Why was the Group formed?

Independent education is under structural pressure: fewer children are being born, London catchments are tightening, and fees have risen faster than many families can absorb. The Group brings together schools with long-standing relationships so they can share expertise, strengthen governance, and protect a not-for-profit route through independent education.

Which schools are in the Group?

St Paul's School, St Paul's Prep, Shrewsbury House, The Rowans, Durston House, and Arnold House, which joins in September 2026. Durston House and the Shrewsbury House School Trust are the founding members alongside St Paul's School. Each school keeps its full identity as a separate school, with its own name, brand and leadership.

Do pupils in the Group get automatic entry to St Paul's?

St Paul's Prep is the sole direct entry point, under the existing through-school model, and those pupils progress into Year 9 without reapplying. Pupils at the other prep schools benefit from the stewarded pathway, which offers earlier assessment and additional support but does not guarantee a place. Assessment standards are unchanged.

Have the schools changed?

Each school continues to operate as an individual entity, with its own head, senior leadership team and admissions. Prep school governing bodies now include members from the St Paul's governing body, and some support staff roles work across the Group. Families have seen no changes to their children's education.

Testing

Question 1

Where is your son now?