Latest News from Schools

OPEN DAYS AND VIRTUAL VISITS

Meet the Headmaster, take a tour of the school with pupils and experience Quinton House life first-hand.

INSPIRING STUDENTS TO LEAD THE WAY

The School has a clear purpose which is to protect, nurture and inspire children. Our aims for all students:

• To provide a holistic education, tailored to the individual.

• To stimulate intellectual curiosity, nurture wellbeing and foster cultural understanding.

• Inspired by a culture of aspiration, we aim for our students to lead the way, demonstrate a broad commitment to service and develop a zest for life.

• For our students to become socially adept, resilient and virtuous, seeking opportunities to flourish as characters, living a life of purpose.

OPEN DAYS AND VIRTUAL VISITS

Join us at one of our next Open Events to find out more about Hydesville Tower School. 

OUR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME

For one lesson a week the timetable is collapsed and given over to pupil enrichment. The programme draws on the interests and talents of our teachers and is a chance for pupils to enjoy pastimes that are beyond the confines of the examination curriculum. The activities are carefully planned to ensure there is something to appeal to all pupils.

ELEVATE YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE

Proudly ranked in The Times Parent Power, our Senior School offers a bespoke curriculum and 1-to-1 support to ensure every pupil reaches their full potential at GCSE. 

Small class sizes, tailored learning, and a nurturing community.

OPEN DAYS

Join us to get an in-depth, insight into Queen Ethelburga’s and our community, which welcomes day children from 3 months old to Year 13 and boarding students from Year 3 to Year 13.

When is the next Open Day at Queen Ethelburga's? Click the link below for times and more information. 

2026
3 October
21 November

2027
23 January 2027
6 March 2027
12 June 2027 

ABOUT QUEEN ETHELBURGA'S

Our curriculum is forward-thinking, incorporating the latest technology, including AI education and qualifications that prepare students for modern careers (see our BTEC course on Esports). We offer traditional academic routes as well as vocational options, all underpinned by our academic aim: to build skills for lifelong learning and future success.

Queen Ethelburga's is divided into four schools:

Explorers Nursery
(3 months to 3 years)

Chapter House 
Age 3 to Year 5)

King’s Magna
(Years 6 to 9)

College
(Years 10 to 13)

HALLIFORD OPEN DAYS

We understand how busy life can be for parents and offer various opportunities for you to visit Halliford School. We also offer personal tours throughout the academic year. 

Please click on the link below for more information or to book. 

Visitor Mornings
Friday 6th November 2026 at 9am
Tuesday 10th November 2026 at 9am

Sixth Form In Focus
Sixth Form Open Evening, Thursday 1st October 2026 at 6pm

Open Mornings
Saturday 3rd October 2026 at 9am
Saturday 3rd October 2026 at 11:30am

LORD ROBERT WINSTON VISITS HALLIFORD SCHOOL

Halliford School had the honour of hosting Professor Robert Winston at a memorable event recently, as they welcomed him to officially open their magnificent new Forum building. The building's name, chosen by their students, references the original Latin term for a meeting place. It was therefore fitting to mark the occasion by bringing together their own students and welcoming others from local schools to attend a talk and they were thrilled when Professor Winston accepted their invitation.

As one of the leading authorities in the field of biology and reproductive science, Professor Winston gave an enlightening presentation before officiating the opening ceremony for the Forum. Their state-of-the-art Forum now stands as a vibrant hub for students and staff, and they are proud to extend its use to the wider community — further strengthening the spirit of community and collaboration that defines Halliford School.

ABOUT HALLIFORD SCHOOL

We proudly consider ourselves a small school, without any apologies. The advantage of our size is our deep familiarity with one another. We see and know each student beyond the crowd; no one ever gets lost here. Despite our size, we are well-equipped, both on-site and through extensive partnerships worldwide. We have the resources to deliver comprehensive and in-depth subject matter, and we will always strive to make the impossible possible if it benefits our students.

At Halliford, our boys and girls will consistently experience the reassurance that we are here for them, ready to listen and do everything within our power to help them achieve, and achieve they do.

If your family is looking for academic achievement delivered alongside both a breadth of experience and the moral compass the modern world craves, Halliford may well be a place to call home. Ours is a proudly successful school.

The cornerstone of that success - and of the Halliford community - is respect. A mutual respect for the abilities and interests of each other. We are unashamedly proud of our school, with students and staff proud to be a Hallifordian. It is the pride of belonging to something bigger than oneself, a pride that sees the Halliford hoodie still well-worn years later.

