Its flagship school, Highgrove Online School, aims to provide an outstanding British education for ambitious pupils studying GCSEs and A Levels online. Highgrove Education was founded by Heather Rhodes, who was the Principal of Harrow School Online for four years.

Its academic teaching team boasts a distinguished track record including its impressive A level results for 2024. A-level results in courses taught with flipped learning, where there are just two scheduled lessons a week per subject, were: 50% A*, 75% A*or A and 88% A* to B, against a national average of 9.3%. The team has seen first-hand how students at Highgrove progress with their study and courses which are taught in a flipped learning style. This involves students studying at a pace that suits them, joining classes, and seeing their teacher on a one-to-one basis.

As well as offering GCSE and A-level teaching, Highgrove Education provides an enriching extracurricular offering which includes a series of elective courses. Led by members of its teaching team, these are a great way for pupils to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and add to their university applications. The elective courses include an Introduction to Investment, English Language Support, AI Literacy, Music Technology, Digital Photography, Emotional Intelligence, and many more. Alongside this Highgrove Education provides bespoke programmes and one-to-one support. Pupils are also part of a tutor group, house system, and can join a wide range of student-led clubs and societies.

Heather Rhodes, Founder and Principal, Highgrove Education commented: “It has been a pleasure to welcome pupils from around the world to Highgrove Online School. I set out to prove that delivering a full independent school education online was not only possible but could match the A-level results and university outcomes of traditional schools. This year at Harrow School Online, we surpassed expectations with 50% of our students achieving A* grades in their flipped A-level courses and over three-quarters of students heading to the UK for university taking up places at Russell Group universities. Over the past three years our leavers have secured places at world-leading universities across the globe, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Warwick, Sydney, and Berkeley, to study on some of the most competitive degree courses available. I am excited to continue this journey with our dedicated team under our new Highgrove Education brand.”

Rhodes continued: “We’ve just held the first assembly of the year, and I’m thrilled with our first cohort of pupils who span the globe from America to Asia. They are eager to dive into their academic programmes and appreciate having more flexibility and more responsibility for their learning than in a traditional school. We’re determined to continue what we started with Harrow School Online and extend this further by teaching GCSEs as well as A levels. Teaching remotely allows us to provide a top-tier education to pupils wherever they live, at a more affordable fee than traditional independent schooling. We work with outstanding teachers to offer a world-leading education online, with a rich extra-curricular programme running alongside our GCSE and A-level courses – including what I believe is the best selection of online elective courses for secondary students in the world. In addition to running an online school, we also collaborate directly with schools worldwide to deliver courses remotely to their students. I am excited to lead our talented teaching team to provide unparalleled opportunities for pupils to receive a top independent school education online.”

Ed Cornaby, the founder of Cornaby Education, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company. With a distinguished career in the independent education sector, Ed has specialised in admissions and international student recruitment. His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these areas positions him uniquely to support schools in refining their admissions strategies and broadening their international appeal.

Cornaby Education is committed to empowering independent boarding schools by providing bespoke consulting services aimed at streamlining admissions processes and enhancing international student recruitment. The company’s mission is to discover innovative education solutions that ensure schools can focus on delivering exceptional education while Cornaby Education handles the complexities of admissions and international outreach.

Cornaby Education offers a comprehensive range of services including:

1. Marketing Materials: Transform your school’s marketing with engaging videos, prospectuses, and social media content to help independent schools stand out regionally and internationally.

2. Admissions Process Optimisation: Streamline your school’s admissions process, from booking visits to completing joining forms. With expertise in VISA applications, UKVI compliance, and optimising application forms, Cornaby Education ensures it is a joy for parents to apply to your school and for agents to work with you.

3. Promotion at Educational Fairs: Promote your school effectively at both national and international educational fairs. Cornaby Education’s experts represent your institution, highlighting its unique strengths and attracting more families and student inquiries. They also offer sales training to admissions teams and other staff members.

4. Outsourcing International Recruitment Travel: Cornaby Education introduces a pioneering model in the UK, offering outsourced international travel services specifically designed to recruit international boarders. This innovative approach ensures that schools can maintain a strong international presence without the logistical and financial burden of organizing extensive travel.

