End of March 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.

Eastbourne College Helps Shape New Natural History GCSE as Subject Confirmed

Eastbourne College played a key role in developing the newly approved Natural History GCSE, set to launch in 2026. This landmark qualification, backed by prominent figures and institutions, aims to engage students with nature, conservation, and climate issues through academic rigour. Eastbourne College, recognized for its eco-friendly initiatives, collaborated with OCR, the exam board, and other schools to shape the GCSE’s content.

Headmaster Tom Lawson said, ‘Eastbourne College’s unique position, so close to the sea and the South Downs National Park, provides a wonderful setting for environmental learning, with easy access to diverse ecosystems, rich biodiversity and nationally significant fieldwork sites. We look forward to continuing our work with OCR and the launch of this new and exciting GCSE.’

Bradfield College are crowned Boodles ISFA Cup Champions for second year running

Congratulations to Bradfield College’s 1st XI football team who secured their second consecutive Boodles ISFA Cup victory, defeating Shrewsbury School 2-0 at MK Dons stadium.

The team overcame penalty shootouts and tight games against challenging opponents before coming up against Shrewsbury in the final. Despite an initial strong push from Shrewsbury, Bradfield’s defence held firm, and Micah John’s goal gave them the lead. Sam Robinson then sealed the win with a stunning strike. This back-to-back win marks a rare achievement in the competition’s history. They are only the third school to achieve back-to-back ISFA wins in the 32 years that the competition has been running.

Hazlegrove Prep School Celebrates Pupil’s Emmy Win

Hazlegrove Prep School pupil, Phoenix, has won an Emmy for his performance in Apple TV+’s The Velveteen Rabbit. This award, presented at the 3rd Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, recognised Phoenix’s exceptional acting talent. The series, based on Margery Williams’ classic book, features Phoenix alongside notable actors like Alex Lawther and Helena Bonham Carter. Phoenix’s win makes him one of the youngest Emmy recipients in his category.

Headmaster, Mr Benbow said, ‘We are so proud of Phoenix’s achievements and thrilled that his talent is being recognised on the international stage. His Emmy win is such a proud moment for the Hazlegrove community. Congratulations to Phoenix and his family on this achievement. We look forward to seeing his continued success in the future’.

Kingswood School Father and Son Duo Selected to Represent Wales in Hockey

A wonderful family achievement has seen father and son duo, James and Owen Brown, both earn spots in the Wales national hockey teams. ​​Owen, a promising young player in the 1st XI at Kingswood, has earned a spot on the Wales U18s team. Meanwhile his father James, Head of Boys’ Games at Kingswood School, has been selected to represent Wales in the Over 50s category for the Masters European Championships.

This joint selection highlights the family’s dedication to hockey and their commitment to representing Wales in the sport. It also underscores the strong sporting ethos cultivated at Kingswood, where their shared passion has thrived.

Over 200 Musicians Gather for Historic Joint Schools’ Choral Society Concert at St Albans Cathedral

Over 200 musicians from St Albans School and St Albans High School united for a historic Joint Schools’ Choral Society Concert at St Albans Cathedral, honouring the late Mick Stout, former Director of Music. The Joint Schools’ Choral Society and Orchestra, which has been running for 55 years, saw a 150-strong choir and 55-piece orchestra perform some of Stout’s favourite compositions. Emily Stout also sang as a solo Soprano in her husband’s memory.

Acting Director of Music at St Albans High School, Julian Smith, said ‘The concert was the culmination of months of preparation. The musicians sang and played with poise and energy, navigating their way through Brahms and Parry before a final rousing rendition of Beethoven’s epic Symphony No.9. The concert was a fitting memorial to St Albans School Director of Music, Mick Stout.’

Milton Abbey School Raises over £8,900

Milton Abbey recently hosted an exciting day of physical challenges to raise funds for the school’s 75th Fund and two student-chosen charities: Tiny Miracles and Project Planet Earth. Over 100 enthusiastic students and staff participated in two main challenges: the Oceans Seven Swim Challenge and the Peaks Challenge.

Those taking part in the swimming challenge covered distances from 15km to 41km in the school pool while those taking on the peaks run attempted a distance of either 7 or 12km around the school’s hilly landscape. These fantastic efforts have raised an astonishing £8,900 so far.