OPEN DAYS

Taking a look around Haberdashers' Adams is the best way to find out more about the school. Open Week takes place in the spring term. In the meantime, personal visits can be arranged throughout the year — please visit adamsgs.uk/admissions/open-events to find out more or register your interest.

Haberdashers' Adams is a selective state grammar school for boys and girls aged 11-18, with state boarding for boys. There are no education fees — boarders pay only the costs associated with boarding, which are exempt from VAT. The school admits 135 day pupils and up to 15 boarders into Year 7 each September.

HABERDASHERS’ ADAMS CELEBRATES EXCELLENT GCSE AND A-LEVEL RESULTS

A-level Results
Haberdashers’ Adams is delighted to announce another excellent set of A-Level results. A total of 164 Sixth Form pupils successfully completed their A-Levels, with 74% of pupils achieving A*- B grades and 47% achieving A*- A grades. In addition to their A-levels, 112 of our A-level pupils also took the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with an impressive 77% achieving an A*- B grade (up from 42% in 2024). Tst grades, but the journeys, growth, and futures these young people have ahead of them.

GCSE Results
A cohort of 148 pupils completed their GCSE studies at Adams, with almost every pupil studying ten subjects, resulting in a pass rate of 93% (grades 9 - 5). 81% of pupils achieved grades 9 - 6, 59% of pupils achieved grades 9 - 7 and 39% of pupils achieved the highest grades of 9 - 8. In addition there were some incredible individual achievements to celebrate. A total of 24 pupils secured grades 9 - 7 (formerly A*/A) in all ten of their subjects and 2 pupils achieved a straight set of ten GCSEs at grade 9 (formerly A*).

STUDENTS SEQUENCE DNA IN UNIVERSITY SCIENCE PARTNERSHIP

Lower Sixth students at Haberdashers' Adams have completed a pioneering genomics programme in partnership with Harper Adams University, funded by a £3,000 Royal Society Partnership Grant. Working in specialist university laboratories, students extracted and sequenced DNA from daffodil specimens using professional research techniques, before analysing their findings through bioinformatics workshops — gaining a genuine taste of cutting-edge scientific research and future STEM careers.

OPEN DAYS

At Colchester Prep & High School we believe it’s important for children to want to be here. That’s why we regularly invite parents and children to visit our school.  Click on the link below to find more information or book your visit. 

Autumn 2026 Events

Friday 2 October Prep School Open Morning 09:00 am to 11:00 am

Saturday 3 October Senior School Open Morning 09:30 am & 11:30 am entry. 11:30 latest entry time

COLCHESTER PREP & HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS CELEBRATE EXCELLENT GCSE RESULTS

With an overall pass rate of 97% (compared with 67.4% nationally) pupils, parents and their teachers were quite rightly delighted with this year's GCSE results. Securing our best GCSE results for a number of years, with 48.7% of all GCSE grades at 7-9 (compared with 21.8% nationally).

Excellence was demonstrated with an 100% pass rate in all separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and 85% of pupils securing the top grades, 7-9 in Biology and 81% in Chemistry.

100% of pupils achieved a pass grade in FSMQ Additional Mathematics Level 3. Pupils also performed well in Humanities subjects, with 94% gaining 7-9 in History and in Modern Foreign Languages, with 70% of pupils gaining grades 7-9 in French.

100% of pupils passed their Statistics GCSE examination in Year 10, with 86% of grades achieved at 7-9.

OUR STEAM POWERED FUTURE READY CURRICULUM

Over the past 140 years Colchester Prep & High School has built a reputation for providing an excellent all-round education whilst preparing pupils to be confident, balanced individuals, ready for a rapidly changing world.

Today that reputation still stands.

Our STEAM powered curriculum, combined with a global perspective and strong values, inspires children to explore, create, and innovate.

We inspire them to be the next generation of entrepreneurs, digital creatives, engineers and inventors. We believe that every child should have the self-belief to be the changemakers of tomorrow’s world.

Discover for yourself the power of a STEAM powered, future ready education.

OPEN DAYS AND PERSONAL TOURS

The best way to experience our wonderful school first-hand is by attending one of our Open Events, Nursery Viewing Days, or arranging a personal tour tailored to suit your schedule. During these events, you will have the opportunity to meet our Headteacher and classroom teachers, watch the students in action, and ask questions that will help you feel confident that your child will fulfil their potential with us.

