Multiple UK private schools in mergers – now listed

Earlier this month, Abingdon School announced it is to merge with two prep schools in the town.

Independent schools across the county are now agreeing to mergers as they seek ways of consolidating their position, with mergers a method of building ‘resilience’.

READ MORE: UK private school’s major merger

Abingdon School, a private boys’ school which is 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.

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

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.

James Sporle, chair of governors at Abingdon School, said earlier: “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.

Abingdon School (Image: Contributed)

“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.”

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

George May, headteacher at Cothill House (Image: Contributed)

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.

All eight schools joined forces to form Radley Schools Group in September 2025.

The Council of Radley College, which manages the private school, took on the controlling responsibility for the group.

Prefects at Radley College (Image: Andrew Walmsley/Radley College)

Radley Schools Group said in a statement at the time: “Radley Schools Group believes in the timeless and authentic values of high quality charitable independent education.

“Through the strength and stability of our group, we are committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for all our pupils throughout their childhood.

“Blending the very best of tradition and innovation, we seek to develop young people of outstanding character and purpose for generations to come.”

Kingham Hill School (Image: Ollie Tigwell)

In July last year, Kingham Hill School, near Chipping Norton, which educates 325 pupils aged 11 to 18, became part of the Cheltenham-based Dean Close Foundation.

It decided to join the foundation based on “shared values and a commitment to developing the unique potential in every pupil,”.

Rye St Antony in Headington (Image: Contributed)

And in September, 2024, Headington School and Rye St Antony School merged to form Headington Rye Oxford.

The new school includes facilities for a prep school for pupils aged three to 11 at the Rye site, and for girls aged 11-18 at the Headington senior school site.

Our Lady’s Abingdon private school closed suddenly last year, citing financial pressures.