Ardvreck School and Sedbergh Schools Group are delighted to announce a new partnership that will see Ardvreck become the first Scottish prep school to join the expanding Sedbergh Schools Group, marking the beginning of an exciting new era for one of the United Kingdom’s most respected preparatory schools. 

Following the announcement in April 2026 that Terrington Hall Prep School near York would join the Group, this latest partnership represents another significant step in the development of a distinctive family of schools united by shared values, educational ambition and a commitment to outstanding childhood experiences. 

Founded in 1883 and set in the heart of Perthshire, Ardvreck has long been recognised as one of the UK’s leading prep schools, renowned for its exceptional all-round education, adventurous spirit and warm family atmosphere. Recently described by Tatler as the “best prep school in the land”, Ardvreck has built an outstanding reputation for preparing children not only for entry into the country’s leading senior schools, but for life beyond the classroom. 

This partnership has been carefully designed to strengthen and protect everything that makes Ardvreck so special. The School will proudly retain its name, identity, traditions, ethos and distinctive approach to education, while benefiting from the long-term stability, investment and opportunity that comes from joining a wider charitable schools group. 

Importantly, Ardvreck will continue to maintain its excellent and long-established relationships with senior schools across the UK, ensuring families continue to receive the personalised guidance and breadth of opportunity for which the School is so highly regarded. 

At the same time, joining Sedbergh Schools Group opens an exciting range of future opportunities for pupils, staff and families through collaboration, shared expertise and investment across the wider Group. 

The Sedbergh Schools Group, led by Executive Head Dan Harrison, comprises Sedbergh School, Sedbergh Prep School, Terrington Hall Prep School, international schools in Vietnam and China, Sedbergh Courses and the Sedbergh International Summer School programme. The Group has developed a clear vision centred on long-term sustainability, expanding opportunity and preserving the distinctive identity of each individual school within the family. 

Speaking about the announcement, Debbie Spens, Chair of Governors at Ardvreck School, said: 

“This marks a defining and hugely exciting moment in Ardvreck’s history. From our earliest conversations, it became clear that there was a natural alignment between Ardvreck and Sedbergh Schools Group, a shared belief in the importance of childhood, character, community and providing children with exceptional opportunities to grow in confidence and ambition. 

What makes this partnership so special is that it allows Ardvreck to remain proudly Ardvreck. Our identity, traditions and values will remain at the heart of the School, while this partnership provides the strength, investment and opportunity to ensure Ardvreck continues to flourish for generations to come. 

We believe this is the beginning of a very exciting new era for our School and our community.” 

Ian Durrans, Chair of Governors for Sedbergh Schools Group, added: 

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Ardvreck into the Sedbergh Schools Group as our first Scottish prep school. Ardvreck is one of the most admired and respected prep schools in the country, with an exceptional reputation, a deeply caring ethos and a wonderful sense of adventure and community. 

For many years, Sedbergh has proudly welcomed Ardvreckians into our full boarding community and we continue to see growing numbers of Scottish families choosing Sedbergh for the distinctive opportunities, character development and authentic boarding experience it provides. There is already a strong affinity between our schools, built on shared values, ambition and a belief in allowing children to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. 

This partnership reflects our long-term vision of bringing together outstanding schools that share a commitment to exceptional educational and pastoral experiences, while protecting the individuality and identity that make each school so special. Ardvreck’s reputation, traditions and culture will remain central to its future and we are incredibly excited about the opportunities this new chapter will create for pupils, staff and families across the wider Group.” 

The partnership comes at a time of significant momentum for the Sedbergh Schools Group, following Sedbergh School’s quincentenary celebrations in 2025, recognition as Secondary European School of the Year and an outstanding ISI inspection which identified boarding as a significant strength. 

For Ardvreck, this partnership represents both continuity and ambition: preserving the warmth, individuality and adventurous spirit that have defined the School for generations, while opening the door to an exciting future shaped by collaboration, innovation and expanded opportunity. 

Together, Ardvreck and Sedbergh Schools Group look forward to building something truly special, a partnership rooted in shared values, educational excellence and a deep commitment to the success and happiness of every child.