Radley College and Prep Schools Trust are delighted to announce one of the most significant mergers in the charitable independent education sector to date. Radley College and all the seven Prep Schools Trust schools will, from September, come together to form Radley Schools Group.
Pupils and families from Beeston Hall School are set to benefit from the creation of a groundbreaking new education group as Radley College and Prep Schools Trust announce they are merging today in one of the most significant mergers in the charitable independent school sector.
Prep Schools Trust currently educates 1,600 pupils from age two to 13 across the UK in its seven schools: Barfield School; Beeston Hall School; Chandlings Prep School; Cothill House; Kitebrook Preparatory School; Mowden Hall School and West Hill Park School. Radley College – one of three remaining all boys, all boarding schools – is situated just outside the city of Oxford and numbers 770 boys from age 13 to 18.
This merger presents both charities with the opportunity to be part of something groundbreaking in the independent schools’ sector: greater security and access to resource and expertise, and a louder voice and wider influence in helping to shape the future of independent charitable education for children of all ages.
Warden (Headmaster) of Radley College, John Moule, said: “Radley College and Prep Schools Trust believe in the timeless and authentic values of high quality charitable independent education. That is why we are coming together to create Radley Schools Group. Through the strength and stability of a wider group, we are committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for all our pupils throughout their childhood and to each school retaining its strong identity in its local context. Blending the very best of tradition and innovation, we seek to develop young people of outstanding character and purpose.”
Following the merger, each school will continue to retain their independent identities and markets. Over time, Radley Schools Group will ensure its schools become known for providing an innovative and successful education in each setting, with a sensitivity to local context and need.
Beeston Hall School’s Headmaster, Fred de Falbe, adds, “This is arguably the most exciting development in Beeston’s 77 year history, anyway since its establishment as an educational charity in 1967. We are delighted that Radley recognises the shared values of resilience and purpose that underpin the educational provision at Beeston, and the commitment we have to a real childhood, whilst preparing children for senior schools all around the UK.”
In a changing educational landscape, Radley Schools Group will work together to meet all the societal, economic and political challenges faced by the charitable independent school sector – and, together, be a force for good.
For more information, head to our announcement letter, visit the Radley Schools Group website or watch this video.
For the full list of FAQs please head to Radley’s website via this link
