News and Resources

On an especially rainy afternoon, we were guided to the art classroom - a cosy escape from the weather outside. Students’ work lined every corner: colourful bursts of paint across white paper, sculptures hanging gently from the ceiling, clay leaves shaped into masks, and illustrations of purple cars etched into the pages of sketchbooks. From the moment we stepped in, it was clear this was a space where creativity was encouraged and given room to grow.

This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Arco Academy, as the organisation continues to strengthen its distinctive sports-specialist curriculum and commitment to excellence, inclusion, and opportunity for every student.

“It is impossible not to be drawn to the school’s ethos and dedication to the development of character and individuality. As a firm believer in progressive education and taking a child-centred approach, I had an instant connection the first time I walked through the school gates.”

Independent schools play a critical role in delivering the education and care for many thousands of children with SEND across the country. Our schools meet needs and provide capacity and expertise where it is needed. We are a crucial part of the SEND picture and want to contribute positively to the debate about the future of SEND provision. 

A group of 27 pupils at the school on Broadway North have hit the mats to learn from some of the country’s best Judo trainers as part of a new addition to the school’s PE curriculum. Pupils are covering the fundamentals of the historic martial art, from basic self-defence techniques and safe falling to controlled movement and effective body positioning.

Kensington Wade’s week of celebrations includes Chinese percussion workshops with internationally acclaimed musician Beibei Wang, traditional Chinese calligraphy, dumpling making, and Dragon and Lion dances.

On Thursday, 6 March 2026, Mount House will also become the first school in the country to host the new Working with Boys training programme. Working with Boys is designed for boys from Year 5 upwards to grow into respectful, reflective young men who build healthy peer cultures. Educators attending the training will learn strategies to support boys in developing healthy relationships, regulating behaviour and creating positive peer environments.

Changing Lives SEN Independent School currently has around 50 students across 8 different local authorities. That means 8 different EHCP formats, 8 different referral processes, 8 different sets of procedures for looked-after children. Just managing the administrative complexity requires significant leadership capacity.

Tomi Komoly BEM, who was forced to live in German-occupied Budapest under the Hungarian fascist government during the Second World War before eventually escaping, shared his personal testimony with students as part of the school’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, mutual respect and Fundamental British Values.

This partnership recognises that many independent school boards lack diversity, and this is a considerable factor holding schools back. With over 40% of pupils in independent schools from minority ethnic background (ISC, 2025), there is an irrefutable need for governing board membership to be reflective of the rich diversity of their pupil populations, especially as governance shapes school success, pupil outcomes and their everyday experiences.