What sets Cornaby Education apart is its founder’s hands-on experience and proven track record in the independent education sector. Ed Cornaby’s deep insights and practical approach ensure that schools can not only improve their admissions efficiency but also attract a diverse and talented international student body.

Cornaby Education’s services are designed specifically for independent boarding schools in the UK that aim to enhance their admissions processes and increase their international student enrolment.

Bea is scheduled to depart from Stonyhurst this week to commence her rehearsals for the prestigious role.

Since the age of three, Bea’s passion for dance has been nurtured by the Mclaren Dance Company and her dedicated ballet tutors. Over the years, she has participated in numerous dance competitions across the country, clinching the title of British cabaret champion at just four years old. At the same age, she impressively earned the runner-up spot in the All-England competition, facing off against competitors up to three years her senior. Bea’s talents were further highlighted last year with an appearance on “Britain’s Got Talent” and her first professional engagement in the classic musical “Oliver.”

This year, Bea earned a scholarship to the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School in New York and was slated to compete in the Youth American Grand Prix in Italy. Despite these exciting opportunities, the chance to perform in London’s West End was an offer she couldn’t refuse, underscoring her rising star in the world of dance and theatre.

From her earliest days at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, Bea has demonstrated remarkable talent and dedication in the performing arts. She has flourished under the guidance of the school’s outstanding Drama Department, receiving LAMDA coaching from Chloe Carrington, a seasoned actress with roles in notable productions like the Jersey Boys World Tour and Moulin Rouge.

In addition to Chloe’s mentorship, Bea has also benefited from the expertise of Kate Hodkinson, the Head of Drama at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, who is an accomplished public speaker, actor, and singer with extensive professional experience in television and touring theatre.

During her time at Stonyhurst, Bea has taken on significant roles, including a lead in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and a part in the professional staging of Oliver at Leeds Playhouse. Her impressive performances have led to exceptionally high marks in two Musical Theatre LAMDA examinations, showcasing her burgeoning talent and the robust arts education provided by Stonyhurst.

As Bea undertakes her role in London, she will simultaneously continue her academic studies. Stonyhurst is dedicated to ensuring that her education remains a top priority, facilitating her completion of schoolwork remotely with her mother’s assistance, thereby maintaining a balanced approach to her academic and theatrical commitments.

“The entire community at Stonyhurst is immensely proud of Bea and her exceptional accomplishment,” states Kate Hodkinson, Head of Drama at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall. “Her selection for this coveted role underscores her talent and the calibre of drama education at Stonyhurst. We wish her every success in this exciting new chapter and are committed to supporting her throughout her journey.”

The school will phase out its current Year 7 and Year 8 cohorts over the coming two years as it outlines a brand new strategy in keeping with national and local trends moving away from the traditional 13+ transfer to senior school.

Helen Regan, Chair of Governors at York House, explained: “Moving away from Year 7 and 8 is a strategic decision for the school. We engaged with several senior schools ahead of the decision and we recognise that as a thriving co-educational prep school, the vast majority of girls’ schools focus entirely on 11+ and the majority of our boys that feed into the independent market as well as local state schools, also offer entry at 11+.”

During the phased approach, the current Year 6 and 7 pupils will move as usual into Year 7 and 8 in September 2024, but this will also mark the last Year 7 cohort at the school. September 2025 will include the last Year 8 cohort who will leave in the summer of 2026. The current Year 5 and below will all move to senior schools at 11+ and as a result, York House will become an 11+ school from September 2026.

Jon Gray, Head Teacher at York House, said: “There are many exciting opportunities for the school in becoming fully 11+ and these have been discussed in great detail. We have also consulted with our current Year 5 parents as they are most closely affected by the decision.”

In line with the changes, in 2026 the school’s current “Leavers Programme” will move to Year 6, and some of the trips and experiences that have always sat in the Upper School of Year 7 and 8 will find new homes in the school in Year 5 and 6. There will also be more leadership opportunities for Year 6 pupils as a result of the transition.

