The private boys’ school, one of the top performing schools in the country, has joined forces with Abingdon Prep School and The Manor Prep, to form the Abingdon Schools Group at the start of the new academic year.

Abingdon Prep School is in Frilford near Abingdon, while The Manor Prep is in Faringdon Road, close to St Helen and St Katharine school for girls, another top performing independent school.

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The announcement follows Abingdon School’s decision to become co-educational, admitting girls to the first year (Year 7) and Sixth Form (Year 12) from September 2026.

Abingdon School (Image: Contributed)

The schools involved in the merger said they will now be better placed to invest in educational excellence, boost opportunities for pupils and staff and “build resilience” in an evolving educational landscape.

Each school in the Abingdon Schools Group will retain its own identity, culture and community.

From left to right: Nicky Black, Head Abingdon Prep School; Rachel Hamlyn, Head The Manor Prep; and Mike Windsor, Head, Abingdon) (Image: Abingdon School)

Families, pupils and staff can continue to expect the same distinctive educational experience and sense of belonging that defines each school, while benefiting from the advantages of closer collaboration and shared expertise.

Peter Dickson, Chair of Governors at The Manor Prep, said: “This partnership marks a significant and exciting milestone that celebrates and protects the unique heritage of each of our schools, while our shared commitment to educational excellence will unlock even greater opportunities for our pupils.”

Pupils at The Manor Prep (Image: The Manor Prep)

James Sporle, Chair of Governors at Abingdon School, added: “The formation of the Abingdon Schools Group is a commitment to the future. By joining together from a position of strength, we are creating a robust and sustainable group united by excellence that offers our families long-term stability and breadth of choice.”

In May last year, Radley College and Prep Schools Trust, which includes Cothill House and Chandlings Prep School, announced they were merging.

Chandlings and Cothill, which educate boys and girls from two to 13, are located close to Radley College – one of three remaining full boarding schools for boys aged 13-18. 

Prep Schools Trust is a family of seven junior schools across the country, including Kitebrook in the Cotswolds on the Oxfordshire border which educates 330 pupils.

The legendary cook was a judge on the BBC’s Great British Bake Off between 2010 and 2016 before it left for Channel 4.

She has lived in Henley, in the south of Oxfordshire, with her husband, Paul Hunnings, since 2019.

The cook, 91, received the Academy’s highest honour for her exceptional contribution to television on Sunday.

Dame Mary Berry holding her BAFTA award (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

Speaking to Bafta red carpet host Roman Kemp as she arrived at the ceremony, she said of the fellowship: “I always think about directors and actors and actresses getting it, so as a cook, I feel very honoured.

“I’m immensely honoured to join those wonderful people who already won it, it’s amazing.”

On stage, she added a thank you for her late son William, who died in a car crash in 1989.

The TV legend said: “William is in heaven, but I thank him [too].”

Fans have rallied around Dame Mary following her award.

One said on social media: “Mary Berry at the BAFTAs speaking about her son was exactly the kind of moment telly needs more of. Real, devastating, human. That’s what made it powerful.”

Another said: “Congratulations, so happy for Dame Mary Berry. She is such a Queen and so well deserved.”

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While a third added: “Love the friendship between Mel, Sue and Mary Berry. It was wonderful to see Mary win the fellowship award. Truly a national treasure.”

Dame Mary began her television career on Collector’s World in Bristol, where she prepared Victorian-era dishes.

She said: “I started off on Collector’s World, in Bristol.

“I had to make cow’s udder pie and all sorts of Victorian dishes, and I didn’t really enjoy that, and I moved on to other things.”

She added: “In Bake Off, I wanted to get everyone baking and cooking, and I think I was quite kind.”

Antonio Marraffa, 30, is wanted for a recall to prison for poor behaviour and offending since being released from custody.

He is known to visit Oxford city centre and Abingdon town centre and, as well as the Littlemore and Rosehill area.

Mr Marraffa is described as a white man, around 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build, with blue eyes, a broken nose, short dark hair and a wispy moustache.

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Thames Valley Police warns to not approach and call 999 if he is spotted instead. 

It said: “If you have information as to his whereabouts then please add it to our online reporting page quoting reference 43260216207.”

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.