Westonbirt Schools have announced that they will become part of the Wishford Schools group with immediate effect.
The group’s ethos of offering a first-class education in a nurturing environment, while delivering the highest standards of customer service and value for money, matches Westonbirt’s own. Cricklade Manor Prep, Hatherop Castle and Heywood Prep have all thrived under Wishford’s governance and are local to the school.
Westonbirt Schools has had some remarkable successes in recent years, including the Prep making The Times’ list of ‘Top 100 Independent Prep Schools’, Natasha Dangerfield finishing as runner-up in the Tatler Schools Awards as ‘Best Head of a Public School’ and making the shortlist in the Times Educational Supplement Independent School Award in the category of ‘Financial Initiative of the Year’.
The move looks to guarantee the schools’ future success with a growing number of pupils, allowing for new developments and the continuous provision of high quality education.
Wishford will work with Westonbirt’s heads and the senior leadership team to progress both schools, with the latter benefitting from additional funding for facilities and educational resources to ensure that the schools are able to continue to develop, evolve and thrive.
Natasha Dangerfield, headmistress of Westonbirt Schools, said: ‘This exciting development ensures continued progression and investment for the future of both our schools. We are delighted to welcome the expertise and significant experience of the Wishford Group as we continue our journey.’
Sam Antrobus, executive chair of Wishford Schools, commented: ‘I am delighted to welcome Westonbirt Schools into the Wishford Schools Group. Westonbirt Schools have changed remarkably over the last few years under Natasha’s leadership and we are delighted to be part of their future.’
Dermot McMeekin, chair of Westonbirt Schools, added: “Westonbirt Governors believe that the long term strategic fit between Wishford and Westonbirt is absolutely compelling and unanimously support this transformational outcome.”