Upcoming Open Events

Nursery Viewing Day — Thursday 10 September 2026
9:15am and 10:45am
For children eligible to start Nursery in September 2026.

Open Morning — Thursday 8 October 2026
9:15am and 10:45am
For Reception to Year 6 entry.

Occasional Places
Places may become available in selected year groups throughout the year. We encourage families to get in touch with our Admissions Team to discuss current availability and entry points.

EXCELLENT RESULTS AT EVERY STAGE

We take immense pride in the achievements and success of our pupils, both in the classroom and in their later exams.

Our results are consistently well above the national average at every school stage, with pupils achieving exceptional 11+ results and securing places in the most prestigious senior schools in London and beyond.

MEET OUR HEADTEACHER, TUSHI GORASIA

OPEN MORNINGS

Our open morning events are a great opportunity to discover what makes Breaside such a special school for your child, held once a term across both our Orchard Road and Whitmore Road sites. These events offer the chance to explore the school, meet our team, and see our pupils in action.

Whitmore Road Open Morning — Thursday 8 October 2026, 9:00am

Orchard Road Open Morning — Thursday 15 October 2026, 9:00am

24TH IN THE PARENT POWER TOP 100 PREP SCHOOLS LIST

Breaside Preparatory School has been ranked 24th among the top 100 UK Prep Schools by The Times newspaper and feature in the accompanying Parent Power: Best UK Schools Guide. The guide identifies 600 of the highest achieving primary and prep schools in England and is rannked by the most recent exams results and features both independent and state schools.

“It is wonderful to be recognised for all of the hard work that the staff and children put into Breaside to make it the very special place it is."

EXCELLENT RESULTS

We have an excellent record of places gained to local super selective grammars and independent schools and this year is no exception. Our 11+ results were once again outstanding with some pupils offered academic, creative, music and sports scholarships.

Parents are given guidance on the schools that we recommend for their children throughout their time at Breaside and we pride ourselves on gaining the right opportunities for individual children.

Please see our lists of places offered over the past few years via the Leavers’ Destinations link below

INFORMATION MORNINGS AND PERSONAL TOURS

To discover everything Southbank has to offer, we regularly host information mornings throughout the academic year. This is the best way to get a feel for what makes Southbank so special.

Our information mornings give you and your child an opportunity to meet and hear from the Principal, view our excellent facilities, talk to current students and teachers, find out more about the International Baccalaureate and ask any questions you have about the school and our admissions process.

We also offer personal tours led by our Admissions Managers.

To book, please contact us at +44 (0)20 3890 1969 or click the link below. 

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMME (2-5 YEARS)

As part of our IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), we offer our Early Childhood curriculum for children aged 2-5 years.

Through inquiry-based learning and play, it aims to engage and stimulate young students and nurture their academic, personal and social development.

We encourage our Early Childhood students to explore, investigate and play through activities chosen by them and activities initiated by an adult. To support learning through play, our classroom environments are set up so students can move freely around clearly defined areas for reading, writing, art, construction, imaginative play, science and mathematics. These are situated both indoors and outdoors. 

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (5-11 YEARS)

Students are encouraged to become: inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, and to be knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded, balanced and reflective. They develop these attributes within the classroom, during Town Meetings (assemblies), in the playground, and while participating in Southbank’s many extracurricular activities.

The PYP is all about inquiry: the process through which a learner moves from his or her current level of understanding to a new and deeper level. Our students will be:

- Exploring, wondering and questioning

- Collecting data and reporting findings

- Taking and defending a position

- Using critical thinking skills to understand a concept

- Making and testing theories

- Experimenting and playing with possibilities

- Solving problems in a variety of ways

OPEN DAYS AND PERSONAL TOURS

To discover everything Southbank has to offer, we regularly host information mornings throughout the academic year. This is the best way to get a feel for what makes Southbank so special.

Our information mornings give you and your child an opportunity to meet and hear from the Principal, view our excellent facilities, talk to current students and teachers, find out more about the International Baccalaureate and ask any questions you have about the school and our admissions process.

We also offer personal tours led by our Admissions Managers. To book, please  contact us on +44 (0)20 3890 1969.

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME (11-16 YEARS)

Southbank Westminster offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) with students ranging in age from 11 to 18 years old. It represents 70 nationalities.

The Middle Years Programme (11-15 yrs) shares the PYP's commitment to learning through inquiry and continues to develop attributes of the IB learner profile. The MYP emphasises intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and the real world.

IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (16-18 YEARS)

The Diploma Programme (15-18 yrs) encourages students to ask challenging questions, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures. It prepares students for the next stage in their education and the qualification is widely-recognised by the world's leading universities. 

At Southbank, we foster the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement – essential qualities for young people who are becoming global leaders. 

OPEN DAYS

To discover everything Southbank has to offer, we regularly host information mornings throughout the academic year. This is the best way to get a feel for what makes Southbank so special. 

Our information mornings give you and your child an opportunity to meet and hear from the Principal, view our excellent facilities, talk to current students and teachers, find out more about the International Baccalaureate and ask any questions you have about the school and our admissions process. 

We also offer personal tours led by our Admissions Managers. To book, please contact us at +44 (0)20 3890 1969.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMME (2-5 YEARS)

As part of our IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), we offer our Early Childhood curriculum for children aged 2-5 years.

Through inquiry-based learning and play, it aims to engage and stimulate young students and nurture their academic, personal and social development.

We encourage our Early Childhood students to explore, investigate and play through activities chosen by them and activities initiated by an adult. To support learning through play, our classroom environments are set up so students can move freely around clearly defined areas for reading, writing, art, construction, imaginative play, science and mathematics. These are situated both indoors and outdoors.

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (5-11 YEARS)

Students are encouraged to become: inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, and to be knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded, balanced and reflective. They develop these attributes within the classroom, during Town Meetings (assemblies), in the playground, and while participating in Southbank’s many extracurricular activities.

The PYP is all about inquiry: the process through which a learner moves from his or her current level of understanding to a new and deeper level. Our students will be:

- Exploring, wondering and questioning

- Collecting data and reporting findings

- Taking and defending a position

- Using critical thinking skills to understand a concept

- Making and testing theories

- Experimenting and playing with possibilities

- Solving problems in a variety of ways

OPEN DAYS

We offer our Unlock KES Prep Open Evening once a term – an evening with a twist. Children can take part in puzzles and games around the school while parents explore KES Prep, meet our teachers, hear from Head Becky Smith and enjoy some dinner treats together in the dining hall.

Whole School In Action Open Morning — Friday 16 October 2026, 9:30–11:00am

You can also arrange a personalised visit to our Nursery, Pre-School or Prep School at any time. Please email [email protected] or call 01794 528360 and our admissions team will be delighted to help.

YEAR-ROUND NURSERY PROVISION (AGES 1-4)

King Edward's Prep now offers extended Nursery provision by offering childcare throughout the holidays.

Full and part-time Nursery places are now available for 51 weeks of the year, alongside term-time only places, in its wonderful Early Years setting.

The Nursery will remain in the purpose build and newly-refurbished Early Years building. And in addition to the new provision, Stroud is very excited to offer a new and bespoke natural area, with a covered outdoor classroom, orchard and access to the wider 'wild side' of the School. 

During the school holidays, children will continue to access the School grounds and facilities, including the large sports hall, Forest School area, farm and swimming pool, alongside activities in the Early Years setting.

OPEN DAYS

Visiting King Edward VI is an essential part of the admission process and we look forward to showing our school. Visit the website via the link to find out more and to book. We also have Taster Mornings for prospective pupils.

Next Open Evening — Friday 2 October 2026, 6:00pm

Visit our Sixth Form

We would be delighted to invite families to come and experience our Sixth Form and School, to help decide if King Edward VI Sixth Form is right for you and your child, for the latest Sixth Form open events visit our website.
Next Open Evening — Friday 2 October 2026, 6:00pm

View our Sixth Form prospectus here.

ENCOURAGING OUR PUPILS TO FLOURISH

At King Edward VI school, we encourage our pupils to flourish in many ways: 
 

Flourish in achievement

- Laying down a foundation of wellbeing, so every pupil will exceed their own expectations

- Providing a varied, rigorous, balanced and exciting curricular and co-curricular programme to inspire learning

- Offering lessons and learning experiences that challenge assumptions, foster creativity and promote independence.

Flourish emotionally

- Recognise that all progress in education relies upon the good mental health of everyone within our community.

- Foster in every pupil a strong sense of self-worth, supported by an outstanding pastoral system.

- Nurture our pupils so that they engage positively with their emotions, developing emotional resilience.

Flourish with engagement

- Encourage all pupils to explore their potential in everything they do.

- Offer opportunities to pupils of all ages to develop their teamwork and leadership skills.

- Recognise the importance of co-curricular activities as a means of promoting positive engagement.

Flourish in relationships

- Put kindness at the very centre of our community.

