Who Owns Wetherby Pembridge?

Wetherby Pembridge was created in 2024 by Inspired Education Group as a new co-educational independent senior school in London, drawing on the combined educational traditions of two of London's most prestigious preparatory schools: Wetherby School and Pembridge Hall.

Wetherby School was founded in 1975 in Notting Hill, London, as an independent boys' preparatory school. Over nearly 50 years, Wetherby School built a distinguished reputation as one of London's most prestigious boys' preparatory schools, known for preparing boys for admission to leading senior independent schools including Eton College, Harrow School, and Westminster School. The school became particularly well known for its association with notable alumni from prominent British families.

Pembridge Hall was founded in 1945 in Notting Hill, London, as an independent girls' preparatory school. Over nearly 80 years, Pembridge Hall developed a strong reputation as one of London's most prestigious girls' preparatory schools, known for preparing girls for admission to leading senior independent schools including South Hampstead High School, St Paul's Girls' School, and Godolphin and Latymer.

Both Wetherby School and Pembridge Hall were part of Alpha Plus Group, a UK independent school group that operated a portfolio of premium independent schools in London and other locations. In June 2023, Inspired Education Group signed an agreement to acquire 17 premium UK schools from Alpha Plus Group, including both Wetherby School and Pembridge Hall. This acquisition represented a significant expansion of Inspired's presence in the UK premium education market.

Following the acquisition of both schools, Inspired Education Group identified an opportunity to create a new co-educational independent senior school that would draw on the combined educational traditions, values, and excellence of both Wetherby School and Pembridge Hall. The result was Wetherby Pembridge, which was designed from the ground up as a purpose-built senior school for students aged 11-18.

Wetherby Pembridge was designed with world-leading facilities that reflect Inspired's vision for 21st-century education. The school's facilities include future-ready classrooms and science laboratories, a library with an eight-floor glass atrium that serves as the intellectual heart of the school, a professional-standard theatre for performing arts, and STEAM Maker Spaces equipped with the latest AI and VR technology. These facilities provide students with access to cutting-edge educational resources that support both rigorous academic study and creative, hands-on learning.

The school opened in 2024 with its first cohort of students from Years 7-9, marking a significant milestone in London's independent school landscape. As the school grows, it will expand to include Years 10-13, offering GCSE and A-Level qualifications and preparing students for university admission in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Wetherby Pembridge's creation reflects Inspired Education Group's broader strategy of not only acquiring established schools but also creating new premium educational institutions that embody the company's vision for innovative, holistic education. The school draws on the combined heritage and educational traditions of Wetherby School and Pembridge Hall while creating a new co-educational environment that prepares students for success in the 21st century.

The school's co-educational model, combining the traditions of a boys' school (Wetherby) and a girls' school (Pembridge Hall), reflects the broader trend in London's independent school sector toward co-education, with many traditionally single-sex schools having moved to co-educational models in recent decades.

Wetherby School and Pembridge Hall continue to operate as preparatory schools, providing a natural feeder pipeline of students into Wetherby Pembridge at Year 7. Students from both preparatory schools, as well as students from other London preparatory schools, are eligible to apply for admission to Wetherby Pembridge.