Founded in 1978 by educational innovator Mogg Hercules MBE, Dallington School has offered families an alternative to traditional schooling for over four decades, positioning itself as the original progressive, family-owned village school in central London. This independent co-educational primary school in Clerkenwell educates around 60 children aged 3 to 11 through a creative, child-centred approach that celebrates childhood and resists the pressure to rush formal education. With nursery provision, mixed-age classes, and an urban Forest School programme embedded in the curriculum, Dallington serves families seeking a nurturing, non-selective environment in Islington. Fees for 2025/26 range from £5,775 per term for Nursery through Year 2, rising to £6,615 per term for Years 3–6. A 10% sibling discount applies to second and third children, and bursaries are available.
Dallington School was established in 1978 to provide an educational environment where children could learn at their own pace through hands-on, experiential methods. The founding vision emphasised creativity, individuality, and a belief that young learners thrive when they are not subject to early formal testing or rigid academic timelines. The school's motto, "Value your own worth and understand the differences in others," encapsulates its commitment to inclusivity and mutual respect.
Under the leadership of Head James Griffiths, Dallington maintains its progressive philosophy while meeting modern educational standards. The school's mission is to develop "curious, creative, confident, kind and enthusiastic lifelong learners" in an open-plan, bright learning environment. The atmosphere is deliberately unhurried, with staff encouraging exploration and play-based learning in the early years, transitioning to topic-based, cross-curricular projects as children progress.
The school is a member of the Independent Schools Association and recently received EcoSchools accreditation for 2024–2025, reflecting its environmental commitment. Dallington's Student Council includes an active Eco Warriors group, giving pupils a voice in sustainability initiatives. Parents describe the school as a close-knit, supportive community where children feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and develop their own interests.
Dallington School does not participate in SATs or publish standardised test results, aligning with its progressive ethos that resists labelling young children by examination performance. As an independent school, it is not inspected by Ofsted; instead, it undergoes periodic reviews by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. The most recent ISI inspection in October 2024 found that all standards were met, affirming the school's commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and an inclusive, nurturing environment.
The curriculum is organised around cross-curricular topics that connect subjects meaningfully. Rather than teaching literacy, numeracy, and science in isolation, teachers design projects that integrate these disciplines with the arts, humanities, and outdoor learning. Specialist instruction is provided in French, music, swimming, and Forest School, all included in termly fees. The school's approach emphasises real-world learning through regular trips to museums, galleries, theatres, and zoos, and welcomes parent visits to share expertise with classes.
Children are grouped in mixed-age classes, with an average class size of around 19 pupils. This structure allows for peer mentoring and differentiated learning, as younger children benefit from observing older classmates while older pupils reinforce their understanding by helping juniors. Small group and partner work are prioritised, fostering collaboration and communication skills.
Special Educational Needs and Disability support is integrated into the school's inclusive model. SEND provision is included in standard fees, excluding one-to-one specialist assistance. The school's SENCo works with families to ensure individual needs are met, and staff adopt a flexible, responsive approach to learning differences. Dallington is non-selective, with no entrance assessments or examinations required, meaning families value the school's acceptance of children as they are.
Located at 8 Dallington Street in Clerkenwell, the school occupies a central London site that includes outdoor learning areas integrated into daily teaching. The urban Forest School programme is a distinctive feature, offering children regular access to nature-based play, exploration, and hands-on environmental education despite the city location.
Facilities include open-plan learning spaces designed to encourage movement and collaboration, specialist teaching areas, and outdoor zones for physical activity and forest learning. The bright, airy environment reflects the school's belief that physical space should support curiosity and creativity.
Extracurricular provision includes clubs in performing arts, sports, and creative activities. The school runs a breakfast care session from 8:00 am (£13 per session) and after-school care until 5:30 pm (£13 per hour), providing flexibility for working parents. Fresh fruit is provided daily, and curricular trips are included in fees.
Dallington's Student Council gives pupils a platform to contribute to school life, with the Eco Warriors initiative demonstrating the school's commitment to environmental awareness. Performing arts opportunities are woven into the curriculum, and children participate in productions and presentations that build confidence and public speaking skills.
Dallington School adopts an inclusive approach to Special Educational Needs and Disability, with individual support provided as needed within the school's progressive, child-centred framework. The school's SENCo, Tina, works closely with families and class teachers to identify and address learning differences early.
SEND support is included in termly fees, with the exception of one-to-one specialist assistance. The school's non-selective admissions policy and unhurried progression philosophy mean that children with a range of learning profiles are welcomed, and staff adapt teaching methods to suit individual needs.
The school's emphasis on small classes, mixed-age groupings, and differentiated learning allows for flexible support strategies. Staff prioritise understanding each child's strengths and challenges, using formative assessment and observation rather than standardised testing to track progress.
Dallington's commitment to valuing differences aligns with its founding ethos, ensuring that pupils with additional needs are not seen as exceptions but as valued members of the school community.
Dallington School operates on a first-come, first-served admissions basis, with no entrance assessments or examinations. This non-selective policy reflects the school's progressive values and makes entry straightforward for families seeking an alternative to competitive independent school entry processes. Parents should apply early, as places are limited due to the small cohort size (capacity of 180, with current enrolment around 60).
