With more independent schools merging, Abbot’s Hill Head Sharon Schanschieff, Wesbrook Hay Head Mark Brain and Mill Hill Group CEO Antony Spencer discuss the collaboration between their schools
Q: Why do you think so many independent schools are merging at the moment?
Antony Spencer: There is a combination of factors. Certainly, the financial imperatives, such as the imposition of VAT on independent schools, and the need to secure longer term stability, form part of the wider narrative – although this is the more negative side of the lean toward mergers. On the flipside, there are many positive reasons schools consider this route, since collaboration can bring multiple benefits. It is something the state sector – in particular, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) – have been very good at for many years.
Sharon Schanschieff: I wholeheartedly agree with Antony here. Independent schools have perhaps not been as forthcoming building collaborative relationships in previous years. For us, joining the Mill Hill Education Group strengthens our ability to thrive in what is a changing and challenging educational landscape. It ensures we can continue to deliver a high-quality education while benefiting from the support, resources, and expertise of a larger network. And whether that is support around regulatory pressures or shared best practice, being part of a wider family of schools offers tangible benefits.
Mark Brain: For me, stability and opportunity seem to be the most obvious triggers for the trend around group mergers. Schools are aware that they need to work smarter and futureproof their survival during what have been turbulent times for the sector. From falling birth rates to rising pressure around justification of fees, schools need to protect the quality of the education they deliver to their pupils.
Antony Spencer: I also think it is important to distinguish the difference between a charity merger which seeks to collaborate in a bid to meet certain charitable objectives, versus a profit-led merger which is more financially driven.
Q: What do you see at the main benefits for schools of becoming part of a group?
Sharon Schanschieff: Being part of a wider family of schools offers benefits such as shared best practice and being able to reach out via cross-school collaboration, as well as the obvious economies of scale. It’s a step forward that allows us to grow while staying true to who we are. We still stand as an individual school, but if we are looking for specific expertise or an additional resource, for instance, we have access to a wider pool of experience within a supportive environment.
Mark Brain: For me, a key benefit is the camaraderie and support from fellow Heads within the Group. Being Head of a school can be a lonely existence at times and being able to pick up the phone and speak with a likeminded Head is invaluable. Likewise, having access to collaborations across departments – from safeguarding and medical support to pastoral care and communications – can have a real impact day to day.
Antony Spencer:From a group perspective, the benefits of a shared culture are really valuable. This allows effective collaboration across all our schools, across a diverse pupil roll. The full impact can be difficult to quantify, but we are already seeing improvements in the quality of education we are able to provide
Q: There has been speculation from the sector that schools risk losing their own identity if they merge – what is your take on this view?
Mark Brain: Finding the right match is important in terms of retaining your identity as a school. Ethos, purpose and core values are high on the agenda when considering any kind of collaborative partnership. Day to day, from the child’s perspective, school doesn’t look any different. The uniform is the same, and so on, but every now and then there will be something like a large-scale group sports event or creative arts experience that becomes possible because of the merger.
Sharon Schanschieff: It has to be the right fit for your school. Mill Hill places its students at the heart of everything and that resonates with our own school ethos. Importantly for us, our identity and values remain unchanged – we are still very much Abbot’s Hill School, but it is great to be able to share ideas and aspirations and to be able to visit each other’s schools, too.
Q: What are the potential benefits to pupils and families of these kinds of mergers?
Sharon Schanschieff: Having access to wider academic partnerships for teaching is a key benefit for pupils, as is having an enhanced range of co-curricular activities. It means we are providing our children with even more opportunities for new experiences than before.
Mark Brain: Peace of mind for parents is probably one of the other main benefits. Having the support of a bigger organisation provides the stability needed to thrive and grow. Prospective parents who are looking to move their child from nursery into a school of choice want reassurance that the school will still exist long term. Another bonus is that a lot of smaller schools are not able to justify something like ski trip to the Alps, whereas jointly as a larger group this is far more achievable – both financially and logistically.
Q: Finally, since you merged, what has been the biggest positive for you?
Sharon Schanschieff: Collaboration and stability. Having knowledgeable people around me that I can speak to at any time for insight, or even just for a second opinion, has been amazing.
Mark Brain: Being part of a group like this has strengthened our school without changing who we are at the heart.
Antony Spencer: From a group perspective, it’s fantastic to be part of a genuine two-way relationship whereby we can learn from and support each other. To counteract some of the negativity surrounding school mergers, I would add some food for thought. No school is truly independent – all schools have limitations and red tape to navigate, and that’s regardless of whether they stand alone or are part of a collaborative group.
I would say that by merging with the right partners – partners who share the same ethos and guiding principles – schools aren’t really giving up much, but they potentially stand to gain a great deal.
Mill Hill Education Group millhilleducationgroup.com
Further reading: In conversation with Mark Bailey of Dukes Education
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