For the latest news from schools and nurseries in London and beyond.

Our round-up of education and school news for our January Journal includes incredible art, tech, cricket success and heads on the move.

Clare Kirkham Appointed as New Head of Bedales Prep

Bedales School has announced Clare Kirkham as the new Head of Bedales Prep, starting April 2025. Clare, currently Head of Junior School at Downsend, will succeed Colin Baty, who has served nearly eight years and will soon lead Danes Hill School.

Clare graduated in Classical Civilisation from the University of Leeds and began her career at the BBC and Channel 4. She later pursued a PGCE in Primary Education at the Institute of Education, transitioning to teaching at Barfield Prep School. There, she progressed to joint Head of the Pre-prep. Clare then joined Guildford High as Head of English in the Junior School before taking her current role in 2017.

Known for her passion for English and drama, Clare has been involved in productions at the Edinburgh Fringe. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, outdoor adventures, and travelling.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Clare said: “Bedales has captured my heart. Its warm community and alignment with my values make me excited to lead the Prep School with ‘head, hand, and heart.’”

Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales, added: “Clare’s deep affinity with Bedales’ ethos impressed us. We’re excited for her to build on Colin Baty’s valued leadership legacy.”

ACS Cobham Students Shine at ‘Makers Gonna Make’ Market Day

Students from ACS International School Cobham’s lunchtime tech club, Makers Gonna Make, showcased their creativity at the school’s Market Day event. The group of 15 students designed and crafted a range of products, including 3D-printed and laser-cut keyrings, mugs, badges, stickers, and Christmas decorations, which they sold to peers and teachers.

Since September, the club members have been learning how to transform their digital designs into marketable products, gaining hands-on experience in production, packaging, and sales. The initiative not only highlights their technical skills but also fosters creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.

Lyndsey Stuttard, Educational Technology Specialist at ACS Cobham, commented: “We are so proud of our students for developing vital future skills through the Makers Gonna Make club. They’ve used digital tools to craft unique items while enhancing their entrepreneurial mindset. This program reflects our commitment to valuing creative approaches and helping students find their voice through innovative projects.”

One student shared their perspective: “The art of making is important in school because it builds imagination, teaches how machines work, and encourages freedom to create. It also connects creativity to real-world applications.”

Heathfield Students Shine in National Art Competition

Heathfield School, Ascot, is celebrating the recent success of its talented students, with three impressive wins at this year’s ISA National Art Competition. Among over 1,700 entries nationwide and 266 showcased artworks, Heathfield students excelled across multiple categories, reflecting the school’s commitment to fostering artistic expression.

Fernanda’s Coral Bleaching earned second place in KS4 Textiles. Her crocheted canvas highlights the devastating impact of coral reef loss on marine biodiversity. Each handcrafted coral sculpture emphasizes the fragility of these ecosystems and their importance to at-risk species.

Tamara’s Mem Fum was Highly Commended in KS4 Fashion. Constructed from hair, the garment poignantly reflects the injustices of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, linking her heritage to history through symbolic design.

Ella, 15, took first place in KS4 Drawing with her piece Synaesthesia, a stunning pencil drawing exploring the phenomenon of perceiving one sense through another. Her intricate work, accompanied by a fabric headpiece, visually represents how the brain processes these simultaneous sensory experiences. “Having my work recognised at this level is a fantastic achievement,” Ella said.

Headmistress Sarah Rollings expressed her pride: “These achievements showcase our students’ creativity and dedication. At Heathfield, we nurture their unique talents, empowering them to make their mark in the arts.”

Highfield and Brookham Celebrate Cricket Honours Hat-Trick

Highfield and Brookham School in Liphook is celebrating a remarkable cricket hat-trick. Following a triumphant summer where their U11s won the IAPS National Cricket title and the U13s were named joint champions after a rain-affected final, the school has been named one of the top 50 prep schools for cricket by The Cricketer magazine for the sixth consecutive year.

The accolade reflects the school’s dedication to cricket, with 34 boys’ and girls’ teams from Year 2 to Year 8 playing approximately 230 competitive fixtures annually against rival prep schools in Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire. With 12 natural grass pitches, outdoor and indoor nets, bowling machines, and extensive coaching resources, Highfield and Brookham provides exceptional opportunities for players of all abilities.

Dwight School London Expands All-Electric Bus Fleet

Dwight School London continues its sustainable education with the expansion of its all-electric school bus fleet. Marking two years since the launch of this pioneering initiative, all three school bus routes now operate with zero tailpipe emissions, making Dwight the first UK school to provide a fully electric transport solution.

The recent addition of two electric minibuses to the fleet reflects Dwight’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. “We’re always looking for ways to inspire our students to think about the world they’re inheriting, and our all-electric bus service is a great example of that in action,” said Chris Beddows, Head of School. “The support from students and parents has been fantastic, and this is a step forward in making our school a little greener.”

The eco-friendly initiative has been embraced by the school community, aligning with Dwight’s vision of modern, sustainable education. With on-campus charging facilities already in use, the school plans to expand its infrastructure to meet future needs.

By reducing emissions, alleviating local congestion, and setting an example for others, Dwight School London is proving that sustainability and education go hand in hand.