05 Jan 2026

Pennthorpe School Announces Strategic Partnership with Hurstpierpoint College

Pennthorpe School has announced that it will join the Hurst family of schools from the start of the Spring Term 2026, in a partnership led by Hurstpierpoint College. The move represents a strategic alignment between two charitable, values-led institutions and reflects wider sector trends towards collaboration, resilience and long-term sustainability.

The partnership was approved following detailed due diligence by the governing bodies of both schools, who identified a strong alignment of educational philosophy, ethos and ambition. Karen Mack, Chair of Governors at Hurst, said the relationship builds on an established pathway between the schools, noting that Pennthorpe pupils who progress to Hurst “consistently thrive and excel,” and that the partnership aligns closely with Hurst’s long-term strategic objectives.

Under the agreement, Pennthorpe will retain its identity, leadership, ethos and location, operating as “Pennthorpe – Part of the Hurst Family of Schools.” Day-to-day operations will remain unchanged, while the school benefits from increased resilience, shared expertise and strategic support within a larger group.

Richard Sharkey, Chair of Governors at Pennthorpe, said the decision carefully balanced continuity with opportunity. He emphasised that safeguarding Pennthorpe’s distinctive character was central to the process, while also recognising the importance of financial stability and experienced strategic leadership in a rapidly evolving independent schools’ landscape.

Dominic Mott, Head of College at Hurst, said Pennthorpe was an obvious choice when identifying potential partner schools. He highlighted the strength of its educational provision and expressed enthusiasm for working collaboratively to plan for the school’s long-term future within the Hurst family.

The announcement coincides with the appointment of Jon Marler as Head of School at Pennthorpe. Mr Marler described the partnership as “the perfect scenario” for taking on his first headship, noting that both Pennthorpe and Hurst had long been schools where he most wanted to work. He said he was honoured by the confidence placed in him by both governing bodies and looked forward to leading Pennthorpe into its next phase of development.

Pennthorpe will continue to be governed by its own Board of Governors, with the Pennthorpe School Trust retaining responsibility for safeguarding, performance and strategic oversight.

The partnership will formally commence in Spring Term 2026.

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02 Dec 2025

Pennthorpe Pupil Earns National Recognition for Creative Translation

Pennthorpe is thrilled to announce that Freya, a Year 6 pupil at the time of entry, has been awarded a special commendation in the Stephen Spender Schools Laureate Prize, a prestigious competition that celebrates linguistic creativity among young people across the UK, Ireland, and British Schools Overseas.

The competition challenges pupils to select a poem in any language, translate it into English, and provide a commentary explaining their choices, a task that demands linguistic skill, cultural sensitivity, and creative thinking.

Freya chose the French poem “Le Voyage” (The Journey), inspired by her own experiences:

“I chose this poem because I grew up overseas and I often travel with my family, and this poem reminded me about all my travels.”

Determined to preserve the poem’s rhythm and rhyme, Freya made imaginative adjustments:

“I added ‘with my didgeridoo’ so it would rhyme with Timbuktu… I used the word didgeridoo because it relates back to the trip to Australia.”

She also tackled idiomatic challenges with insight:

“I struggled translating the phrase ‘je prends mes jambes à mon cou’ because word by word it meant ‘I take my legs to my neck,’ which didn’t make sense. I realised it meant ‘I am running away.’”

Competitions like the Stephen Spender Prize are more than literary exercises, they nurture empathy, cultural awareness, and cognitive flexibility. They encourage pupils to think deeply, adapt creatively, and appreciate global perspectives, skills that will serve them for life.

Pennthorpe is immensely proud of Freya’s achievement, which reflects her talent and determination, and the school’s commitment to fostering a love of languages and literature.

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12 Nov 2025

GB Hockey Star Izzy Petter Inspires Future Champions at Pennthorpe

Pennthorpe was proud to host GB and England hockey star Izzy Petter for an unforgettable sporting experience that left pupils buzzing with excitement and inspiration. The elite athlete led a dynamic masterclass for children in Years 5 to 8, sharing her expertise, passion, and personal journey in international sport.

Izzy’s visit exemplified Pennthorpe’s belief that sport is more than physical activity, it is a powerful tool for building confidence, leadership, and resilience. With warmth and humility, Izzy engaged pupils in high-energy training sessions, offered expert coaching tips, and even allowed them the thrilling opportunity to challenge a true professional on the pitch.

“The energy was electric,” said Pennthorpe’s Director of Sport, Matt Barnett. “Izzy’s presence ignited a spark in our pupils that will stay with them for years. She showed them what is possible when you combine talent with determination and heart.”

The event was a celebration of everything Pennthorpe values in Prep School sport: teamwork, ambition, joy, and personal growth. It also highlighted the vital role of inspirational women in sport, especially for young girls seeking role models who embody strength, success, and authenticity.

Pennthorpe extends its heartfelt thanks to Izzy Petter for being a consummate professional and a brilliant ambassador for sport. Her visit was more than a highlight, it was a catalyst for dreams.

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