Private School News

THREE LONDON SCHOOLS JOIN CHRIS WOODHEAD’S SCHOOLS’ GROUP

  
Chris Woodhead’s Group, Cognita Schools, announced today that it has bought Clifton Lodge School in Ealing, London and The Charterhouse Square School in the Barbican area, London.  Cumnor House School in Croydon joined the group in March.
 
Cognita is the largest private provider of independent education in the country. It runs 44 schools in England and Wales, including 23 in London, and two schools overseas. It is chaired by Chris Woodhead, the former HM Chief Inspector of Schools.
 
All three schools are preparatory schools in and around London who prepare pupils for entrance into local independent senior and grammar schools.
 
David Blumlein, head and current owner of Clifton Lodge said ‘We are excited that we have been able to join Cognita Schools.  I will remain the Head and all the other teachers are staying on to ensure the smooth running and transition of the school.  I have been running the school for nearly 30 years now and feel that I am passing it to new hands with the vision and strength to take the school to a new level.’
 
The Headmistress of The Charterhouse Square School, Jamie Malden said, ‘I am thrilled that The Charterhouse Square will be joining Cognita.  It is such a great move for the school.  I have been running it for over 20 years and am so pleased that I will be staying on as Head to work with Cognita to ensure a smooth transition.  The school has been my life’s work and I am pleased that it can continue in very safe hands.’
 
The former owner of Cumnor House School, Mrs Linda Jenkins said, ‘I am delighted that Cumnor House is joining Cognita. This will give parents peace of mind about the school’s long term future. We have every confidence that Cognita will strive to enhance the educational standards and reputation of the school.’ She added that ‘this is a wonderful opportunity for Cumnor’s future to be assured and put in such good hands.’ Mrs Jenkins, the Headmaster Peter Clare-Hunt and all the staff will continue in their roles at the school.
 
Chris Woodhead commented, ‘I’m very pleased to welcome these three excellent schools to Cognita. We are now able to offer quality education to children in a large number of London boroughs and are looking forward to building on the excellent reputations that they have already developed.’