Mr Gray added: “It is very important to us that our pupils across the year groups experience the best ‘York House Way’ and the adventure-led education that we aim to provide. We are also celebrating an excellent inspection report as a co-educational school and these structural changes will allow the school to thrive from a position of strength, with the highest number of pupils ever in the school, since its foundation in 1910, being this summer term 2024.”

The Westminster Bridge-based college has been highly praised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), which has deemed DLD College London to be fully compliant in meeting all statutory Independent School Standards.

Commending teaching and learning at the college, the diligent inspectors found that “teaching is consistently inclusive” and “the range of courses available allows pupils from different educational backgrounds to choose pathways that can fulfil their ambitions, including those pupils who have SEND. Therefore, whether boarders or day, domestic or international, pupils can flourish academically.” It was also acknowledged that “pupils achieve well in creative subjects such as art, graphics, photography, media studies and drama…well-designed resources and teaching expertise in media studies enable pupils in sixth form to finalise their documentary productions, meeting technically and creatively high standards.”

Significantly, the inspectors noted that “the school’s description that ‘London is our classroom’ is lived out” and “pupils enjoy the opportunities to embrace the multi-cultural benefits of their cosmopolitan local environment, and they prosper in terms of personal and social development and intellectual stimulation from the opportunities that are available to them.”

It was also highlighted that “a nurturing pastoral care system brings out the best in pupils.”

Principal of DLD College London, Irfan Latif commented: “I am thrilled to finally share the ISI report for DLD College London, which took place during the penultimate week of a jam-packed autumn term. I am delighted with the report and found the whole inspection experience positive – from the initial phone call to the final feedback session, the process was supportive and collaborative under the new ISI F23 framework. Well done to the entire DLD community – staff, students, parents, guardians and governors for all their support, dedication and encouragement. This is an incredible achievement!”

The 17-year-old, from Corbridge, raced to victory at Croft Circuit on Saturday 17th February to clinch the career-launching prize, valued at up to £40,000. It marks a significant milestone for the teen, who is studying for his A Levels at Dame Allan’s Schools, in Newcastle, while embarking on a promising journey in motorsport.

Will was among thirty talented teenage drivers who participated in the rigorous one-day scholarship competition at the North Yorkshire racing circuit. Contenders took part in on-track driving assessments, group fitness challenges, simulated racing driving and pitstop activities.

Commenting after his success, Will said: “I’m extremely proud to represent the JSCC in their 10-year anniversary as their scholarship winner, especially given the incredible display of talent from the rest of the entrants. I really can’t wait for the start of my very first full season.”

Will started competing in the JSCC – a racing series for talented young drivers between the ages of 14 and 17, offering close and highly competitive racing at tracks across the UK – last year, having previously trained on a sim in his bedroom. He is the seventh driver to be awarded a JSCC scholarship since the series launched in 2014, with previous winners now having successful careers in F1 academy and F4.

JSCC coordinator Dave Beecroft, said: “We’re looking forward to working with this young man in 2024; a super scholarship winner!”

Will sat his GCSEs while competing as a rookie in the 2023 series. Despite being involved in a crash just days before his GCSE Geography exam, he collected an impressive set of grade 7s and an 8 on results day. He is now studying for A Levels in Geography, Design and Technology and Business at Dame Allan’s Sixth Form, in Fenham.

His mum, Tracey Crewdson, said: “Will works very hard and we owe so much to Dame Allan’s for the amazing grounding they have given him. The school has played a huge role in his journey.
“He is going to be a great ambassador for the JSCC series. While his driving ability was 99.9% of the scholarship assessment, his character, kindness and hard work ethic also shone through. This is a huge opportunity, and we are immensely proud of him.”

The opening rounds of the 2024 Junior Saloon Car Championship are scheduled to take place across the weekend of March 31/April 1 at Brands Hatch. As part of Will’s scholarship, all registration and race entry fees will be covered, and he will have use, transportation and storage of a race car for the full JSCC season. He will continue to race with Orex Competition during his final year as a junior.

