From September 2026, St Gabriel’s will be part of the Mill Hill Education Group, one of the UK’s leading charitable groups of independent schools.  This is a partnership designed to build on the School’s many strengths and support its continued success long into the future. This is not a commercial sale or profit‑driven transaction. It is a values‑led charitable merger that enhances opportunity, collaboration and long‑term stability.

St Gabriel’s will retain its identity, ethos and distinctive educational character as a coeducational independent day school. The School’s warm community, strong pastoral culture and individualised approach to learning will remain unchanged. Joining Mill Hill Education Group brings the additional benefits of shared expertise, wider collaboration and the long‑term resilience that comes from being part of a larger charitable organisation.

Both St Gabriel’s and Mill Hill Education Group are educational charities with closely aligned objectives. The merger is a nil‑cost charitable transaction, fundamentally different from a corporate acquisition, ensuring that St Gabriel’s continues to operate with its charitable purpose at the heart of all decision‑making. The Group operates a highly devolved model of leadership, recognising that school leaders are best placed to make decisions for their own communities.

Founded in Mill Hill in 1929, St Gabriel’s has a proud heritage. Joining Mill Hill Education Group represents a fitting reconnection with the School’s origins as it approaches its centenary in 2029.

Who are Mill Hill Education Group? 
A long-established educational charity comprising a diverse family of schools, each retaining their own identity and individuality while benefiting from shared expertise, collaboration and investment. 

Why has St Gabriel’s chosen to join Mill Hill Education Group? 
This is a positive and carefully considered step in the School’s journey, taken with unanimous support of the Governors. St Gabriel’s is a happy, successful and ambitious school, and this partnership has been chosen proactively to protect what matters most to our community while strengthening long-term resilience, investment and opportunity for pupils and staff.  

Why does Mill Hill Education Group wish to partner with St Gabriel’s? 
The Group seeks to work with strong, values-aligned schools whose identity and quality they can help sustain and develop for the long term. St Gabriel’s educational ethos, breadth of opportunity and strong sense of community make it a natural fit. 

Is this a sale of the school? 
No. This is a charitable merger between two educational charities whose sole purpose is to serve pupils and families. There is no commercial sale, no private equity involvement and no profit motive 

Is the School still a charity? 
Yes. Following completion, St Gabriel’s will become part of a larger educational charity, Mill Hill Education Group. Its charitable purpose and educational focus remain unchanged. 

What will change immediately? 
Nothing in pupils’, parents’ or staff’s day-to-day experience will change. Teaching, pastoral care, routines, leadership and the overall St Gabriel’s experience will be reassuringly familiar. 

What will stay the same? 
The defining characteristics of St Gabriel’s will remain unchanged, including: 

• The School’s ethos, values and identity 
• Leadership and staff  
• The curriculum and breadth of co-curricular provision 
• Traditions, events and community life 
• The name St Gabriel’s 

How will this benefit pupils? 
Over time, pupils will benefit from: 

• Long term investment in our facilities will enhance the experience for our pupils in myriad ways. 
• Wider academic, cultural and co-curricular opportunities which will come as a result of our collaboration with other schools in the Group. 
• All future developments will continue to be guided by what best supports pupils to thrive and to create their own individual stories. 

When will the merger take effect? 
The formal merger agreement has been signed. Subject to completion of the remaining legal and regulatory steps, the merger is expected to take effect on 1 September 2026. Families, staff and the wider community will be kept fully informed throughout. 

Will school fees change as a result of the merger? 
No immediate changes are planned. Fees will continue to be set appropriately for the regional context and market. 

What will change for my child? 
Nothing in day-to-day school life. Teaching, pastoral care, routines, leadership and the overall St Gabriel’s experience, including its Christian foundation, will remain reassuringly familiar 

Will scholarships and bursaries continue? 
Yes. All existing scholarships and bursaries will be honoured. The School will continue to offer scholarships and bursaries in line with its long-standing commitment to widening accessibility and opportunity. 

Will the curriculum or academic experience change? 
No immediate changes are planned. Over time, pupils will benefit from enhancements and wider opportunities through collaboration and shared expertise across the Group. 

Are there plans to change the School’s identity, ethos or culture? 
No. St Gabriel’s will continue to operate with the same ethos and values that families know and trust. The School’s identity, character and culture will remain the same. 

Will the school’s name change? 
No. The school will continue to be known as St Gabriel’s, with its Senior School, Junior School and Nursery. 

Will traditional events such as Speech Day/Celebration Day/Dame Betty Day continue? 
Yes. Long-standing traditions, celebrations and community events remain a valued and important part of life at St Gabriel’s. 

What investment is planned? 
The partnership strengthens the School’s ability to plan long-term investment in facilities, provision and opportunity. Specific projects will be shared as they develop. 

Why make this decision now? 
The national landscape for independent schools is becoming increasingly challenging. St Gabriel’s is currently in a good position. This step has been taken proactively to secure long-term stability and resilience while expanding opportunity for pupils. 

How will this benefit my child specifically? 
Your child’s day-to-day experience will remain the same. Overtime, they will gain access to greater opportunity, enhanced provision and increased long-term security as part of a wider educational group.  

Will parents have an opportunity to ask questions or meet Mill Hill representatives? 
Yes. There will be a briefing at 4.30pm on Thursday, 11 June.  When will parents receive further updates? 
Families will receive updates throughout the transition.