A historic 175-year-old girls' school near Banbury has entered a new chapter after announcing it will join one of the UK's leading charitable groups of independent schools.

Governors at Tudor Hall School, with the support of headmistress Julie Lodrick, have agreed for the 175-year-old school to become part of the London-based Mill Hill Education Group.

Founded in 1850, Tudor Hall is one of the UK's leading all-girls' boarding and day schools and has earned a reputation for academic excellence and strong pastoral care.

A spokesperson for the school said the partnership would bring together “two values-led educational charities” while allowing Tudor Hall to retain its distinctive identity and ethos.

Tudor Hall School near Banbury has joined the Mill Hill Education group.

placeholder image — Tudor Hall School near Banbury has joined the Mill Hill Education group.

The spokesperson added: “Through the strength and stability of a wider group, this underpins a commitment to ensuring Tudor Hall flourishes in the long term. This is not a commercial sale or profit-driven transaction.

“Tudor Hall will retain its identity, values, and its distinct educational philosophy and character as a leading all-girls' boarding and day school.”

The merger is expected to be completed by autumn 2026, subject to the final legal and regulatory approvals.

Mrs Lodrick said: “This charitable merger represents a proactive step taken from a strong position to secure our long-term vision and ambition for the future.

“We are delighted Tudor is joining a well-established, respected educational charity, whose values and ethos closely align with our own, underpinning our commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities and empowering every girl to flourish.”

Mill Hill Education Group was established in 2023 as the umbrella organisation for a growing network of independent schools. It now includes 16 schools, primarily across southern England, as well as one in Thailand.

Chief executive Antony Spencer said: “Tudor Hall has built an outstanding reputation over 175 years for providing an exceptional education for girls, underpinned by a deep commitment to pastoral care, individuality and helping every girl to flourish.

“What impressed us most throughout our discussions was the strength of Tudor Hall's sense of purpose and the clarity of its values.

“As one of the country's largest charitable groups of schools, our role is not to change what makes each school distinctive, but to protect and strengthen it for future generations.”