Welcome to Dallington School
Our School was founded in 1978 by Mogg Hercules to offer an alternative, creative, child-centred learning environment to that of most schools of the time.
‘The joy and reward of lifelong learning takes time. That time is called childhood, spent with people who understand and value it, in a stimulating environment that promotes it.’ Mogg Hercules MBE – Founder, maverick, champion of alternative education.
We believe there is no rush to education. We champion independence and natural progression as an antidote to this increasingly frenetic educational world. Supported and challenged by exceptional teaching staff, our children have a voice, are allowed to make mistakes, question and challenge. These foundations lead to academic distinction and well-rounded, delightful people.
Our informal, holistic, highly creative environment nurtures curious, creative, confident, kind and enthusiastic lifelong learners. We make lovely adults!
Celebrating childhood since 1978.
Our School
Foundation School
Nursery, Reception & Year 1 | Ages 3–6
Foundation is led by Eileen and Sue, creating a warm, nurturing environment where children can develop their confidence, curiosity and independence from the very beginning of their school journey.
Our Nursery is a vibrant, child-led environment, skilfully underpinned by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Through play, exploration and hands-on experiences, children develop the foundations for learning while building strong relationships with their teachers and peers.
As children move through Reception and into Year 1, they continue to learn through an engaging blend of child-led exploration and structured learning. The EYFS curriculum naturally develops into the National Curriculum, ensuring a smooth and supported transition as children grow in confidence and independence.
With a strong emphasis on relationships, creativity, play and discovery, Foundation gives every child the opportunity to develop at their own pace while building the skills and confidence they need for the next stage of their education.
Transition School
Years 2, 3 & 4 | Ages 6–9
Transition is led by Harriet, working alongside Rabia, and marks an important stage between the early years and the more independent learning of Middle School.
Children are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their learning, developing key skills, independence and creative expression within a supportive and collaborative environment. We continue to build on children’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm, with learning often taking place through cross-curricular topics that allow them to make meaningful connections between subjects.
English and Mathematics are taught daily, while Science, Geography and History are brought together through carefully chosen topics. Creative Arts, French and Performing Arts remain an important part of school life, alongside Outdoor Learning and Urban Forest School, where children develop their understanding of nature while building teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills.
Learning in Transition is highly collaborative, with children working independently, in pairs and in small groups. Individual care and attention ensure that every child is supported and challenged to make progress and develop as a confident, curious learner.
Middle School
Years 5 & 6 | Ages 9–11
Middle School is led by Milko, with support from the wider teaching team. By this stage, children are ready to take greater responsibility for their own learning and to play an active role in their school community.
English and Mathematics continue to feature daily, with children encouraged to progress at a pace that suits them and supported with individual guidance where needed. Our cross-curricular, topic-based approach encourages children to think critically, solve problems, undertake independent research and make connections across different areas of learning.
As children become increasingly autonomous learners, they develop the confidence, self-esteem and organisational skills needed for the next stage of their education. Learning extends well beyond the classroom, with regular curricular-related trips to museums, galleries, theatres and other places across London providing opportunities to learn through real-world experiences.
During Years 5 and 6, we also begin preparing children and families for the transition to secondary school. We work closely with parents to explore suitable schools, navigate the admissions process and prepare children for entrance assessments where appropriate, helping to make the move to secondary school as positive and stress-free as possible.
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