Irena Barker

London

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Freelance writer and editor. Education, languages, teenagers, DIY Digital editor, https://t.co/3yXGzHN5Wq irenabarkerATgmailDOTcom

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Articles

Cognita plans to close Welsh private school

1 week ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Irena Barker

A Welsh independent school run by the Cognita chain has announced a proposal to close, blaming “economic volatility” and “factors beyond our control”, Wales Online reports. The proposal to shut St Clare’s School in Newton, Porthcawl, which caters for children aged 2 to 18, come amid unconfirmed reports that Cognita Schools group – which runs more than 100 schools worldwide, including 39 in the UK – could soon be up for sale.
Union suspends first Roedean strike day

2 weeks ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Irena Barker

A strike scheduled for tomorrow (April 30) at Roedean School in Brighton has been suspended following negotiations between the National Education Union (NEU) and the school. The union reported the update this afternoon, but stressed that strikes planned for for May 6, 7, 13, 14 and 15 – as exams begin in earnest – were still in place. The dispute centres around reported plans for up to 28 redundancies, cuts to pay and changes to teachers’ pensions.
Ewell Castle is latest private school hit by strikes

2 weeks ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Irena Barker

Staff at Ewell Castle School in Surrey are striking for the first time in its 99-year-history, in the same week that strikes were due to begin at Roedean School in Brighton. Members of the National Education Union (NEU) who work at the 670-pupil Ewell Castle School have already walked out on April 24, but are expected to do so again on Tuesday and Wednesday, then on May 7 to 9, the BBC reports.
Schools group signs Formula 1 esports deal

2 weeks ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Irena Barker

ACS International Schools has signed an exclusive agreement to become the first UK secondary school affiliated to Williams Esports, a division of the famous Williams Racing F1 team. The Surrey-based group, which runs three schools in Cobham, Egham and Hillingdon, UK, says the link will “boost its digital learning offering to ensure that its students are prepared for the fast-changing world of work”.
Bedford School world-first with girls' campus in India

1 month ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Irena Barker

Bedford School in the UK – a school for boys – is set to open the first British international girls’ school in India and become the first British school brand in the north of the country. The new, purpose-built school for girls aged 3-18 will be situated in Mohali on the outskirts of Chandigarh, in the Punjab region. Called Bedford School Mohali, it will open its doors in April 2026, teach both British and national curricula and offer day and boarding options.
Net-zero sports facilities for Edgeborough School

1 month ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Irena Barker

Designed and built by the award-winning TG Escapes in collaboration with Weyside Architects, this state-of-the-art changing block at Edgeborough School in Surrey blends innovative modular construction with biophilic design principles. It ensures optimal functionality, in a space that enhances mental well-being and fosters a deeper connection with nature.
Family-run Woodcote House School to close

1 month ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Irena Barker

An historic family-run prep school that prepared boys for major UK public schools such as Eton and Harrow has announced it is to close at the end of the summer term. The 82-pupil Woodcote House School for Boys in Windlesham, Surrey, dates back to 1816, but has been run by the Paterson family since 1931. Its head Oliver Paterson is the fifth generation of the family to lead the school.
Judicial review of VAT on fees begins

1 month ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Irena Barker

A judicial review of the Government’s VAT on school fees policy was set to begin today in the High Court (April 1). With the support of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), seven families have filed a claim over the policy, arguing that it is “incompatible” with aspects of both the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Dr Anne Cotton to be 2026-27 HMC chair

1 month ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Dorothy Lepkowska |Lewis Phillips |Irena Barker

Dr Anne Cotton, head of King’s College School in Wimbledon, has been announced as the new HMC chair for the 2026-27 academic year. Dr Cotton will follow in the footsteps of Jaideep Barot, the current chair of the leading independent schools group, and the 2025-26 chair, Philip Britton. She will join the HMC board as chair elect in September 2025. Dr Cotton has had an extensive career in education and is the first woman to lead King’s College School on a permanent basis.
Historic Fulneck School in Rachel Reeves' constituency to close

1 month ago | schoolmanagementplus.com | Irena Barker

An historic school in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Yorkshire constituency has announced it is to close due to declining pupil numbers. Fulneck School in Pudsey, which dates back to 1753 and was attended by actress Dame Diana Rigg and prime minister Herbert Asquith, blamed “a continued decline in enrolment, combined with rising operational costs” for the decision. It lies within the Leeds West and Pudsey constituency where Chancellor Rachel Reeves is the local MP.