The Gregg School

Eltham College and Blackheath Prep To Merge

Published by Eltham College on Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Eltham College and Blackheath Prep are to merge to become one family of schools from September 2023, it was announced today.


The merger provides an exciting opportunity to cement the schools’ already close ties through a more formal partnership, bringing new opportunities for pupils to share facilities and expertise, and for staff to develop their careers within a wider pool of professionals.


The new Eltham College family of schools will enjoy excellent leadership under Guy Sanderson, who will also continue in his role of Headmaster of Eltham College. He will be supported by Alex Matthews who will continue as Head of Blackheath Prep and Vikki Meier, who will remain as Head of Eltham College Junior School.   James Martin will become Senior Deputy of Eltham College.


With both schools in good financial health, planned capital investment projects - including the refurbishment and expansion of Eltham College’s science and technology building; new library and Year 5 and 6 classrooms for Eltham Junior School; and the rebuilding of the Jubilee block and sports pavilion at Blackheath Prep - will go ahead, subject to the usual planning consents. These investments will enable each school to maximise their existing sites, but there are no plans to expand further and the focus of the new group is on providing an excellent education to existing communities in south-east London.


Alex Matthews, Head, Blackheath Prep, said:


“Pupils are at the heart of our decision to merge and they will continue to enjoy exceptional teaching, outstanding pastoral care and fantastic facilities.  Now, we have an opportunity to enhance these further within a larger family of schools, and we have already begun to look for opportunities to share our facilities and expertise for their benefit.”

Guy Sanderson, Headmaster, Eltham College and of the Eltham family of schools, said:


“This is a wonderful opportunity for two already success schools to build on a shared educational vision, ethos and values to the benefit of both communities. From our existing positions of strength, our larger family will be in an excellent position to prepare for the future and to ensure our schools continue to thrive.”
Eltham College and Blackheath Prep To Merge - Photo 1Eltham College and Blackheath Prep To Merge - Photo 2Eltham College and Blackheath Prep To Merge - Photo 3
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