Mrs Crewdson added: “His profile will be really raised this year before he goes on to race in adult competitive series. We don’t know which path he’ll go down, but as long as his future involves four wheels and a race track he’ll be happy!”

Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, applauded Will’s success. He said: “Will demonstrates impressive resilience and determination. This wonderful scholarship opportunity on the back of an impressive set of GCSE results and a great start to his A Level studies is testament to his unwavering dedication and ability to excel in both academics and motorsports.”

NFL Flag is the starting point for a possible journey into playing football professionally. As well as the regular football tournaments, there is the opportunity to qualify for a regional final played at Tottenham Hotspur in October 2022 during half time of the NFL Pro regular season game. The winners of that match will have the option to go to Florida to play the American finalists.

Becoming a regional Hub for the NFL is part of Windlesham’s drive to offer a more diverse range of sports to its pupils and to support the wider local pupil community. Pupils at the West Sussex prep school are being taught NFL Flag Football as part of the new curriculum programme and from a coaching perspective, this has been rolled out to a selection of Windlesham staff who are now fully certified.

Adrian Wallis-Adams, NFL Coach for Windlesham House explained, “Our goal, is to bring the local school community together, with an emphasis on state schools. We have launched our own League and other schools are able to play as part of this as well as enrol in the NFL Flag Football curriculum programme.”

Any school in the area can join the programme and being a co-educational sport, it has a much wider appeal. Certification is delivered through a one-day recognised PE staff training course. The NFL provides all of the training and curriculum material as well as free equipment. There is also no ongoing obligation or direct costs if you change your mind.

Windlesham is also planning some trips to support its local American football team, The Sussex Thunder, based at Sussex University, and has registered the school to attend the NFL regular season games, of which there are three scheduled for the Autumn of this year at Tottenham Hotspur and Wembley Stadium, and two further games are being played in Germany during November 2022.

Ben Evans, Headmaster at Windlesham House School said, “Following assessment by the NFL, we are delighted to have been appointed as a regional hub for the NFL. Diversity in sport has never been more important and this fun league provides both our pupils and the local community with some wonderful opportunities to train at a high level and to take their talent further afield.”

For local schools interested in getting involved, they are invited to send two PE teachers for training and will receive a 1st 4 Sport accredited qualification in NFL Flag Football as well as 10 official balls, 30 official flag belts, 6-week NFL Flag Football curriculum pack, and the opportunity to join the official NFL Flag League.

Mr Wallis-Adams concluded, “Windlesham hosted the first of many NFL Flag Football training sessions for PE staff back in March, which was hugely popular and very over-subscribed. We have already put a further date in our diary for September this year.”

The Independent Day and Residential School is located within Chester Cathedral’s historic grounds in the centre of the city. It delivers evidence-based education, nurturing and care to young people aged 4-19 with complex autism, who may have learning difficulties and behaviours that challenge.

Opened in June, the new accommodation means the school will now be able to provide pupils that require a residential placement with 24/7 support.

Abbey School combines the latest special education research and best practice to create an outstanding teaching and learning experience, with the wellbeing of pupils and staff at the heart of the school’s philosophy. The school’s model is built around a holistic approach to education that ensures the continued development of each pupil and which supports their growing independence and capability.

The new residential provision will extend Abbey School’s offering of a bespoke, waking day curriculum that brings learning and development into the pupil’s everyday life through engagement and participation.

Residential placements at Abbey School are available for any child or young person with complex autism, learning difficulties and behaviours that challenge, regardless of where they live in the UK.

Such support for children with special educational needs is increasingly in demand. In 2021 the government reported that the percentage of pupils with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan had increased from 3.3% to 3.7%.

The government’s report also identified that the most common type of need for those with an EHC plan is Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Research indicates that a person with autism is up to eight times more likely to experience a placement breakdown and Department of Education data shows that every region in England has experienced a rise in exclusions for children with autism of between 45% and 100% in five years.

These statistics highlight the vital need for combined educational and residential support that’s tailored specifically to the needs of young people with autism.

Dr Katy Lee, Principal at Abbey School, said: “Our brand new residential provision will help meet an urgent and growing demand for focused environments tailored to the needs of young people with autism. This sort of support is in short supply across the country, which means that many pupils’ placements unfortunately end up failing.