Leweston’s Memorable School Production

Leweston School’s recent production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time provided a deeply immersive experience, bringing Christopher Boone’s unique world to life. Staged in the round, the performance utilised dynamic lighting, sound, and projections to convey the story of Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel.

The music was based on patterns of prime numbers that changed in response to the protagonist’s emotions as a talented cast of ten students, aged 14 to 18, delivered powerful performances, with Oliver excelling in the demanding lead role. The production also showcased some advanced Physical Theatre, incorporating choreographed sequences to represent Christopher’s imagination, internal struggles and sensory overload.

Downside School Announces Head’s Retirement

Andrew Hobbs is retiring as Head of Downside School after seven years of impactful leadership, marked by academic excellence and enhanced pastoral care. Michael Randall, the current Deputy Head, will serve as Interim Head from September 2025, allowing for a thorough search for a permanent successor. Randall, who has worked closely with Hobbs, has been crucial in the school’s strategic development, particularly in achieving top national rankings for value added. He expressed his commitment to building on Hobbs’s legacy and supporting the school through the transition. Hobbs reflected on his tenure with pride, emphasising his efforts to strengthen the school’s Catholic and Benedictine identity, and expressed his confidence in Randall’s interim leadership.

Downsend School announces new Executive Head

Downsend School has announced the appointment of Mrs Rebecca Tear as its new Executive Head, starting in September 2025. Rebecca brings a wealth of leadership experience from her roles at Wycombe Abbey, Badminton, and Fulham School. Her career has been driven by a passion for academic excellence, pupil wellbeing, and future-focused education, and she looks forward to building on Downsend’s creative and forward-thinking ethos in the years ahead.

New Hall School Launches Hawley Society in Celebration of Women’s History Month

New Hall School has launched the Hawley Society to celebrate Women’s History Month, a student-led initiative for Years 9-13 promoting gender equality. Named after school founder Susan Hawley, the society aims to challenge inequalities and celebrate women’s achievements. Its inaugural event featured a debate on gender equality in the context of school discipline. Future meetings will host discussions and feminist initiatives, raising awareness and amplifying female voices.

‘By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we can equip students with the confidence, knowledge and skills to challenge inequalities, celebrate achievements and inspire change in their communities and beyond,’ said Mrs Sarah Garside, Head of History at New Hall School.

Berkhamsted celebrates a raft of achievements across sustainability and STEM

Students from Years 11-13 delivered some impactful speeches on sustainability at a recent academic gala, highlighting youth-driven climate action. Two Berkhamsted Girls students received prestigious Arkwright Scholarships, providing mentorship and support for women going into engineering. The school is also launching an exciting new, sustainably designed Sixth Form Centre.

Furthermore, the Royal Society is releasing a documentary honouring Marjory Stephenson, Berkhamsted alumna and pioneering biochemist, 80 years after her she was elected to its fellowship. Stephenson, despite facing gender barriers in her education, became a leading scientist, contributing significantly to the subject of bacterial biochemistry. The documentary will celebrate her as a trailblazer for women in STEM. Berkhamsted Girls also established Stephenson House in 2017, inspiring students with her legacy of innovation and resilience.

Surbiton High School Launches Evening Course For Local Community

Surbiton High School is inviting their local community to participate in an Art History course entitled A World History of Art in 50 Works: China & Japan. Following the success of their Italian art series, this program explores iconic works like the Terracotta Warriors and Hokusai’s Great Wave, within cultural contexts such as Shinto Buddhism and the Cultural Revolution. The course is designed for all and no prior knowledge is needed. Participants will engage in discussions, uncovering the historical and artistic significance of these masterpieces. The course runs every Tuesday, June 3rd to July 1st, 6:30-8:00 PM at Surbiton High School. The cost is £65 and limited spaces are available. Sign up to secure a place.

St Christopher’s Pre-Prep School and Nursery Joins the RGS Family of Schools

Reigate Grammar School (RGS) has expanded its group by welcoming St Christopher’s Pre-Prep and Nursery, an Epsom-based school known for its exceptional early years education. This merger aligns with RGS’s philosophy of holistic education, valuing both academic success and character development. St Christopher’s will maintain its unique identity while benefiting from the resources and collaborative opportunities within the RGS family. This formalises a long-standing partnership, particularly with Chinthurst, another RGS prep school. RGS Headmaster Shaun Fenton highlighted the strategic growth, emphasising the enhanced educational experience and increased stability for all schools in the group.