Blackheath Prep and Eltham College are to merge, the schools have announced.
The South London schools said they are merging to “become one family of schools” from September 1 2023.
Blackheath Prep said the merger provides an “exciting opportunity to cement the schools’ already close ties through a more formal partnership.”
A statement on Blackheath Prep’s website said: “While each school will retain its distinct individual identity, we will build on our shared educational vision, ethos and values to the benefit of both communities.
“From our existing positions of strength, our larger family will be in an excellent position to prepare for the future and to ensure our schools continue to thrive.”
The new Eltham College family of schools will be led by Guy Sanderson, who will also continue in his role of headmaster of Eltham College. He will be supported by Alex Matthews who will continue as head of Blackheath Prep and Vikki Meier, who will remain as head of Eltham College Junior School. James Martin will become senior deputy of Eltham College.
The merger comes shortly after Rosemead Prep and St Dunstan’s College, also in South London, announced they would be merging from February 2023.
St Dunstan’s head Nick Hewlett said the merger would “offer greater protection to both schools from ongoing political and economic challenges.”
Alex Matthews, head of Blackheath Prep, said: “Pupils are at the heart of our decision to merge and they will continue to enjoy exceptional teaching, outstanding pastoral care and fantastic facilities. Now, we have an opportunity to enhance these further within a larger family of schools, and we have already begun to look for opportunities to share our facilities and expertise for their benefit.”
Guy Sanderson, headmaster of Eltham College and of the Eltham family of schools, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for two already success schools to build on a shared educational vision, ethos and values to the benefit of both communities. From our existing positions of strength, our larger family will be in an excellent position to prepare for the future and to ensure our schools continue to thrive.”