Two neighbouring UK boarding prep schools 鈥 in Kent andin East Sussex, have announced they are to merge.
The schools, which are under six miles apart, will merge to form Marlborough House Vinehall, which will be based on Vinehall鈥檚 current site in , near Hastings. Marlborough House鈥檚 head, Eddy Newton, will take the headship role.
Vinehall鈥檚 current headteacher, Joff Powis, will be the senior deputy head at the new school, which will be officially launched in September 2025.
The 2 to 13 school will be part of the , which currently owns Vinehall School and will offer day places along with full, weekly and flexi-boarding. The Marlborough House site is expected to be sold following the merger, with the proceeds going to the newly-merged charity.
, the schools explained that the merger comes 鈥渋n response to the evolving landscape of the independent school sector, allowing both schools to thrive in the face of political and economic pressures.鈥
Vinehall School has just 206 pupils but a capacity for 380. show Marlborough House currently has 236 pupils but capacity for 350.
The statement added: 鈥淎s part of the Repton Family of Schools, Marlborough House Vinehall will benefit from enhanced resources, financial stability, and access to a global network of educational opportunities. The collaboration promises a bright future for the School, with continued investment in academic programmes, the arts and sport, a range of extra-curricular activities, and pastoral care.”
Daniel Lewis, chair of governors at Vinehall, and Simon Hodson, chair of governors at Marlborough House, both expressed their enthusiasm for the merger, saying:聽“This merger represents an exciting step forward for both schools. Working together, we will ensure outstanding provision, bolster admissions, and safeguard the future and traditions of our schools in these changing times.”
Eddy Newton, headmaster of Marlborough House, said: “Establishing Marlborough House Vinehall allows us to combine the best of both schools as we strive to maintain excellent provision, value for money and the finest all-round education. Together, we will continue to provide an inspiring and nurturing environment that prepares our pupils for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Mark Semmence, headmaster of Repton School and CEO of the Repton Family of Schools said: 鈥淲e are delighted to welcome Marlborough House pupils into the Repton family and believe the new Marlborough House Vinehall School represents a genuinely exciting development in education in the South East.鈥
The merger comes as another pair of high-profile schools in Scotland . and will become one school at the beginning of the 2026/27 academic year, and be renamed as Erskine Stewart Melville, providing private education for pupils aged three to 18.
