Parents are delighted with this ‘gem of a school’ which ‘makes every pupil feel valued’. Tower House radiates positivity. Opportunities abound and the school produces happy, erudite boys who are courteous, curious and kind. An impressive list of leavers’ destinations testament to a job well done.

Six values - kindness, respect, courage, resilience, generosity and curiosity - ensure boys are set up to learn, make friends and contribute to school and wider society. There is also a refreshing belief in childhood too: ‘If it snows, we will be going to Richmond Park and boys may get bumps and bruises but they will have fun.’

Wellbeing is prioritised. Pastoral care largely the responsibility of heads of year and form teachers but concerns are escalated if appropriate. Boys told us, ‘If you are worried you talk to a teacher and, even if it’s a small worry, they take it seriously.’

Impressive enrichment activities for Senior School boys include the Tower Project which sees groups of boys running businesses for a year. Parents mentor while boys develop an understanding of digital and financial literacy, sustainability and marketing as well as building skills in teamwork and creativity.

Football, rugby and cricket the main sports. Boys access fantastic facilities at the Wimbledon Community Sports Centre and the cricket pitch on Sheen Common. Fixtures from year 3. There are ample opportunities for the less sporty to participate.

The lessons we observed were inspiring with lovely tactics for keeping young boys engaged and intrigued. ‘Say it like a mouse,’ instructed the teacher and the boys whispered. ‘Say it like a knight,’ elicited louder responses. Lots of questions. ‘Why is a clock like a ruler?’ leading to some intense discussion in one class.

Staff are praised by boys and parents alike...Many teachers display impressive skills when it comes to multi-tasking, combining roles and responsibilities, subjects and specialisms. From year 3, specialist teachers for science (‘We do loads of experiments’), music, art, DT, drama, history and geography. No question that having a thriving year 7 and 8 makes the school an attractive proposition for subject enthusiasts.

"This all-boys’ London prep is a shining example of the way kindness and careful nurturing can shape boys into charming and delightful young men. Pupils’ individual needs are at the heart of everything and they’re given as many opportunities as possible, from learning how to launch a start-up to exhibiting in the annual art fair."

"Proudly non-selective, the academics and co-curricular offering mean everyone thrives (the scholarship haul is impressive), but perhaps its hope-for-the-future magic is seeing the way the boys all support each other across the year groups."

"The Reception classroom is delightful, with zoned areas for art, reading (on a lovely mezzanine) and role-play with an outdoor play area complete with kitchen and an awning so they can be outside even if it’s raining."

"Year 8 head off to a whole range of different senior schools, with plenty awarded scholarships – in 2024, nine out of 20 won scholarships in art, drama, music and academic. Extra support is on hand to prepare for the exams and discussions about next steps start in Year 4 with one-to-one conversations between parents and the head in Year 5."

"Everyone has an opportunity to play in matches, with teams in football, rugby and cricket. Individuals and teams are entered for regional and national competitions such as IAPS swimming, and the senior football squad competes in the Prep4sport Challenge Cup at St George’s Park each year."