Cothill has been commended in the Small Independent School category at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026, recognising the school’s distinctive approach to education for children aged 7 to 13.

The leading co-educational preparatory school in Oxfordshire is known for its small classes, personalised academic pathways, and outstanding record of preparing children for entry to top senior schools.

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With an average class size of just 13, teachers are able to build a deep understanding of each child, shaping bespoke academic pathways that stretch and support pupils according to their individual strengths and interests.

This personalised approach has consistently helped Cothill pupils go on to secure places at some of the country’s top senior schools including Eton, Radley College and Harrow.

The commendation reflects the strength of a community where relationships, not numbers, define the experience, where every child is known, encouraged, and given the confidence to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

The Independent Schools of the Year Awards celebrate excellence across the UK’s independent education sector, with entries judged by an independent panel on the impact and quality of what schools deliver for their pupils and families.

Being commended places Cothill among a select group of schools recognised for outstanding achievement in this category.

Headteacher George May with pupils at Cothill (Image: Cothill)

Cothill will now wait to hear whether it progresses to the finals, with results due in September.

In March, the school announced its inclusion in the prestigious Spears Schools Index.

The school said in a statement at the time: “This recognition is a testament to Cothill’s continued commitment to providing a well-rounded, forward-thinking education while nurturing each pupil’s individual strengths and character.

“The school takes great pride in being acknowledged on such a global stage alongside some of the most respected educational institutions worldwide and particularly for the recognition of our culture of kindness.

“Cothill extends its gratitude to its dedicated staff, supportive parents, and inspiring pupils, all of whom contribute to making the school a vibrant and thriving community.”

Dame Prue, who lives in Moreton-in-Marsh just over the Oxfordshire border, is most famous for judging Channel 4 show The Great British Bake Off, appearing alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood for nine series.

The 86-year-old joined the series in 2017, replacing Henley resident Dame Mary Berry when it moved from the BBC, but in January this year announced she was bowing out of the Bake Off.

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Even so, she has continued to be featured in the media, with her latest appearance concerning her son Danny Kruger, an MP for Reform UK.

Speaking to Times Radio this week, Dame Prue said she was “worrying” about him in the wake of the death of Ann Widdecombe.

Danny Kruger MP (Image: Victoria Jones/PA)

Ms Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday, July 9, at her home in Devon with police having since arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham on suspicion of her murder.

The former Conservative minister joined Reform UK in 2019, the same party that Mr Kruger defected to in September 2025, with the party since pushing for more money to be spent on security for MPs.

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Speaking to Times Radio, Dame Prue said: “I haven’t even rung him [her son] up about it because I don’t want him…having to add to the worry the fact that his mother is worrying.”

She added: “Honestly, I think the government will do everything it can to protect MPs and there are dangers in every walk of life and this is one that MPs have to have in the back of their minds.

“But I think it is scary.”

The national government’s reorganisation of local authorities is set to see a new unitary council or councils created – abolishing those which currently run Oxfordshire, its city and districts.

To meet its own timetable for the change, the Government must announce its decision tomorrow, Thursday, July 16.

It had been suggested by the county highway repairs boss and former leader Liz Leffman that the choice would have been shared today, July 15.

(Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

However, at the time of writing, this has not been revealed.

A spokesperson for the city council said they had “not heard anything” on the choice, concluding that it will therefore be shared tomorrow.

There are three options on the table for the authority or authorities which will replace Oxfordshire’s councils in April 2028.

These are for one, two or three new unitary councils – the options for multiple authorities would also include West Berkshire.

Rumours from Westminster that the Labour government will choose to go with the Labour-run Oxford City Council’s proposal for local government reorganisation – Calum Miller, the Lib Dem MP for Bicester and Woodstock, told Parliament that people in his constituency are “concerned” about this.

He was questioning the English devolution minister, Alison McGovern, who said she is “sticking to” a process already set out by the Government and that announcements will be made “this week”.