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.”

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”.

Matthew Newman and Romina Ledesma, who have been together for five years and live in Little Milton, will be backing different sides as England face Argentina in a high-stakes match on the world stage.

Mr Newman, a passionate England supporter, said: “There is a lot of history between the two countries, inside and outside of football and it’s the first time I will have watched a game between the two – even better that it’s on the world stage in a semi-final of the World Cup.”

His partner, from Argentina, is just as excited.

Romi said: “It will be Leo’s first time against England so it’s a very important game for Argentina tonight as well.”

The pair have been teasing each other since the start of the tournament, fully aware that a clash between their teams was always a possibility.

Matt, who works in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, said they have exchanged ‘lots of small jokes here and there’, with “the occasional ‘It’s coming home’ mid-conversation and chats about what I’ll be doing when we win.”.

Ms Ledesma added: “We were joking about playing against each other in this World Cup at some point, but we didn’t expect that to happen, and suddenly… here we are!

“We have been teasing each other match by match, but not just each other but also with our Argentinians and English friends.”

Despite their playful rivalry, the couple agree that watching the game together might not be the best idea this time.

Matt said: “We decided it’s probably not best to watch together, especially considering it would be a little odd going together to a place full of English supporters and Romi is there on her own supporting Argentina.”

Romi said she will watch the game with her Argentinian friends.

She said: “I will be watching it with my Argentinian friends at their house, which will be super fun! I feel it would be a bit awkward watching it in any bar/pub being an Argentinian supporter.”

Football holds deep personal meaning for both fans, each convinced of their team’s chances.

Matt said: “We’ve come so close to winning things in the past couple of years, and I really do think that this time we can go all the way.

“Jude is in the form of his life and can always count on Kane to bag a goal when we need one.”

Yet Romi is equally optimistic about Argentina’s prospects.

She said: “As Argentinians, we are passionate people, and that passion shows in the way we support our teams.

“Whether it’s football, hockey, polo, Formula 1, basketball, or any other sport, we always give our full support to the athletes no matter the result.”

Each has their own score prediction, adding extra anticipation to the evening.

Matt predicts a 3-1 win for England whilst Romi reckons it will be 4-2 Argentina.

He said: “I think we have too much pace on the wings for Argentina and they play such a high line – but wouldn’t be surprised if they got a goal first – as they have players with great quality.”

Romi expects a high-scoring win for her team.

She said: “Argentina have been giving us small heart attacks in the last few matches, but I feel tonight they will be pressing and playing hard from the start.”