Education today is no longer just about excelling in exams or securing a place at a prestigious university. It is about shaping individuals who are academically capable and also morally grounded, compassionate and equipped to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. That’s where Dollar Academy steps in. At the heart of this coeducational day and boarding school lies a set of core values that guide students through their educational journey, ensuring they grow into well-rounded, empathetic individuals. Work Hard, Get Involved, and Be Kind are not just buzzwords—they are principles that shape character, encourage curiosity, and foster a sense of purpose. Ian Munro, its head of school says, “We are providing a holistic education that balances academic rigor with character development. This enables our students to become intellectually curious, morally grounded and ready to contribute to the world beyond the school gates.” The emphasis on hard work, engagement, and kindness fosters a culture where students strive for excellence and also learn to support and uplift one another. Adapting to a Changing Educational Landscape Dollar has seamlessly integrated the advancements bestowed by the advent of personalized learning and digital innovation into its curriculum while maintaining its focus on personal connections and character education. The school utilizes cutting-edge technology to tailor the learning experience to each student’s needs. By balancing technological integration with strong relationships between staff and students, Dollar ensures that the emotional and social aspects of education remain central to the student experience. The school’s dedication to character development is embedded throughout its programs, from service learning and outdoor education to leadership opportunities and global citizenship—and shines through the success stories of its students. One such story is of a student who entered the school through its bursary programme. Initially lacking confidence and unsure of their direction, this student flourished within Dollar’s supportive environment. Through expert teaching, a rich co-curricular offering, and a focus on developing leadership skills, the student graduated with top academic results and also secured a scholarship to a leading international university. Today, that student is pursuing a career in human rights law—a testament to Dollar’s ability to empower students to find their voice and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Top Co Ed Independent Prep School in Uk 2025

No two children think, feel or learn in the same way. More parents want schools that recognise this, spark curiosity, honour individuality and help every child grow into confident, capable and compassionate learners . That’s precisely what families find at Prospect House School, a leading co-educational prep school in southwest London for children aged 3 to 11. Across beautiful sites beside Putney Heath, the school combines the warmth and personal attention of a village community with the ambition and breadth of a top-tier institution. It follows a curiosity-led curriculum enriched by vibrant arts, varied sports and a strong focus on emotional intelligence and pupil agency. Learning is designed to be joyful yet academically rigorous, with every pathway tailored specifically and genuinely to the child’s strengths, needs and interests. This inclusive ethos welcomes all pupils, providing tailored support that feels natural. Proudly co-educational, the school maintains a genuine 50:50 gender balance, fostering collaboration, respect and equitable development from the earliest years. “Admissions are non-selective with no early testing or filtering. Testing four-year-olds for school entry is like trying to rank acorns before they’ve even had a chance to grow into trees! Children join with enthusiasm and potential, then flourish from day one in small classes around eighteen with a six-toone student-to-teacher ratio, in our individualised learning pathways,” says Kelly Gray, head teacher. .

Student Accommodation Service

Finding student housing should be hassle-free. Many students, especially those coming from outside the European Union, face difficulties in finding comfortable accommodations across Europe. For instance, in major university cities, skyrocketing rents and subpar living conditions leave students scrambling for a place to call home. SHED Living is changing this narrative, offering modern, affordable community-focused spaces where students can live, learn and thrive. In this interview with Education Insider Europe, Eglė Garnienė, SHED Living group general manager for the Baltics (I Asset Management), provides insights into SHED’s expertise in student accommodation. She emphasises how stylish co-working spaces enable students and young professionals to balance their responsibilities and comfort needs. With student housing being a problem across Europe, how Is SHED providing a suitable alternative and alleviating the situation? Finding quality, affordable student housing in Europe is increasingly difficult, particularly in major university cities where demand far exceeds supply. Over 50 percent of students struggle to secure accommodations that balance comfort, convenience and cost, with cities like London, Berlin and Warsaw facing critical shortages. In Central and Eastern Europe, students often have limited options—outdated dormitories, overcrowded flats or expensive private rentals that fail to meet their needs. Our mission at SHED is to address this challenge through purpose-built student housing via our Student Housing Funds. We have launched high-quality, student-focused accommodations in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, with plans for expansion across the CEE region. More than just a place to sleep, our properties foster supportive communities where students thrive academically and personally. With flexible lease terms, modern, fully-equipped rooms and dedicated study areas, we offer an exceptional living experience at an affordable price. Expanding our portfolio, we aim to alleviate the student housing crisis and provide a much-needed alternative to traditional options. Our vision is to build safe, thriving communities where students can live, learn and grow—free from the stress of inadequate housing. How does SHED create a supportive, community-driven living experience for students? What makes SHED unique in the student housing space? Under SHED, we provide safe, engaging environments where students can focus on their studies while enjoying a balanced life. Operating high-quality, purpose-built accommodations in Vilnius, Riga and Krakow, we are expanding this year with two new locations in Warsaw to meet the rising demand for student housing in these regions.

EDITORIAL

A New Benchmark in Student-Centered Education

The education landscape in Europe is changing rapidly, driven by rising expectations for holistic development and world-class student support. Parents today seek institutions that combine academic rigor with character-building, cultural awareness and a safe, nurturing setting. Within this context, private schools, particularly co-educational independent prep schools, are establishing new standards of excellence. Private schools continue to set the benchmark for high-quality education, offering personalized learning experiences that balance academic rigor with character development. Smaller class sizes and tailored teaching approaches ensure students receive the guidance and support they need to excel inside and outside the classroom. Among them, independent prep schools redefine preparation for the future. Their co-educational environments reflect the dynamics of modern society, encouraging collaboration, empathy and confidence across diverse perspectives. Student accommodation has become central. Boarding is no longer viewed simply as convenience. It is now an essential part of the learning journey. Modern accommodation services, together with pastoral care create structured, supportive and enriching environments where students develop independence, resilience and a sense of community. This edition of Education Insider Europe examines how private schools, co-educational independent prep schools and student accommodation services are transforming the standard of student-centered education. Featured thought leaders include James Carroll, general manager at Cognita Schools, who explains how AI is being integrated into classrooms to support teaching and learning. Ronan Gruenbaum, dean of international affairs & program development at Hult International Business School, shares how business schools can remain relevant in an AI-driven world. We hope this edition offers fresh perspectives on the trends shaping education and how it nurtures the next generation of capable, confident and compassionate leaders.