The Dean Close Foundation has welcomed a new independent school into its thriving network of schools and nurseries.

The foundation is delighted to announce that Airthrie School, Cheltenham will be joining the educational group this month. The foundation currently consists of four schools and a family of Little Trees Nurseries.

Airthrie is a thriving prep school for children aged 3-11 and is suitable for parents seeking a small and nurturing environment for their child.

Emma Taylor, warden and CEO of the Dean Close Foundation, said: "We are delighted to welcome Airthrie School into our diverse family of schools and nurseries. The Dean Close Foundation has one simple aim - to see every member of its community flourish."

The growth of the Dean Close Foundation is designed to provide financial strength and contribute educational best practice for all its schools and nurseries.

The foundation structure is designed to ensure that the head of each school is able to focus on providing the highest quality education, and that he or she knows each child and family personally. This brings the benefits of schools and nurseries that are small enough for every individual to count, whilst the foundation itself is large enough to provide financial stability, professional expertise and strategic planning.

Beth Sullivan, the previous owner and principal of Airthrie, said the move will be: "Beneficial to one and all in the Airthrie family, both now and in the years to come".