Grow with Dallington School — A Rare, Independent Gem in the Heart of London
The original, progressive family-owned village school in the heart of London, welcoming children from 3 to 11.
In 1978 Mogg Hercules, maverick educator, opened the doors of Dallington School, Islington. Her vision was clear: to create a school that celebrated childhood rather than rushing it, a place where children would be listened to, their opinions respected, where they could grow - with joy, curiosity and creativity at the centre of their learning.
Long before “progressive schools” became part of the educational conversation, Mogg was already challenging the conventions of the day. At a time when rigid testing and uniform classrooms dominated, she believed in something different: an informal environment where individuality and wellbeing mattered as much as knowledge. Mixed-age learning groups encouraged empathy and collaboration. First-name terms and non-uniform encouraged mutual respect and individual expression. Creativity was woven into every part of school life. Above all, Dallington was a place where children could flourish by being their unique selves.
Nearly 50 years later, we are the only progressive family run & family owned school in London — still guided by Mogg’s founding values, still buzzing with a cross-curricular, creative, mixed-age approach to learning. Challenging but not hot-housing. Nurturing free-thinkers prepared for their onward journey.
But today’s educational climate is challenging for small independent schools: low birth rate, rising costs, shifting finance policies and increasing pressure on child-centred, creative approaches.
Through all of this, Dallington continues to stand proudly and firmly for what it has always believed in — a joyful, holistic education that nurtures confident, compassionate, curious and kind young people.
Celebrating Childhood since 1978
Why Your Support Matters
Your donation helps us:
- Keep our classrooms vibrant, creative and well-resourced
- Sustain the small, nurturing environment families love
- Protect the unique ethos that has shaped generations of Dallington children
- Continue offering families a truly personal, independent educational experience
- Support families through challenging times & aid children’s continuity of education
Every contribution — large or small — strengthens the heartbeat of our school and supports the work we do every single day.
Join Our Circle of Support
If Dallington has touched your life…
If you believe in child-led, creative education…
If you want to champion a rare and extraordinary independent family school in the heart of London…
Please consider donating.
Together, we continue the story Mogg began — one of imagination, kindness, independence and the unshakeable belief that every child has talents - they deserve to be nurtured and celebrated.
Thank you for being a Friend of Dallington.
With love from all at Dallington x