Welcome to Pembroke Education

Sporting collaboration is already creating new opportunities across Pembroke Education.

Pupils from Clifton High School and The Downs Preparatory School have come together this term to form a Pembroke Education Year 7 and 8 rugby team, alongside representing their own schools.

The team has made a strong start with impressive performances against Beaudesert and Clifton College, demonstrating the benefits of collaboration through sport. By combining talent from across our founder schools, pupils are enjoying additional fixtures, developing new friendships and experiencing the power of teamwork on and off the pitch.

On 1st September, Pembroke Education officially launched, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

To celebrate this milestone, colleagues from our founding schools; Clifton High School and The Downs Preparatory School, came together for a morning of collaboration and professional development. The programme included an inspiring keynote from Olympian Greg Searle, a welcome from Will Phelan, Head of Pembroke Education, and opportunities to connect over coffee and cake.

The event embodied the spirit of the group, bringing together colleagues united by a shared commitment to exceptional education. It was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships and share ideas. We look forward to many more similar events.

On Saturday 25th April, we hosted our first Pembroke Education event: a collaborative Athletics Challenge bringing together pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6 from Clifton High School and The Downs Preparatory School.

The sun shone brightly on the day, which was filled with energy, teamwork and encouragement as pupils supported one another, embraced healthy competition and, above all, had a great deal of fun. It was a tremendous success and a fantastic opportunity for our school communities; including parents and staff, to come together.

We look forward to many more shared events and opportunities in the future.

Both Heads express strong optimism about what the formation of Pembroke Education will enable.

William Phelan, Head of Clifton High School, says: “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.”

Debbie Isaachsen, Head of The Downs Preparatory School, adds:
“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.”