Principal’s Welcome

“Welcome to The Gower School, which I founded in 2000.

Our independent school’s work was once again rated as Outstanding and Excellent in every category following our most recent external inspection. We offer a broad curriculum in multi-age classrooms which aims to develop the whole person – their mind, body, heart and soul. We teach academic, social and other valuable skills to last a lifetime. Our goal is to make sure that our girls and boys are confident, happy all-rounders with a love of learning.

We are guided not by bureaucratic edict but by the Montessori philosophy of education that espouses respect for the individual child, nurturing their surroundings and self-reliance. We also believe in purposeful and fulfilling activities that break down the artificial division of ‘work’ and ‘play’. Our experience is that reinforcing the inner drive for self-improvement is more effective in academic attainment and developing the whole child, than promoting peer-competitiveness.

The warm, friendly atmosphere is immediately apparent when you enter our school.  It is a unique environment where everybody gets to know every child and family by name. It is important to me that every child is recognised as an individual. Our very high ratio of teachers to children ensures we can nurture their talents and give them the specific help that they need to succeed.

Our staff are fun, inspirational people and are specialists in the age group or developmental stage they work with. They are keen observers and facilitators who recognise varying learning styles, helping not doing and coaching, not lecturing. Many staff have committed years of service to our school. They believe passionately in the development of the individual child, not moulding or stuffing them with data.

I am proud to create such an exciting place for a child to grow and learn. Our extensive extra-curricular programme and flexible approach respond to children’s interests through broad projects. The Gower School is large enough to provide a full range of facilities and attract a loyal and highly capable staff. Our community also retains personal touches and fosters independence of mind, curiosity and self-confidence. Kindness, good manners and consideration of others are TGS essentials.

We are proud to call Islington our home and be part of a diverse community of parents, students and staff. We fully take advantage of all the best central London offers on our doorstep.

At The Gower School, we are all working towards a shared vision, held together by common-sense educational values. Being Principal is an incredible experience. It is wonderful to be a part of our amazing children’s journey through their early years and primary education as they become little people. I look forward to welcoming you to our school.”

Emma Gowers, Principal