experience as a performer, educator, and artistic leader. She currently serves as Director of Performance at Oxford University, Professor of Viola at the Guildhall School of Music, and Artistic Director of the Cowbridge Music Festival. Head of School Robin Harskin praised her musical excellence and alignment with Menuhin’s values. Rosalind expressed excitement at continuing the school’s mission to inspire and nurture exceptional young musicians.

Taunton School Triumphs at Swimming Tournament

In a historic milestone, Taunton School‘s swimmers have clinched victory at the century-old Meade King Cup, the world’s longest-standing multi-school sporting competition. Competing against King’s College, Queen’s College, and Wellington School, the school’s 30 senior students (Years 9-13) secured all six cups, with the senior boys setting a new freestyle relay record.

Beth Mottram, Head of Swimming, said: ‘It is an honour for our students to participate in the historic and prestigious Meade King Cup once again. The dedication from all swimmers and staff, across all four schools, continues a one-hundred-year legacy of competitiveness and camaraderie. I am incredibly proud of the humility, spirit, and effort displayed by the Taunton School swimmers.’

Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools Raise £190,000 in Community Fundraising Event

Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools have successfully raised £190,000 during their annual 36-hour Giving Day, focusing on supporting students facing financial barriers to education.
The event saw 1,465 community members participate, including alumni, students, parents, and staff. Highlights included three fun runs – the GivingDash, MiniDash, and TinyDash – with participants running in creative costumes to unlock additional challenge funds.

With 374 donations received, the fundraising effort aims to support current students at risk of leaving due to the cost of living crisis. Director of Development Bill Friar praised the community’s philanthropic spirit, emphasising the schools’ commitment to inclusive education.

The event reflects Habs’ core value of community, demonstrating a collective effort to support talented young people facing financial challenges.

Woodlands Nursery’s Top 20 Recognition

Woodlands Nursery, part of Beechwood Park School in Markyate, has been named one of the Top 20 nurseries in the East of England by daynurseries.co.uk, based on glowing parent reviews. The award reflects the exceptional care, inspiring environment and dedicated teaching provided to children aged 3 to 4. Families praised the nursery’s nurturing ethos, nature-rich setting and the commitment of staff to each child’s development. Head of Nursery Zoe Pritchard expressed pride in the team’s passion and hard work, while Sam McIntosh, Head of Pre-Prep, called the recognition ‘richly deserved.’ The nursery is renowned for its focus on outdoor learning and play.

Chelsea Nursery Expands to Enhance Early Years Learning

The Chelsea Nursery, affiliated with Cameron Vale School, is relocating to spacious new premises on Gertrude Street. The move promises enhanced facilities for children aged 6 months to 4 years, including dedicated age-appropriate zones and an outdoor garden.

Head Konstantina Moustaka highlighted the nursery’s commitment to providing an exceptional educational environment. The expansion will offer improved spaces for learning, play, and development, ensuring children receive the best possible start to their educational journey.