Bryanston School Announces Intention to Acquire Thorngrove School

Bryanston School is delighted to announce its intention to acquire Thorngrove School, a highly regarded independent prep school on the Hampshire/Berkshire border, known for its nurturing environment, strong sense of community and distinctive approach to education for children from Nursery to Year 8.

Founded in the 1980s by Nick and Connie Broughton, Thorngrove began as a school created to educate their own four children and has since grown into a thriving and much-loved community. Built on care, individuality and a deep understanding of how children learn best, Thorngrove has established an excellent reputation while retaining the warmth and personal ethos on which it was founded.

The Broughton family also has long-standing ties with Bryanston, having educated all four of their children at the school, reflecting a shared educational philosophy and a natural affinity between the two communities.

Following the acquisition, and subject to the necessary approvals, Thorngrove will join the Bryanston Group, alongside Bryanston Senior and Bryanston Prep. The partnership brings together schools united by a shared commitment to developing the whole child through a forward-thinking, values-led education.

Eric Benedict, Chair of Governors at Bryanston, said: “The Governors are delighted to support this exciting new chapter for Bryanston and Thorngrove. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing an outstanding education, while preserving the distinct identity and character of each school.”

For Thorngrove, joining the Bryanston Group will provide long-term security and open a wider range of opportunities for pupils and staff. Pupils will benefit from enhanced experiences, including shared activities, enrichment opportunities and residential programmes, while staff will gain from professional development, collaboration and the support of an experienced governance structure.

For Bryanston, the acquisition brings into the Group a respected school with closely aligned values and a strong reputation in an important geographic location, creating further opportunities to extend its educational offering.

Nick and Connie Broughton, Founders of Thorngrove School, said: “Bryanston’s acquisition of Thorngrove gives us great confidence that the school’s legacy will endure and flourish. Our connection with Bryanston is a long and happy one; all four of our children attended the school.

Seeing the school become part of the Bryanston family feels like a natural next chapter, and one that secures a bright future for the school that we have cherished for so many years”

Richard Jones, Head of Bryanston and Head of the Bryanston Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Thorngrove into the Bryanston family. Both schools share a belief in nurturing individuality, confidence and curiosity, and we look forward to building on Thorngrove’s many strengths while creating new opportunities for pupils and staff.”

The partnership represents a significant step forward at a time of change across the independent education sector. Together, Bryanston and Thorngrove will be well placed to strengthen their collective voice, share expertise and continue delivering an outstanding educational experience. Both schools remain committed to preserving their individual character while enhancing provision through thoughtful collaboration.

Looking ahead, Thorngrove’s curriculum will evolve to incorporate elements of the Bryanston Method alongside its newly established Thorngrowth curriculum. Strategic development will focus on enhancing facilities, strengthening educational provision and expanding opportunities for pupils and staff. Both schools will continue to prioritise excellent teaching, outstanding pastoral care, a rich co-curricular programme and an environment in which every child is known, supported and encouraged to thrive.

Nick Graham, Head of Thorngrove, said: “This is an exciting moment for Thorngrove. Our pupils, families and staff will continue to benefit from the close-knit, nurturing environment they know and value, while also gaining from the expertise, resources and wider opportunities that come from being part of the Bryanston Group.”

The partnership also creates exciting opportunities for future growth and stronger connections within the local community and beyond, reinforcing Thorngrove’s reputation as one of “Hampshire’s best-kept secrets.” The Bryanston Group will continue to evolve and expand its educational offering as one of the most innovative and ambitious school groups in the UK.