Rugby School and Bilton Grange Preparatory School merged in January 2020.
The two nearby schools have enjoyed wide-ranging links for many years, with both sharing a similar ethos and commitment to high standards of teaching and learning.
The new partnership brings benefits to both, with Rugby School fulfilling its aim to provide an educational pathway from the beginning of prep school to university entry, while Bilton Grange offers a formal recognised route for the continuity of its pupils’ education.
All pupils benefit from sharing the two schools’ extensive facilities, with a 400 acre site at Rugby School and 90 acres at Bilton Grange, enhancing co-curricular provision for all.
Bilton Grange has retained its name and identity, and is separately registered with the Department for Education with a separate inspection regime. The schools have retained their educational autonomy but the merger offers new opportunities for the development of specialist teaching.
Peter Green, Executive Head Master of Rugby School, said: “For some time, Rugby School has been exploring the possibility of providing an educational pathway from the beginning of prep school to university entry. Bilton Grange, with whom Rugby has wide-ranging links, shares our ethos and commitment to high standards of teaching and learning so it is an ideal partnership.
“Every year many of Bilton Grange’s brightest boys and girls join Rugby for their secondary school years. However, the merger neither guarantees a place for Bilton Grange children nor prohibits their parents from choosing an alternative secondary school. Our rigorous recruitment process remains the same for all prep school pupils applying to join Rugby School.”
Alex Osiatynski, Head Master of Bilton Grange, added: “The merge with Rugby School is a natural progression for Bilton Grange and there are many advantages for our community.
“Our schools provide a truly rounded education and a pioneering curriculum and this partnership brings tangible benefits to both, with our extensive facilities and specialist teachers enhancing the opportunities for all pupils. Those parents wishing for a senior school other than Rugby will, of course, still have my support and guidance.”
Both schools, which are financially secure and experiencing growing pupil numbers while looking to further strengthen day and boarding provision, were already collaborating on outreach projects within the local community before the merger. Popular Saturday morning masterclass sessions provide children from local primary schools with new experiences to learn and grow.
To see the Bilton Grange website, Click Here