Framlingham College has announced that it will become part of Mill Hill Education Group as a "proactive step from a strong position".

The merger is expected to complete at the end of June 2026, following final legal and regulatory processes.

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Louise North, Principal of Framlingham College (Image: Nick Ilott)

The decision to join forces was unanimously agreed by governors and is "fully supported" by the principal and by the head of its prep school, Brandeston Hall - securing its continued success, said the school.

The two parties say the "partnership reflects the changing landscape of the independent school sector and represents a proactive step taken from a strong position to secure long-term resilience and ambition for the future".

Mill Hill currently comprises 15 private schools.

Framlingham College said the merger was "designed to build on the college’s many strengths", and said the ethos of Mill Hill Education Group aligned with its own.

"This is not a commercial sale or profit-driven transaction. It is a values-led charitable partnership designed to enhance education, opportunity and stability for the long term," it said.

The boarding and day school college said it would retain its identity, values, and "distinct educational philosophy and character"

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Meanwhile the educational provision and experience for pupils and staff would remain unchanged, it added.

Antony Spencer, Chief Executive of Mill Hill Education Group (Image: Jane Ellis)

"The partnership with Mill Hill Education Group brings additional opportunity, collaboration and long-term resilience that come from being part of a wider charitable school group," it added.

Framlingham's chair of governors Charles Packshaw described the move as "a deliberate and forward-looking decision, taken from a strong position".

"Framlingham is a successful and aspirational school and joining Mill Hill Education Group allows us to build on that success with confidence," he said.

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"We are safeguarding what defines the college while opening new opportunities for our pupils and staff.”

Mill Hill Education Group chief executive Antony Spencer said: “We are delighted to welcome Framlingham College into Mill Hill Education Group. Framlingham is a thriving and distinctive school whose values closely align with our own.

"Together, we look forward to supporting the College’s continued success while expanding opportunity for pupils, staff and the wider community.”

Framlingham College principal Louise North said the merger was "a celebration of our shared educational values and ethos".

"With a clear focus on the individual and a commitment to ensuring that each child creates their own story, Framlingham College moves forward with great confidence as a member of the Mill Hill Education Group,” she added.

Framlingham College - a co-educational boarding and day school - was founded in 1864 and caters for pupils aged two to 18.

Framlingham College which has announced it is becoming part of Mill Hill Education Group (Image: Richard Rackham)

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