Mill Hill Education Group Celebrates Multiple Commendations in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026

We’re proud to see so many of our schools commended or awarded finalists in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026. These awards are among the sector’s most pre-eminent, recognising continued excellence across the sector and are an accolade to the hard work and dedication of our staff, pupils and families across the Group.

Finalists:

Mill Hill International - Finalist for Independent School of the Year for International Student Experience

At Mill Hill International, every aspect of school life is designed to help international students feel supported, valued and empowered. As a small, diverse community, the school combines personalised care, strong pastoral support and a structured induction programme to ensure students settle quickly and confidently.

Student voice is central to the experience. Through House meetings, the Boarders’ Council and Student Council, pupils actively shape school life, leading to meaningful changes such as culturally diverse activities, enhanced sports provision and the creation of an International Recipe Booklet celebrating students’ home cultures. This reflects a culture where students know their views are heard and acted upon.

Tudor Hall - Finalist for Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing

Extraordinary pastoral care supports every girl at Tudor Hall. The child-centred approach ensures that girls are actively aware of their wellbeing, it is naturally a part of everyday conversations, and there is always someone for pupils to turn to. Essentially, Tudor is a happy place to be, where kindness is modelled by every member of our community and is the foundation of relationships.

The horizontal boarding structure – for all day and boarding girls - means that Housemistresses and their teams are experts in the age-specific needs of their year group, while small tutor groups allow Tutors to know and value every girl.

Commended:

Abbot's Hill – Commended for Independent School of the Year for Outstanding Educational Partnerships

Collaboration is at the heart of Abbot’s Hill. This year Abbot’s Hill has worked alongside local state and independent schools, charities, care homes and families to create meaningful opportunities that inspire, connect and make a lasting difference.

From welcoming over 600 children from 12 local schools to free “Come and...” enrichment events, to supporting local primary schools through pupil mentoring programme, volunteering in care homes, hosting community events and raising funds for charity, pupils have embraced every opportunity to learn through service and collaboration.

Belmont, Mill Hill Prep – Commended for Independent Prep School of the Year

At the heart of Belmont are its values: Be Kind, Be Brave, Be You. These principles shape every aspect of school life, creating a warm, inclusive and supportive community where children feel happy, safe and confident to thrive. Small class sizes, personalised pastoral care and a dedicated mentoring programme ensure that every pupil is known as an individual and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Belmont combines high academic standards with a rich and inspiring co-curricular programme that enables pupils to explore their interests, develop new skills and build resilience. From sport, music and outdoor learning to leadership opportunities and creative pursuits, there is something for every child.

Bligh House – Commended for Independent School of the Year for SEND Provision

Bligh House was created with a clear and ambitious purpose: to combine the strengths of outstanding independent education with deep, specialist SEND expertise. Backed by Chiltern Way Academy Trust, nationally recognised for its success in autism education, and Mill Hill Education Group, Bligh House brings together exceptional pedagogical expertise with a holistic, child-centred approach.

What truly sets Bligh House apart is not only what we offer but how it feels to belong there. Step through their doors and you will find calm, structured environments where anxiety begins to soften and confidence can slowly take root. With purpose-built spaces including sensory rooms and quiet areas, pupils are given the safety they need to take risks in learning. This is set within the beautiful open grounds of Cobham Hall, the space is peaceful, expansive and full of possibility.

Cobham Hall – Commended for Independent Boarding School of the Year

The lively boarding community lies at the heart of Cobham Hall. British and international students from around the world live, work and socialise together, sharing all aspects of School and boarding house life. The rich cultural diversity that students from some 25 different countries bring to our community is a cause for celebration.

Cobham Hall is proud of the closeness of their Boarding community, and Houseparents often hear of students spending holidays with each other’s families in their home countries. Cultural diversity and richness make the boarding houses wonderful, varied places in which to live – one week the students may be celebrating Nigerian Independence Day, another enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner.

Framlingham College – Commended for Regional Independent School of the Year: Central

At Framlingham, the individual is at the heart of everything. There is no typical Framlinghamian and no single path that pupils are expected to follow. Framlingham pupils are academics, actors, musicians, sportspeople, innovators, scientists, artists, adventurers and much more. Often, they are many of these things at once, but each pupil is recognised as an individual with their own unique story.

An ambitious learning culture lies at the core of a Framlingham education. The School is aspirational for every pupil, encouraging curiosity, a spirit of enquiry and a lifelong love of learning, while recognising that some of the most valuable lessons are learned beyond the classroom. Academic study is complemented by an extensive programme of sport, music, drama, outdoor education and co-curricular activities, supported by strong pastoral care and a vibrant day and boarding community.

Grimsdell, Mill Hill Pre-Prep - Commended for Independent Pre-Prep of the Year

Grimsdell, Mill Hill Pre-Prep, is a child-centred school where learning is shaped by the Grimsdell Way, a distinctive ethos built on kindness, resilience, determination and curiosity. Set within the expansive Mill Hill School grounds, it combines strong academic foundations with creative, immersive and outdoor learning experiences, including its Nursery in Nature programme. Through an engaging curriculum, extensive co-curricular opportunities and close partnerships with families, Grimsdell encourages children to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning. A strong focus on personal growth, inclusivity and progression ensures that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education and beyond.

Kingshott – Commended for Independent School of the Year for Outstanding Educational Partnerships

Kingshott School’s educational partnerships connect learning with real-world experience. Working with local businesses, Hitchin BID, environmental organisations, professional partners, UNICEF, the Jamie Oliver Foundation, Dyson Engineering Club, Pilots Club and networks including ISA and IAPS, pupils engage in authentic, career-focused and socially responsible learning. Highlights include a live sustainability project with Worcester Lloyd Architects, pupil-led environmental initiatives across Hitchin, enterprise-based recycling projects and global citizenship programmes. With four consecutive Green Schools Awards and 40% of pupils actively involved in environmental leadership, the programme delivers clear and lasting impact, equipping pupils with the skills, confidence and values needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Lyonsdown School – Commended for Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing

Lyonsdown School places wellbeing at the heart of education, creating a culture where pupils feel safe, supported and confident to thrive. Recognised with the Wellbeing Award for Schools (2024), the programme combines the Happy at School Project’s practical wellbeing strategies, strong home-school partnerships, and targeted pupil support.

Through initiatives including Pupil Wellbeing Champions, the Wellbeing Hub, OPAL play, Forest School, yoga, and personalised interventions, wellbeing is embedded throughout school life. The result is pupils who are emotionally literate, resilient and self-aware, equipped with the confidence and skills to succeed both in school and beyond.

Mill Hill Education Group – Commended for The Marketing Award for Brand Communication

Mill Hill Education Group’s marketing success is built on collaboration, bringing together 16 distinct school brands under a shared vision while preserving each school’s unique identity. The central marketing team works in partnership with schools to deliver high-quality, cost-effective campaigns, strengthen brand consistency and share expertise across the Group.

Key achievements include the successful rebrand of Hertford Prep and a highly engaging Group-wide April Fools’ campaign, which reached thousands of new audiences and showcased the Group’s creativity and unity. Internal collaboration has also been strengthened through regular networking, knowledge-sharing initiatives and the inaugural Marketing and Admissions Conference, attended by more than 30 colleagues.

Westbrook Hay – Independent School of the Year for Sporting Achievement

Sport is at the heart of life at Westbrook Hay, with opportunities for every pupil to thrive, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of physical activity. This year has seen incredible success, including the U11 girls becoming IAPS National Football Champions, adding to previous national ISA and IAPS titles.