On 19th March 2026, we were delighted to announce the creation of a new schools group: Pembroke Education with The Downs Preparatory School. It is a shared purpose and forward-looking approach to education, one that strengthens us both as individual schools, opens new opportunities and ensures we remain confident, ambitious and future-ready.
This marks a historic and exciting moment for Clifton High School, enhancing its legacy and future and a most significant evolution that sees our School embrace innovation while preserving our best qualities.
Together, we bring complementary strengths. Clifton High School is a dynamic co-educational day-through-school for 3-18 year olds in Clifton Village, offering a nurturing, forward-thinking and values-led education, combining academic excellence and an environment for pupils to thrive. The Downs Preparatory School offers families a choice at 13+, sending pupils to some of Britain's most well-regarded independent senior schools. It provides a traditional prep education, rich in character development, independence and outdoor learning.
While distinct in setting, both schools share a commitment to ambition, belonging and collaboration; the values that sit at the centre of Pembroke Education. We are excited to launch in September 2026, bringing together the belief that children thrive when their individuality is respected and their environments are strengthened through purposeful partnership.
For more information, please visit the Pembroke Education website, linked here.
It is incredibly exciting to begin this new venture with The Downs. Our values align closely, creating natural opportunities for collaboration while maintaining each school's distinctiveness. We look forward to the opportunities this presents for pupils and colleagues.
- Will Phelan, Head of Clifton High School
Distinctive Schools, Shared Purpose
As a natural continuation of our story, our vision and aim set out the shared direction that guides our community and our group is committed to upholding. They articulate the principles that shape how we work together and the aspirations that unite our schools, leaders and learners.
Vision - To build a community of schools where shared excellence and collaboration shape bright futures for every learner.
Aim - To support and strengthen our collaborative community of schools to deliver exceptional, future‑ready education in their own individual way.
Co-founding Pembroke Education is an important step for both The Downs and Clifton High, allowing us to accelerate the vision of each school while protecting the independence, character and child-centred ethos that define our schools.
- Debbie Isaachsen, Head of The Downs Preparatory School
