From April 2026, St Martin’s School will be joining Haberdashers’ Elstree family of Schools (Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, Haberdashers’ Girls’ School and Lochinver House School).  

Why merge?  

 Our schools are in strong positions, and the merger between St Martin’s and Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools family is a strategic and exciting decision which brings together schools with strong traditions, and a shared commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of young people.

This merger reflects the profound respect St Martin’s and Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools hold for one another, as well as the natural alignment between our schools. Our schools already enjoy strong historical connections. Over the years, a significant number of St Martin’s pupils have progressed to Habs Boys where they have flourished academically and personally, successfully advancing along their chosen educational pathways.

The potential synergies arising from this merger are considerable. We can continue to provide an exceptional educational experience for all our pupils, share resources and expertise that will benefit both our communities, strengthen our financial sustainability and ensure the long-term success of our institutions.   

Both St Martin’s and the Haberdashers’ family of schools share a deeply aligned educational philosophy, one that places the individual learner at the centre of all we do. This shared approach will foster meaningful collaboration, enabling both schools to learn from one another and enhance practices across the group.

The merger represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen our educational delivery while preserving the distinct identity and values of St Martin’s.

The merger will help ensure that the legacy of St Martin’s endures, enabling future generations of boys to benefit from the rich traditions and high standards that have always defined our school community.

The 5 key benefits of the merger with Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools family:

Joining Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools will bring meaningful opportunities, while safeguarding what families value most about St Martin’s. Key benefits include:

• Preservation of our core values: Alignment with a group that shares our commitment to academic excellence, character development, and pupil wellbeing.
• Enhanced educational opportunities: Access to a broader range of resources, facilities, and expertise across the Haberdashers’ network.
• Long-term sustainability: Strengthening the future of St. Martin’s through strategic collaboration and shared infrastructure.
• Community confidence: Reinforcing trust among parents and stakeholders by joining a highly respected and successful educational group.
• Legacy protection: Ensuring that the traditions and identity of St. Martin’s continue to thrive within a supportive and forward-thinking family.

The relationship between St Martin’s and Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools will evolve organically over time, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence. This merger is designed to empower our schools to grow with confidence, while remaining true to the values that define us.

The Governors of St Martin’s and Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools were unanimous in their decision to move ahead with this opportunity and are delighted to be working together to provide the very best educational provision, now and into the future.  

Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools currently educate nearly 2,600 boys and girls, aged 4 to 18.  Lochinver House School, an independent prep school in Potters Bar educating 330 boys and girls aged 3 to 13 joined the Habs Elstree family in May 2025. The schools also form part of the nationwide Haberdashers’ family: including fifteen schools united by an unwavering commitment to empowering all young people to fulfil their potential and, through our enduring connection to the Haberdashers’ Company – one of the Great XII Livery Companies of the City of London.

Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools was crowned Independent School of the Year 2025 for outstanding educational partnerships and overall Independent School of the Year 2025. These awards are not just a celebration of academic excellence — they recognise a school actively using its resources, people, and purpose to drive social mobility and create a positive legacy beyond its campus.

"This is a significant and welcome development, bringing together two outstanding schools with a shared commitment to excellence. As Headmaster, my guiding purpose has always been to secure the very best outcomes for every boy at St. Martin’s[AH5] [AP6] . Joining the Haberdashers’ family of schools presents an exciting opportunity to build on our strengths, enhance our provision, and continue offering exceptional opportunities within the supportive context of a larger educational family."

Simon Dunn, Headmaster, St Martin’s School

"We are truly delighted to announce the joining of these two outstanding schools who share a common ethos and commitment to excellence, whether it be in academic studies or in pastoral care. I am enormously excited by the prospect of strengthening our relationship with St Martin’s in the coming months and years."

Gus Lock, Executive Principal, Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools