From September 2025, Lochinver House School – an independent prep school in Potters Bar will join Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools (Haberdashers’ Boys’ School and Haberdashers’ Girls’ School).
Why merge?
Our schools are in strong positions, and the merger between Lochinver House and Haberdashers’ is a strategic, proactive and forward-thinking decision which brings together schools with strong traditions, a shared ethos and purpose, and a shared commitment to excellence in education. By combining we can continue to provide an exceptional educational experience for all pupils, share resources and expertise that will benefit both our communities, strengthen our financial sustainability and ensure the long-term success of both institutions.
The independent school sector has seen a number of challenges, through the government’s imposition of VAT on fees and the loss of business relief rates, all set against other financial pressures. Schools across the UK are looking at ways to improve their financial stability and educational offer with the growth of not-for-profit educational groups and multiple mergers.
There are four key reasons for the merger:
- Shared ethos and values
Lochinver House and Haberdashers’ both have strong proud traditions, shared ethos, deeply aligned values, with a commitment to academic excellence, character development, and holistic education. By joining together, we are creating a future rooted in educational excellence and opportunity, as well as protecting our long-standing history, ethos and culture. - Shared resources
The merger will allow the schools to share resources most efficiently in order to manage cost rises to parents. This will strengthen our ability to invest in the best teaching and learning experiences to support each pupil. It will also deepen the relationship between our schools for those who wish to transfer to Habs at 11+ or 13+. - Greater expertise
This partnership opens exciting opportunities for the professional growth of our staff, with enhanced access to shared knowledge and expertise, training and career development and opportunities, including the expertise and resources of the wider Haberdashers’ family. By joining forces, we strengthen the schools – attracting talent, investing in facilities and enriching the educational experience for all pupils. - Strength and growth
Our schools are financially strong but operating at greater scale allows us more financial sustainability, to guarantee the long-term success of our schools and to fulfil our ongoing commitment to excellence in education. We believe in an all-round education that is exciting, intellectually challenging and fun. We aim to inspire every child to achieve their very best and develop independence, resilience and embrace our core values to create positive change in society.Our pupils are from a diverse range of backgrounds and the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion underpin everything that we do, together with the aim of nurturing happy, kind and confident children who are well prepared for life beyond the school gate. Our schools are in strong positions and, by working together, we will further enhance educational opportunities, strengthen financial sustainability and ensure their long-term success. Welcoming Lochinver to the Haberdashers’ family, allows Habs to increase its scale whilst retaining the highest academic standards and offering educational excellence to a wider catchment area, and it ensures that Lochinver House continues to thrive in a fast-changing world, retaining its distinctiveness and providing the very best education for its boys and girls.
The Governors of Lochinver House 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.
Lochinver House is an independent prep school in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. While its roots trace back to 1947, the school’s enduring ethos is what truly defines it. Its vision is ‘to shape global citizens, empowered with the skills and knowledge to make a positive difference in the world‘. Lochinver House places great emphasis on developing pupils’ values, character and contribution, encouraging pupils to look beyond themselves and engage meaningfully with the world around them.
From September 2025, Lochinver House will welcome girls through its doors, starting initially with the youngest pupils. It has benefitted from the commitment of dedicated headmasters and staff. Jonathan Wadge, Headmaster has been in post since September 2023, having served as a Head at another prep school for 8 years prior to this role. The school is ambitious for its pupils, committed to ensuring exciting futures for the wider world beyond.
“I am delighted that we are merging with Lochinver House, and growing as a family of schools. Our shared values and shared long-standing commitment to excellence in education will enable us to provide a truly exceptional experience which will benefit both our communities. I am enormously excited to be working closely with Jonathan and strengthening the partnership between our schools.”
“This is an exciting new chapter for Lochinver House. United by a shared commitment to academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care and a vibrant co-curricular offer, this merger strengthens our school by enhancing our ability to offer the very best opportunities and outcomes for our pupils, to ensure the long-term success of Lochinver House at a time of challenge for many standalone schools in the independent sector.”
We will be hosting an online welcome meeting for Lochinver parents and also Habs parents. Followed by an in-person event for Lochinver parents.
