Mill Hill Education Group has today announced that St Nicholas’ School will join the Group, bringing its total number of schools to 17 and marking its fifth merger in 2026.
St Nicholas’ will become the Group’s 17th school and is its fifth merger in 2026. Located in Hampshire, St Nicholas’ School is an exceptional independent day school for girls aged 3 to 16 and boys aged 3 to 7 years.
The merger follows a long period of careful planning by the school’s governors and trustees, who were committed to finding a like-minded charitable partner that would enable St Nicholas’ to continue to flourish long into the future. The decision to pursue a charitable merger was central to the process, ensuring that the school’s charitable purpose remains at the heart of its future.
The merger will enable St Nicholas’ to become part of a wider educational family, providing opportunities for collaboration, shared learning and professional development across the Group. Importantly, joining Mill Hill Education Group is about building on the school’s strengths while continuing to celebrate the qualities that make St Nicholas’ distinctive.
For Mill Hill Education Group, the merger represents an opportunity to welcome a thriving school into its wider community while supporting St Nicholas’ continud development.
“I am delighted that St Nicholas’ School is joining Mill Hill Education Group as this marks an exciting moment in the school’s history. Joining Mill Hill Education Group is about building on our strengths and creating even more opportunities for our pupils and staff. I firmly believe that this charitable merger brings together two thriving communities, united by a commitment to academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care and the development of confident, well-rounded young people. Joining Mill Hill allows St Nicholas’ to embrace the future as part of a wider educational family, benefiting from enhanced collaboration and shared expertise whilst continuing to celebrate the traditions, ethos and identity that make the school so special. Together, we look forward to an exciting future defined by growth, innovation and success.” Dr Olwen Wright, Headmistress, St Nicholas’ School.
“The school governors, who are also trustees of the parent charity, met with several parties to establish the best fit for St Nicholas’ School. The trustees wanted to keep the charitable purpose at the heart of the school, and this was why a charitable merger was our preferred approach. We took considerable care in selecting Mill Hill Education Group as the custodians of the school we are so proud of. In this booklet, Olwen and Antony have explained clearly why this merger is a benefit to the whole school community and how our aims and ambitions can be nurtured, and accelerated, as a school within the Mill Hill Education Group. I’m delighted to have secured the future of the school with such professional partners.” Mr Chris Netherton, Chairman of Governors, St Nicholas’ School.
“We are pleased to welcome St Nicholas’ School into Mill Hill Education Group. We are thoughtful about the schools we choose to partner with, ensuring there is a strong alignment with our own values and ambitions. Joining the Group is about building on what makes each school special, not losing its individual identity. It provides pupils and staff with access to a wider network of schools, creating opportunities for collaboration, shared learning and professional development, while providing a strong foundation for the school’s continued success and long-term future.” Mr Antony Spencer, CEO, Mill Hill Education Group.
About St Nicholas’ School
Located in Hampshire, St Nicholas’ School is an exceptional independent day school for girls aged 3 to 16 and boys aged 3 to 7 years. Founded in 1935, the school is defined by its strong community spirit and unwavering commitment to educational excellence. St Nicholas’ School provides a nurturing environment where every pupil is empowered to thrive, celebrating individuality, encouraging personal growth, and inspiring each child to realise their full potential. For more information visit: stnicholas.school
About Mill Hill Education Group
Mill Hill Education Group is a charitable foundation of independent schools. Its aims of instilling values and inspiring minds have been a key focus since the founding of Mill Hill School in 1807. All schools share an educational philosophy around developing thoughtful and responsible pupils with a global outlook. School life combines academic rigour with a breadth of opportunities to develop young people able to flourish in an ever-changing world. For more information visit: millhilleducationgroup.com
