Right here stands Willington Prep. It is more than just a school. It is a place steeped in history. It is a place with a tradition of shaping young minds since 1885.
Willington Prep began in Putney. Annie and Ada Hale founded it. They aimed to serve the growing middle class. The school prepared boys for public school entrance exams. Early success came quickly. Francis Whipple won a scholarship to Merchant Taylors’ School in 1888.
The school moved to 5 Colinette Road in 1916. Before that, it occupied various villa-type sites in West Putney. By the early 1900s, Willington Prep had about seventy boys. From 1910 to 1921, about ten boys boarded there. A matron cared for them.
During the Second World War, most boys were evacuated. First, they went to Uckfield in Sussex. Then, after the fall of France in 1940, they moved to Tawstock Court in Devon. By September 1942, all boys had returned to London. The school resumed its normal routine.
In 1961, the school became a charitable trust. Previously, the Head owned it and sold it to the next Head. New wings were added in 1968 and 1971. The facilities were improved and modernized. By 1975, enrollment had increased to 150. Willington Prep moved to its current Wimbledon location in 1990.
Originally, Willington Prep was a school for boys aged 7 to 13. The minimum age was lowered to 4 in the 1930s. In 2020, it began a transition to become co-educational. Now, it educates both boys and girls aged 3 to 11.
Willington Prep has produced many notable figures. Lawrence Oates was a polar explorer. Maurice Bowra was a classical scholar. Basil Liddell Hart was a military theorist. Esmond Knight was an actor. Dallas Bower was a film director. Francis Whipple was a mathematician. Sir Frank Newnes was a publisher and MP. Robert Renwick was a businessman. These alumni reflect the school’s diverse influence.
The school’s motto is “Non scholae sed vitae discimus.” This means “We do not learn for school, but for life.” This reflects Willington Prep’s focus on preparing students for the future. The school emphasizes individual attention. It helps each child succeed on their own path. This approach has resulted in an intriguing array of former pupils.
Willington Prep continues to provide a top-class education. It offers a broad education for children. The school ensures an individual approach. This brings out the best in each pupil. It fosters academic, artistic, and athletic growth. It instills a sense of wonder, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit. This enables them to grow in confidence. It helps them embrace challenges. It allows them to thrive in the modern world. Willington Prep is not just a school. It is a foundation for life.