The merger, which was formally completed on 31 October 2026, sees St Gabriel's become part of one of the UK's leading charitable education groups, bringing together a shared commitment to educational excellence, pastoral care and providing outstanding opportunities for young people.

Set within 33 acres of beautiful parkland at Sandleford Priory, St Gabriel's is an independent, co-educational day school welcoming children from six months through to Sixth Form. The School is known for its nurturing environment, individual approach to education and commitment to ensuring that every pupil is known, valued and inspired.

Joining the Mill Hill Education Group represents an important step in the School's long-term development. As part of an established and financially robust charitable foundation, St Gabriel's will benefit from greater financial resilience, access to shared expertise and resources, and the confidence to plan and invest for the future.

At a time when the independent education sector faces considerable challenges, the partnership provides a strong foundation from which St Gabriel's can continue to build on its successes, develop its educational offering and create new opportunities for pupils and staff.

Mr Ricki Smith, Principal of St Gabriel's School, said:

"This is a tremendously positive milestone for St Gabriel's and one that gives us great confidence as we look to the future.

"Joining the Mill Hill Education Group allows us to build on everything that makes St Gabriel's such a special place, while benefiting from the strength, experience and resources of a well-established charitable education group.

"Our pupils and families will continue to enjoy the same nurturing environment, individual attention and breadth of opportunities that define a St Gabriel's education. What this partnership gives us is an even stronger foundation from which to develop those opportunities and ensure that our School continues to thrive for generations to come."

The partnership brings together two organisations with closely aligned values and a shared belief in providing a broad, balanced education that supports both academic achievement and personal development.

While St Gabriel's will retain its distinctive identity, ethos and close-knit community, membership of the Group will open up further opportunities for collaboration, enrichment and professional development.

Antony Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of Mill Hill Education Group, commented:

"We are delighted to officially welcome St Gabriel's into the Mill Hill Education Group. St Gabriel's is a school with a strong sense of identity, a wonderful community and a clear commitment to providing an exceptional education for every pupil. These are values that align closely with our own, and we are excited about what we can achieve together.

"Our charitable foundation is built on a commitment to long-term educational excellence, supported by sound financial stewardship and a collaborative approach across our schools. We believe that schools flourish when they retain their individual character while benefiting from the collective strength, expertise and resources of a wider group.

"We look forward to working closely with the St Gabriel's community, supporting the School's continued development and ensuring that it is well placed to thrive and provide outstanding opportunities for generations of pupils to come."

Connections are already being established between St Gabriel's and other schools within the Mill Hill Education Group, creating opportunities to share best practice, expertise and resources across a wider educational community.

Mr Smith added:

"St Gabriel's greatest strength has always been its community. We are proud of the School we are today and excited about what we can achieve in the years ahead. This is not about changing who we are, but about giving us the strength and opportunity to become even better."

The completion of the merger marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for St Gabriel's, combining the character and heritage of a much-loved local school with the long-term strength and opportunities of a leading charitable education group.