Tower College Review 2026: Excellence Gently Achieved

The first glimpse of Tower College is undeniably impressive. Set within a Victorian mansion in Rainhill, complete with turrets and extensive grounds, the school looks every inch the traditional independent establishment. Yet, despite the grandeur of 'The Tower', the atmosphere is far from imposing. Founded in 1948 by Charles and Muriel Oxley, the school remains family-run to this day, currently led by their granddaughter, Ms Andrea Bingley. This continuity is rare in the independent sector and creates a palpable sense of stewardship rather than corporate management.

Educating boys and girls from age 2 to 16, Tower College offers a seamless journey from nursery through to GCSEs. It is a school that champions traditional values; good manners, smart uniform, and courtesy are not optional extras here but the foundation of daily life. The school's motto, Excellentia Molliter Parta (Excellence Gently Achieved), perfectly captures the ethos. This is not a hothouse where results are extracted at the expense of happiness, but a supportive community where academic rigour sits comfortably alongside pastoral care.

Arrival at the school gates reveals a site that balances heritage with function. The main building, affectionately known as The Tower, provides a historical anchor, while newer additions like Mill Hall cater to the needs of a modern curriculum. The grounds are generous for a suburban school, offering ample space for the sports and outdoor activities that play a central role in school life.

Ms Andrea Bingley took the helm as Principal in 2021, continuing the family legacy. Her leadership maintains the school's distinctive family feel, which is frequently cited by parents as a primary reason for choosing the school. It is common to find staff who have taught at the school for decades, and indeed, many are former pupils themselves. This creates a stable, close-knit community where every child is known not just by their class teacher, but by staff across the school.

The atmosphere is purposeful but calm. Pupils move between lessons with a quiet discipline that reflects the school's high expectations of behaviour. The vertical house system—comprising Baxter, Clitheroe, and Sandon—fosters a sense of belonging that cuts across year groups. Older students naturally take on mentorship roles, looking out for younger pupils in the playground and dining hall. It feels like a school where children are allowed to remain children, protected from the pressures of the adult world for a little longer than is often the case elsewhere.

Tower College consistently delivers strong academic outcomes, a testament to its structured approach and small class sizes. In the most recent data, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 60.6. To put this into perspective, this score is significantly above the England average, indicating that students here achieve, on average, more than a grade higher per subject than their peers nationally.

Ranked 1st in Prescot and 1,212th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school is the clear academic leader in the immediate locality. This performance places it in the 'national typical' band (25th to 60th percentile) for England, a solid achievement that reflects consistent value-added for its intake.

The curriculum remains broad and balanced. The average EBacc APS score of 4.59 demonstrates a commitment to core academic subjects, with 6.9% of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above in the full English Baccalaureate suite. While the school is not an 'exam factory', the focus on academic discipline ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of A-levels and beyond.

The academic approach at Tower College is reassuringly traditional. Class sizes are kept small, typically averaging around 18-20, which allows teachers to provide individual attention and identify any misconceptions immediately. The curriculum is designed to be rigorous but accessible, with a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy in the early years.

In the Lower School (Reception to Year 6), pupils benefit from a blend of class-based teaching and specialist instruction. Unlike many primary settings where one teacher covers all subjects, Tower College introduces specialist teaching early. Pupils receive expert tuition in subjects such as Music, French, Spanish, and Science, utilising the facilities of the Senior School. This not only enhances learning but also smooths the transition to the upper years, removing the anxiety often associated with moving to 'big school'.

By the time students reach the Senior School (Year 7 to Year 11), the focus shifts towards GCSE preparation. The teaching style is structured and disciplined. Lessons are purposeful, with clear learning objectives and a focus on knowledge retention. The 2024 inspection praised the "vibrant atmosphere" of the school, noting that pupils are engaged and demonstrate a genuine passion for learning. Teachers here are not just subject experts; they are mentors who invest time in understanding how each child learns best.

As an 11-16 school, Tower College does not have a Sixth Form. While some families may initially view this as a drawback, the school sees it as a strength. By finishing at 16, students avoid the 'drift' into a sixth form that might not suit them. instead, they are forced to make active, informed choices about their future.

The school provides extensive support for this transition. A dedicated careers programme ensures that every student has a clear plan post-GCSE. The majority of leavers progress to high-performing local sixth form colleges, with Carmel College in St Helens and Winstanley College in Wigan being popular destinations. Both are renowned for their academic standards and act as effective springboards to university.

A significant number of students also move on to other independent schools for their A-levels, such as Merchant Taylors' or The King's School, Chester. The solid academic foundation laid at Tower College ensures that students are well-equipped to thrive in these competitive environments. Alumni frequently go on to secure places at Russell Group universities, with a steady stream entering professions such as medicine, law, and engineering.

Admission to Tower College is selective but accessible, looking for potential and character as much as raw academic ability. The main entry point for the Senior School is Year 7. Candidates sit an entrance examination, typically held in January of Year 6. For September 2026 entry, the exam is scheduled for Thursday 29th January 2026. The assessment covers English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning, designed to gauge innate ability and trainability.

