From April 2026, St Martin’s School will be joining the Haberdashers’ Elstree family of schools (Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, Haberdashers’ Girls’ School and Lochinver House School).

Why add another school to the family?

When Lochinver House School joined our family in September 2025, we highlighted that operating at a larger scale enhances financial resilience, ensures the long-term success of all our schools, and upholds our enduring commitment to educational excellence. The integration of St Martin’s School represents a logical and strategic progression in this vision.

Both St Martin’s and Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools are in a strong position. This merger unites schools with proud traditions, a record of academic excellence, and a shared commitment to nurturing the holistic development of young people.
Our schools already have a close relationship – many St Martin’s boys have progressed to Habs Boys over the years and thrived both academically and personally. By joining forces, we can offer even more to our pupils and families:

  • Continuing to provide an exceptional educational experience for all our pupils
  • More opportunities for all the family of schools through shared resources and expertise
  • Greater financial stability for the future and ensures the long-term success of all our institutions
  • A stronger community built on trust and collaboration

Both schools share an aligned educational philosophy – that places the individual learner at the centre of all we do. This shared approach will foster meaningful collaboration, allowing us to learn from each other and keep improving what we offer. The merger represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen all the schools’ educational delivery while preserving the distinct identity and values of St Martin’s. It is about securing the future so generations of boys can continue to enjoy the traditions and high standards that make St Martin’s special.

The five key benefits of the merger are:

  • Shared core ethos
    Remaining a highly selective academically ambitious school is a priority; identifying schools with a shared commitment to academic excellence, is key to supporting this mission and the future pipeline for Habs. Both schools already have a close relationship – many St Martin’s boys have progressed to Habs Boys over the years and thrived both academically and personally. By joining together we are creating a future rooted in educational excellence, as well as protecting our ethos and culture.
  • Enhanced educational opportunities
    It will allow Habs to share resources more efficiently in order to manage cost rises to parents and strengthen our ability to invest in the best teaching and learning experiences to support each pupil. It will provide St Martin’s with access to a broader range of resources, facilities, and expertise across the Haberdashers’ network
  • Long-term sustainability
    It will strengthen the future of Habs, St Martin’s and Lochinver through the strategic collaboration and shared infrastructure, create exciting opportunities for the professional growth of all staff, with enhanced access to shared knowledge and expertise, training and career development and opportunities. This will in turn benefit Habs students.
  • Community confidence
    Reinforcing trust among parents and stakeholders with the combination and strength of Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools, St Martin’s and Lochinver House School.
  • Legacy protection
    Ensuring that the traditions and identity of Habs continues to thrive.

The Governors of St Martin’s and Haberdashers’ were unanimous in their decision to move ahead with this opportunity and are delighted to be working together to provide the very best educational provision, now and into the future.

Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools currently educate nearly 2,600 boys and girls, aged 4 to 18. Lochinver House School, an independent prep school in Potters Bar educating 330 boys and girls aged 3 to 13 joined the Habs Elstree family in September 2025. The schools also form part of the nationwide Haberdashers’ family, including fifteen schools united by an unwavering commitment to empowering all young people to fulfil their potential and, through our enduring connection to the Haberdashers’ Company – one of the Great XII Livery Companies of the City of London.

Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools was crowned Independent School of the Year 2025 for outstanding educational partnerships and overall Independent School of the Year 2025. These awards are not just a celebration of academic excellence – they recognise a school actively using its resources, people, and purpose to drive social mobility and create a positive legacy beyond its campus.

Gus Lock, Executive Principal, Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools:
“We are truly delighted to announce the joining of these two outstanding schools who share a common ethos and commitment to excellence, whether it be in academic studies or in pastoral care. I am enormously excited by the prospect of strengthening our relationship with St Martin’s in the coming months and years.”

Simon Dunn, Headmaster, St. Martin’s School:
“This is a significant and welcome development, bringing together two outstanding schools with a shared commitment to excellence. As Headmaster, my guiding purpose has always been to secure the very best outcomes for every boy at St Martin’s. Joining the Haberdashers’ family of schools presents an exciting opportunity to build on our strengths, enhance our provision, and continue offering exceptional opportunities within the supportive context of a larger educational family.”

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