In 1978, Mogg Hercules opened the doors of Dallington School on Dallington Street, Islington. Her vision was clear: to create a school that celebrated childhood rather than rushing it, a place where children 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 environment where individuality and wellbeing mattered as much as knowledge.
The beginning of something different
Mogg Hercules was, in every sense, a natural educator. Her philosophy drew inspiration from child-centred approaches around the world, but it was also deeply personal and shaped by her conviction that each child’s unique character and potential deserved to be recognised and nurtured.
The school she founded was designed to feel more like a community than an institution. Mixed-age learning groups encouraged empathy and collaboration. Creativity was woven into every part of school life. And above all, Dallington was a place where children could flourish by being themselves.
Our journey
From its first handful of pupils in 1978 to the thriving community it is today, Dallington’s story is one of continuity as well as growth.
Dallington opens its doors
On Dallington Street, Islington.
Ted Wragg Lifetime Achievement Award
Mogg receives the Ted Wragg Lifetime Achievement Award for services to education.
MBE for pioneering contributions
She is awarded an MBE for her pioneering contributions to primary education.
Living our founding vision
The school continues to embody her founding vision: celebrating childhood through progressive education.
Mogg’s Enduring Legacy
Mogg’s influence has always gone beyond the classroom walls. She was an advocate for education that values the whole child – their emotions, creativity, and wellbeing, alongside their learning. The families who’ve joined us at Dallington over the decades often speak of the warmth and inclusivity she fostered, making the school feel as much like a home as a place of learning.
Her legacy is alive in every part of Dallington today. The values she championed, individuality, creativity, and joyful discovery, remain at the heart of the school’s daily life. While Mogg is sadly no longer with us, the school remains family owned and run and she lives on through every child her progressive educational approached has benefitted.
Looking Ahead
As more families begin to challenge the educational norm and seek out progressive schools near them, our story at Dallington continues to resonate. Mogg’s vision was ahead of its time, but it is also timeless: that childhood is precious, and education should honour it.
Today, we carry that vision forward as a set of core values that we call the Dallington Difference. For us, this is not a trend but a tradition, ensuring that generations of children can continue to learn, grow, and be celebrated as themselves.
Experience Progressive Education for Yourself
If you’d like to experience Mogg’s vision for a better version of education firsthand, why not come and visit us? We have regular open days and are happy to offer you a personalised tour of the school. Follow the links below or speak to our admissions team for more information.
“This lovely school has created an extreme juxtaposition: a village primary-school vibe in the heart of London and a wondrous alternative to the assessment-driven culture that often fails to accept or nurture the unique qualities of every child. Its founder’s motto of ‘value your own worth and understand the difference in others’ is a sentiment that would change the world if we were all a bit more Dallington.”