“At Abbey School, our expertise is in catering for young people with autism. This specialism is illustrated throughout our operations, such as the way we personalise each pupil’s curriculum and learning journey according to their individual requirements. This bespoke curriculum is delivered through a careful balance of 1-1 and small group learning support.

“Now that we’ve opened the doors of our residential offering, we’re looking forward to welcoming young people who will benefit from waking day education where their development and wellbeing will be nurtured and supported by our highly trained, trans-disciplinary team.

Relationships with family and friends will be supported and encouraged for all pupils. Family visits are welcomed and families can keep in touch through regular phone calls and video calls.

Dr Lee added: “By working closely with families and local authorities, we’re committed to providing an excellent residential experience that aligns with each child’s existing support network. As part of this, they will be introduced to their new school and living arrangements through a detailed and highly personalised transition plan.”

Professor Sandy Toogood, Head of Clinical and Behavioural Services at Abbey School for Exceptional Children, said: “Abbey School represents an advanced approach to caring for and educating children and young persons with autism. As an innovative learning organisation, we’ve combined special education research and best practice in order to create an environment that maximises pupil learning and wellbeing.

“Research conducted by our curriculum leadership team, including partners at Bangor and Warwick Universities, has informed our curriculum, which is highly individualised, goal-based and precisely assessed. The individual learning and therapeutic support plans utilised at Abbey School are constantly reviewed and adapted to ensure that each young person’s needs are consistently met and that they are making steady progress.”

The launch of Abbey School’s residential offer follows a comprehensive refurbishment of several beautiful mews properties on the school’s site. The transformed Victorian buildings overlook the ancient city walls, providing a calm space in which the children and young people can live and learn while simultaneously being able to easily access Chester’s amenities and community spaces.

Each house has its own garden and outdoor space along with a lounge, kitchen and activity area as well as bedrooms and bathrooms. The spaces have been designed to provide an attractive and welcoming home that meets each resident’s needs. Pupils are encouraged to further personalise their area of the house based on their interests.

Young people live in small groups in each house and are being supported by a highly qualified team of residential care staff which will include a home manager, key workers, residential care staff and waking-night staff. Pupils follow a waking-day curriculum of fun-filled activities, extending the knowledge and skills acquired at school into their home setting while also developing daily living, social, personal care, and leisure skills.

Pupils have a number of residential options available, ranging from 38-41 week placements including the option of returning home for weekends.

For more information about Abbey School’s day and residential offer, visit: www.abbeyschool.com

“As a small school, to be acknowledged nationally as a leading provider for secondary art education is superb,” said Headmistress, Sarah Wilson. “To be revered internationally is exceptional with this unique agreement being the only one of its kind in existence.”

Established in 1921, as the first American art and design school in Paris, Parsons has a long tradition of inspiring artists, designers and scholars. Together with Parsons in New York and The New School – Parsons’ parent university – Parsons Paris prepares its diverse graduates to pioneer new industries and pursue creative careers. In 2021, Parsons was ranked as the number one art college in the USA as well as one of the top three in the world. Its approach to merging disciplines to cultivate design-led problem solvers is aligned with Heathfield’s own philosophy for creative arts education.

“Parsons’ close-knit community, which offers a bespoke curriculum, is reflective of our best practice at Heathfield,” said Sarah. “This exciting collaboration will benefit art and design students in a variety of ways, including the creation of extra-curricular and scholarship opportunities for KS 3, 4 and 5 for instance, and through fashion events which Parsons will be attending. Parsons will also be on hand to review the portfolios and presentations of students applying to study art and design at university. A Fashion Designer in Residence – a recent Parsons’ BFA or MFA graduate – will work closely with all our pupils to identify and develop their creative spark, and to help to produce, promote and present their work. Students aged 16+ will also receive a 10% discount on the Parsons Paris Summer Programme.

“As Heathfield continues to flourish, we have now joined an international community of excellence and innovation. There is no finer accolade or one more fitting for our pupils”.