UK private schools in Oxfordshire announce merger deal

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.

READ MORE: Abingdon School announces it will now admit girls

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.