- Understand that healthy relationships with others is key to happiness.

- Teach our pupils to empathise with each other.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

King Edward’s has an outstanding record of academic excellence and achievement. It is amongst the top co-educational independent schools in the country. We encourage students to develop a life-long love of learning supported by a disciplined yet enjoyable approach to their studies.

The teachers are highly qualified, talented and dedicated. They give pupils the skills and confidence to fulfil their potential, focusing on the pursuit of excellence and individual achievement. Small teaching groups, supported by the very latest technology and modern facilities, make for a demanding and stimulating learning environment where everyone can thrive.

The curriculum follows the normal path to GCSEs in Year 11 and A-Levels in the Sixth Form, but every effort is made to teach according to pupils’ abilities, and to stretch our pupils beyond the demands of the syllabus.

OPEN DAYS

We warmly invite you to visit our school at one of Open Days or at an individual visit. 

Autumn Open Days

Open Day — Saturday 26 September 2026
10:00am – 1:00pm

Open Day — Friday 2 October 2026
9:15am – 11:30am

Join us this autumn to experience the complete two to eighteen journey at Northampton High School. We will be opening our doors for you to see how we empower girls to find their voice and trust in themselves. Everything we do is Made for Girls.

You can also BOOK A PERSONAL TOUR – Term Time 9.00am-3.30pm. Click here to book.

WHY CHOOSE A GIRLS-ONLY SCHOOL?

Girls thrive in environments tailored to their unique learning styles, as they are given the freedom to experiment, fail without judgment, and develop confidence.

At Northampton High, girls can take on leadership roles, collaborate, and build self-worth while being prepared for the co-ed world outside. Research shows that girls excel in classrooms without gender-based expectations, and at Northampton, this creates an inclusive community where they believe they can achieve anything. Girls' education is crucial for shaping a brighter, more equitable future for all.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR ISI INSPECTION REPORT

Our latest inspection report speaks directly to who we are and what a great school should be doing. We are exceptionally proud of our work so it is encouraging to have this formally acknowledged. Here are just a few of the key inspection findings:

“Pupils apply themselves readily to acquiring new skills and are willing to take risks in their learning.”

“Pupils value the numerous opportunities to contribute their ideas and views. They say they are listened to.”

“Pupils of all ages, including children in the early years, can get involved in community service projects. These activities improve pupils’ feelings of self-worth and promote their social development.”

“Leaders have a focus on promoting digital technology to inspire pupils to use technology effectively, confidently and successfully.”

OPEN DAYS

The only real way to get the true feeling of what an education at Hurst  Lodge School is like is to come and visit us. Our friendly admissions team are here to help, and they have plenty of experience of helping families make the same step.

We don’t restrict admissions to a single point of entry; we welcome students into school all through the academic year.

The entry points for admission to Hurst Lodge School are Years 3-9 and Lower Sixth (Year 12)

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

We are an inclusive community that is sensitive to the individual needs of our learners. We hold the highest aspirations for each pupil and we give them the support they need to thrive. As a parent, you can be assured of our commitment to help them grow in confidence and to flourish socially, vocationally, and academically.

The challenges some of our students face such as ASC, ADHD, Dyslexia, Social Anxiety and Communication we take in our stride.  Hurst Lodge is an inclusive school which removes barriers to learning and participation, provides an education that is appropriate to students’ needs, and promotes high standards and fulfilment of potential for all students.

Our educational provision is underpinned by a unique culture. At Hurst Lodge, we commit to nurturing all students to achieve their potential, whether or not they have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Everything starts with an understanding of each individual’s learning abilities, from this basis, we can determine the pathway that will best serve their needs. We have three learning pathways, Hurst, Lodge and Moderate Learning Difficulties. All enable students to benefit from support and an exciting curriculum. 

OUR AIMS

To provide an holistic approach to education and to place learning, creativity and the building of self-worth at the centre of the school’s life. Our secure and purposeful environment enables pupils to develop mentally and physically as far as they are able with the pursuit of excellence in intellectual, physical and cultural activities being the end goal.

The school provides a broad and balanced academic curriculum enhanced by an aesthetic and creative program of study. The school aims to educate students to become responsible citizens, respect their surroundings and tread lightly on the Earth.

We aim to provide a friendly, family atmosphere, conducive to learning, where courtesy, kindness and consideration for others are fostered in all pupils.

We aim for children to become successful learners, and gain pleasure from their environment whilst contributing to the school and wider community as well as achieving personal goals.