For younger children entering Pre-School, Reception, or Lower School, the process is less formal. It usually involves a 'taster day' where the child spends time in their prospective class. This allows the school to assess their academic level and social integration, while giving the child a chance to experience the school environment.

Demand for places is strong, particularly for Reception and Year 7. Families are advised to register early. The school holds Open Days throughout the year, with the next Open Evening for prospective families taking place on Thursday 30th April 2026. This event offers an excellent opportunity to tour the facilities, meet Ms Bingley, and speak to current students about their experiences.

The concept of 'family' permeates every aspect of pastoral care at Tower College. Because the school is relatively small, with a capacity of around 675, no child is anonymous. Form teachers play a pivotal role, acting as the first point of contact for parents and the daily anchor for pupils. They monitor not just academic progress, but social interactions and emotional wellbeing.

The 2024 inspection confirmed that the school meets all standards for welfare, health, and safety, with inspectors highlighting the positive relationships between staff and pupils. The 'Tower' culture is one of mutual respect. Bullying is rare and dealt with swiftly; the school's behaviour policy is clear, fair, and consistently applied.

Wellbeing is also supported through a structured PSHE curriculum that addresses issues relevant to modern childhood, from online safety to mental health. However, it is the informal support that truly defines the school. The open-door policy of the Senior Leadership Team means that students feel able to raise concerns, knowing they will be listened to. The school also employs a school nurse and has staff trained in mental health first aid, ensuring that professional support is available when needed.

Education at Tower College extends far beyond the textbook. The school believes that character is built as much on the sports field and the stage as it is in the classroom. The extracurricular programme is robust, ensuring that every child can find their niche.

Sport

Sport is a central pillar of school life. The facilities include extensive playing fields, netball and tennis courts, and a multi-purpose sports hall. All pupils are encouraged to participate, with fixtures played regularly against other independent and state schools. Traditional sports dominate: football and rugby for boys; netball and rounders for girls, though opportunities exist for cross-country, athletics, and swimming. The annual Sports Day is a fiercely contested highlight of the calendar, showcasing the healthy house rivalry.

The Arts

The creative arts are equally valued. Music flourishes, with choirs, orchestras, and ensembles rehearsing weekly. Private instrumental tuition is available for a wide range of instruments, from piano to percussion. Drama is another strength; the school's productions are ambitious and professional, often performed in the dedicated Mill Hall. The Speech and Drama department prepares students for LAMDA examinations, with many achieving Distinction grades.

Clubs & Activities

Lunchtime and after-school clubs provide further enrichment. Options change termly but typically include Chess, Coding, Art, Debating, and Eco-Club. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is popular in the Senior School, with many Year 10 and 11 students completing their Bronze and Silver awards. This programme fosters resilience and teamwork, qualities that the school prizes highly.

Tower College is an independent school, and fees are payable. For the 2025-2026 academic year, fees are structured by age group.

Tuition Fees (per term)

• Reception: £3,775
• Lower School (Years 1-6): £4,000
• Middle & Upper School (Years 7-11): £4,625

The school also has a Pre-School for children aged 2-4; for nursery fee details, visit the school website. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families.

Fees include tuition, stationery, and text books. Lunches are charged separately, as are external examination fees and optional extras such as private music tuition. The school offers sibling discounts to support families with more than one child at the school. While there is no large-scale bursary fund comparable to major public schools, the school strives to offer value for money, with fee levels remaining competitive for the region.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:45pm. For working parents, the school offers comprehensive wraparound care. Breakfast Club operates from 7:45am, providing a calm start to the day. After School Club runs until 6:00pm, offering a safe environment where younger pupils can play or complete homework under supervision.

Transport is a key consideration for a day school, and Tower College serves a wide catchment area. A network of school buses covers routes across Merseyside and Cheshire, including Widnes, Warrington, and parts of Liverpool. This service makes the school a viable option for families living up to 45 minutes away. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance and available routes.

No Sixth Form: Families must plan for a move at 16. While the school supports this transition well, some students may prefer the continuity of an all-through school that goes up to 18.

Traditional Ethos: The focus on traditional values, uniform, and discipline is a major draw for many, but it may not suit families seeking a more progressive or liberal educational approach. The Christian ethos is central, though the school welcomes children of all faiths and none.

Selection: The entrance exam for Year 7 is a hurdle. While not hyper-selective, the school does require a certain academic standard. Families should be realistic about their child's potential to thrive in a focused academic environment.

Tower College is a bastion of traditional values and academic solidity. It offers a protective, nurturing environment where children are known, valued, and pushed to achieve their best "gently". The strong GCSE results and excellent behaviour record speak for themselves. Best suited to families who value courtesy and character as much as grades, and who want their children to grow up in a supportive, family-oriented community. The main challenge is securing a place in the main intake years.