Nestled in the heart of Clapham stands Thomas’s Clapham. It is more than just a school. It is a place of learning and growth for children aged 4 to 13.
Thomas’s London Day Schools include Thomas’s Clapham. These schools are known for their commitment to providing a high-quality education. They also prepare students for some of Britain’s top public schools.
Let’s delve into the origins of Thomas’s. It all began in 1971 with Joanna Thomas. She was an actress and a mother of three. Joanna started the Ranelagh Kindergarten in a Pimlico church hall. This marked the beginning of Thomas’s London Day Schools.
The success of the Kindergarten led to further expansion. In 1977, David Thomas joined his wife Joanna. He was a former Gurkha Regiment officer. Together they founded a school for older children. This school was initially known as Kensington Court Lower School. It started with just two teachers and 11 pupils.
By 1992, demand for places had increased significantly. Thomas’s secured the former Walsingham School in Broomwood Road. In September 1993, Thomas’s Clapham opened its doors.
David and Joanna Thomas’s sons, Tobyn and Ben, became Principals in 1995. They had been working in the schools for several years. In 1999, David and Joanna retired. Tobyn and Ben took over the management of the schools. Ben also became Headmaster of Thomas’s Battersea.
Thomas’s Clapham underwent a 4 million pounds construction program in 2000 and 2001. This enhanced the school’s facilities.
Thomas’s Clapham has a diverse student body. The school has 653 pupils. The boy to girl ratio is fairly balanced. Boys make up 51.76% and girls make up 48.24%.
Thomas’s is known for its music and arts programs. The school also offers a diverse menu. Vegan, vegetarian, fish, gluten-free, and dairy options are all available. The meals are nut-free and minimize salt and sugar. The school participates in meat-free Fridays. This is part of the Meatless Monday campaign.
Thomas’s Battersea gained recognition as one of the world’s leading schools. It was also named one of the top 10 prep schools in the UK. Prince George and Princess Charlotte attended Thomas’s Battersea.
Thomas’s continues to evolve. In 2023, Oakley Capital became an investor. This will finance developments across its sites. Thomas’s will open Thomas’s College in September 2025. This will be a co-educational day and weekly-boarding senior school.
Thomas’s Clapham remains a vital part of the Thomas’s London Day Schools family. It offers a nurturing environment where children can thrive. The school prepares students for future success. It also upholds a tradition of excellence.