Founded in 2021 as a successor to the Schools Together Group, S.P.A. is a membership-based charity dedicated to fostering and evaluating cross-sector collaborations between UK independent and state schools. It aims to shift the narrative around partnerships from political compliance to genuine educational impact, providing schools with a "Partnership Health Check," professional CPD, and research-backed frameworks. Governed by a board of trustees comprising leaders from both sectors (including figures from HMC and state academies), the alliance works to improve pupil outcomes and social mobility through mutually beneficial resource sharing and joint innovation.
SPA Member Schools (16)
Streatham & Clapham High School GDST is an independent day school for girls aged 3 to 18, situated across two sites in South London. Founded in 1887 and a member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the school features a Prep School in a Victorian building and a Senior School bordering Tooting Common. Notable architecture includes 1930s modernist structures and a contemporary Sixth Form wing. Specialist facilities include a recital hall, art suites, and a floodlit all-weather pitch. Guided by the motto "Towards wisdom unafraid," the school balances academic breadth with a wide-ranging co-curricular programme.
Godolphin and Latymer School is an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18, situated in Hammersmith, West London. Established in 1861 as a boys’ school, it was reconstituted in 1905 with support from the Latymer Foundation. The campus features Victorian architecture alongside contemporary facilities, notably the Bishop Centre for performing arts, housed in a converted church designed by William Butterfield. Students in the Sixth Form choose between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The school’s ethos encourages intellectual curiosity, independent thought, and a commitment to social responsibility.
Cranleigh Senior School is a co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18, set within 280 acres of the Surrey Hills. Established in 1865, the school features striking Grade II listed red brick Victorian architecture, including a central quadrangle and chapel designed by Henry Woodyer. Guided by the motto 'Ex Cultu Robur' (From Culture Comes Strength), the school fosters a community-focused ethos. Extensive facilities include an on-site equestrian centre, a nine-hole golf course, and a robotics hub, supporting a broad curriculum that balances academic, sporting, and creative pursuits.
Dulwich College is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 11 to 18, situated in London. Originally established to provide education for poor scholars, the school now offers a comprehensive curriculum alongside a wide array of co-curricular activities, including over 80 clubs and societies. It emphasises a holistic education supported by a strong pastoral framework, fostering intellectual curiosity and community engagement. The campus features historic buildings, and the school maintains an international network through its association with other educational institutions.
King Edward's Witley is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated within a 100-acre estate in the Surrey Hills. Founded in 1553 by King Edward VI, the school moved from London to its current site in Godalming in 1867. It offers a broad curriculum including both A-levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The school emphasises a holistic education, supported by facilities such as a dedicated music school, a business and finance centre, and extensive sports grounds.
Caterham School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated in the Harestone Valley in Surrey. Set within a 200-acre campus, the school was founded in 1811 and moved to its current location in 1884. It provides a broad curriculum with a strong emphasis on digital innovation, being recognised as an Apple Distinguished School. Facilities include a performing arts centre, a large sports complex, and extensive woodland used for outdoor education. The school fosters an environment focused on both academic achievement and personal development.
Westminster School is a historic boarding and day school for pupils aged 13 to 18, located within the Precincts of Westminster Abbey. Refounded by Elizabeth I in 1560, it is the only ancient school to remain on its original site in central London. The school is centred around Little Dean’s Yard and includes notable architecture such as the 14th-century College Hall. It provides a liberal education that encourages independent thought and academic rigour. Facilities include the 13-acre Vincent Square playing fields and a modern sports centre. Girls are currently admitted to the Sixth Form.
St Paul's School is an independent school for boys aged 7 to 18, situated on a 45-acre riverside site in Barnes, London. Founded in 1509 by John Colet, the school emphasises a liberal education and academic scholarship. Its extensive campus includes an on-site boat club, a theatre, and specialised science and music centres. St Paul's operates as both a day and boarding school, with flexible and weekly boarding available for senior pupils. The institution’s historical alumni include notable figures such as John Milton and Samuel Pepys.
Kingston Grammar School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated in Kingston upon Thames. Founded in 1561 by Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I, the school's historic site features the 14th-century Lovekyn Chapel, the only remaining free-standing chantry chapel in England. The school provides a broad academic curriculum alongside a diverse co-curricular programme. Extensive sporting facilities are located nearby at Ditton Field, covering 22 acres. The school's ethos encourages pupils to be intellectually curious and socially responsible within a supportive community.
Situated in the Sussex countryside in Upper Dicker, near Hailsham, Bede’s Senior School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18. The school claims to offer a holistic education that prioritises individual interests, combining academic study with traditions in the performing arts and sport. Notable facilities include an on-site zoo housing over 70 species and the Legat School of Dance. Its ethos focuses on cultivating curiosity and ambition within an inclusive community that values personal growth and both creative and academic achievement.
King Edward VI School, Southampton, is an independent co-educational day school catering for pupils aged 11 to 18. Located on a 13-acre site in Southampton, the school features modern academic facilities alongside the 300-seat Dobson Theatre. Sports facilities extend to the nearby 33-acre Wellington Sports Ground, which provides grass playing fields, tennis courts, and a water-based astro pitch. Originally established as a grammar school following a Royal Charter, it offers a broad curriculum alongside extensive co-curricular and pastoral support.
City of London Freemen's School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 7 to 18, situated in 57 acres of parkland at Ashtead Park, Surrey. Founded in 1854 by the City of London Corporation, the school is centred around a Grade II listed mansion house. Facilities include a specialist music school with a 200-seat recital hall and a modern sports centre featuring a competition-standard swimming pool. Its ethos encourages students to learn, lead, and make a difference, balancing academic rigour with extensive extracurricular opportunities in a historic rural setting.