The school accepts applications for Nursery (age 3) through Year 6 (age 11), with rolling admissions throughout the year subject to availability. A registration fee of £150 is required, along with a deposit (amount not publicly specified). Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school to experience the ethos firsthand before applying.
Dallington draws pupils from across Islington and neighbouring boroughs, including families in Clerkenwell, Angel, King's Cross, and Camden. The central London location makes it accessible via public transport, though no dedicated school transport is provided. The school's reputation for nurturing creative, confident learners attracts families prioritising emotional well-being and individuality over test results.
Year 6 leavers transition to a range of secondary schools, with North Bridge House School in Canonbury being a popular destination. Outside London, St Christopher School in Letchworth attracts a significant number of pupils, as the two schools share a similar progressive ethos. Dallington supports the transition process through "Beyond Dallington" meetings, where the Head and SENCo guide families in selecting suitable secondary schools and preparing children for entrance tests while minimising stress.
Dallington School occupies a distinctive niche in London's independent sector, offering families an alternative to academically pressured, test-driven environments. Its progressive philosophy, rooted in the vision of Mogg Hercules and sustained over four decades, creates a nurturing space where young children can develop confidence, curiosity, and creativity without the anxiety of early formal assessment. The October 2024 ISI inspection confirmed that the school meets all standards, reassuring parents that its unconventional approach does not compromise educational quality.
For families seeking small classes, a non-selective admissions process, and an unhurried approach to childhood, Dallington delivers a warm, inclusive community. The urban Forest School programme, cross-curricular teaching, and emphasis on experiential learning distinguish it from more traditional prep schools. However, parents should be aware that the lack of standardised test data means there is no external benchmark for academic attainment, and families prioritising competitive exam results or formal tracking may find other schools more aligned with their expectations.
The school's central Clerkenwell location offers convenience for working parents, with breakfast and after-school care options extending the day. Fees are mid-range for London independent schools, and the availability of bursaries broadens access. Destinations for leavers reflect the school's values, with many pupils progressing to secondary schools that continue a progressive or holistic educational philosophy.
Dallington is best suited to families who value emotional intelligence, creativity, and individuality over league tables, and who are comfortable with a pedagogical approach that trusts children to learn at their own pace. For such families, this small, family-owned school offers a genuine alternative to mainstream independent education.
Dallington School is a well-established progressive independent primary school with a distinctive child-centred ethos. The October 2024 ISI inspection found that all standards were met, affirming the school's commitment to academic excellence and student well-being. The school does not participate in standardised testing or publish SATs results, so families seeking traditional academic benchmarks will not find comparative data. However, for parents prioritising creativity, emotional development, and an unhurried approach to learning, Dallington offers a nurturing, inclusive environment with over 40 years of experience in progressive education.
Dallington School operates a first-come, first-served admissions policy with no entrance assessments or examinations. To apply, parents should contact the school directly via the admissions page on the school website or by phone. A registration fee of £150 is required, and a deposit is requested upon acceptance of a place. The school welcomes applications for Nursery (age 3) through Year 6 (age 11), with rolling admissions subject to availability. Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school to meet staff and experience the ethos before applying. Given the small cohort size, early application is advisable.
For 2025/26, termly fees are £5,775 for Nursery, Reception, and Years 1–2, and £6,615 for Years 3–6. Fees are charged per term and include books, stationery, materials, fresh fruit, curricular trips, specialist instruction (music, French, swimming, Forest School), and SEND support (excluding one-to-one assistance). Nursery and Reception fees are not subject to VAT. A 10% discount applies to second and third siblings. Additional costs include breakfast care (£13 per session from 8:00 am) and after-school care (£13 per hour until 5:30 pm). Bursaries are available; families should contact the school for more information.
No, Dallington School is a primary school catering to children aged 3 to 11 (Nursery through Year 6). It does not offer secondary education or a sixth form. Year 6 leavers transition to a range of secondary schools, with popular destinations including North Bridge House School in Canonbury and St Christopher School in Letchworth. The school provides guidance and support for families during the secondary admissions process, including preparation for entrance tests where required.
Dallington School is committed to inclusive education and welcomes children with a range of learning profiles. The school's SENCo works with families and class teachers to provide individual support where needed. SEND provision is included in termly fees, excluding one-to-one specialist assistance. The school's non-selective admissions policy, small class sizes, and flexible, child-centred teaching methods allow staff to adapt to individual needs. Dallington supports children with learning differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia, as well as social and emotional needs including anxiety, ADHD, and autism spectrum support.
Dallington School leavers transition to a variety of secondary schools, reflecting the diverse needs and preferences of families. North Bridge House School in Canonbury is a popular destination, while outside London, St Christopher School in Letchworth attracts a significant number of pupils due to its similar progressive ethos. The school supports families through "Beyond Dallington" meetings, where the Head and SENCo provide guidance on selecting suitable secondary schools and preparing children for entrance tests. The school also invites former students to share their experiences of secondary education, helping current pupils and parents make informed decisions.
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