The Gower School - Montessori Primary School Avis 12

The Gower School is a gem of a school, I feel so lucky and privileged to send our kids their everyday.

Alongside the excellent academic credentials of the school, Miss Gowers has also built a fantastic community.

Parents are invited in weekly to their child's classroom to see what they've been working on each week. I love seeing my children's enthusiasm as they show me what they've been learning and it's also great to see the progress they're making. Its often the highlight of my week.

There is also a big focus on building independence from day 1 at The Gower. Kids are encouraged to take responsibility for getting themselves dressed, packing school bags, remembering what books and instruments to take in, clearing their lunch plates etc. I love that they're taught to contribute and take ownership.

The school has really exceeded our expectations in every way.

We’ve had two kids at The Gower School for four years now, and I honestly can’t recommend it highly enough.

A bit of context: we’re a family that has stretched themselves financially to send our kids here—so expectations were (very) high.

And the school has exceeded them in every single way.

Which is saying something.

Let’s start with the well known: the academic standards at The Gower are exceptional. The level at which kids are taught English, maths, and science is, from what I can tell, an order of magnitude above state schools.

But that part is relatively well known. The Gower is transparent about where children go after graduating—and they basically get their pick of the best schools in the UK.

That’s what drew us in and indeed it has not disappointed.

But, what’s surprised us is everything beyond the academics—especially the deeper life skills they instil. Four stand out:

1. Curiosity:

The kids are taught to be genuinely curious—to ask why, to explore, to keep going until they really understand. Our kids have become incredibly curious little human beings. Asking questions all the time and increasingly knowing how to find the answers themselves.

2. Love of the craft:

This one has been amazing to watch. Both our kids love reading—they read for fun every night. I’d love to claim that’s just them, but honestly, most Gower kids seem the same. And that love extends beyond reading—into maths, dance, drama, music.

3. Public speaking:

From day one, kids present to their class. As a parent, you can watch. The first time your five-year-old stands up, they’re nervous, rushing, struggling for words. It is almost hard to watch. Fast forward a few years, and our 8-year-old is confidently presenting, pacing the room, engaging the audience. It’s genuinely impressive.

4. Joy:
Most of all—there’s joy. The kids are happy. I would have assumed high academic standards might come with a more intense, strict environment. But The Gower is full of warmth and energy. Our kids go in every day happy. I’ve never heard them say they don’t want to go to school today (something I would say all the time as a kid)

We’re huge fans—and genuinely grateful for everything the school does for our kids.

D

My daughter has attended The Gower School for 6 years and I have to admit I wasn’t an advocate of anything other than state school. It didn’t do me any harm at all. In fact my experience was fantastic. However, what I have witnessed over the last 6 years from The Gower School is nothing short of remarkable. My daughter’s learning has been solid, consistent and way above anything she could / would have received in a state school. Now I can’t personally measure The Gower School to other private schools but would love to challenge anyone to try. My daughter is a well rounded, polite, clever and engaging child. She has flourished at The Gower school and her pathway in life is being laid in a fashion that will set her up for success in whatever she chooses to do. I would like to thank every teacher who has played a role in my daughters education and a personal thank you to Miss Gowers herself who sets the tone and leads from the front. I could go on but I think I’ve made my point. Excellent school. If you are considering, make it top of your list.

An incredible place that provides children with a head start of their academic and developmental journeys. Our children both attend the Gower Primary School (currently years 1 and 3) and have been there since reception.

Teaching – especially in reception and lower school - is rooted in Montessori principles, encouraging independence, deep thinking, and self directed learning. The environment is warm and nurturing, with low student to staff ratios and personalised education plans depending on a child’s ability and interests. The school places an emphasis on the arts (public speaking and music especially), with regular performance opportunities for children at all levels, helping them develop their confidence. Many parts of the curriculum and daily cadence are developed with secondary school admissions in mind, providing children opportunities to prepare for entrance exams and interviews without them (and us!) even realising it.

Our children enjoy going to school, participating in after school and holiday clubs, and have formed lasting relationships with other children, faculty and staff alike.

Based on our experience, I would highly recommend the Gower Primary School to prospective parents.

My son is in year 1 at The Gower School, and relishing the experience. The school offers an intensely varied curriculum during school hours and in after school clubs, championing independence, confidence, and a great start to development. Emma Gowers shows an uncanny understanding of children, their development and learning which filters into every aspect of school life. There are opportunities for parental involvement few other schools offer, and there is a strong and pleasant parental community spirit. My son is excelling personally, in sport, in public speaking, music and academically (especially language), and I have a lot to thank the school for in each regard.

We have been blown away by the teaching staff at Gower School. Their nurturing approach, along with the incredible attention to detail, thought and effort they put into the education is phenomenal. The children have so many learning opportunities, even from Reception age, that set them up well for life. The after school clubs are extremely popular and our daughter even loves going back in the school holidays for fun club.
Having visited a number of schools before our eldest started, we are reassured every day that we made the right choice. Cannot recommend it highly enough.

My two children (currently in year 6 and year 4) have attended The Gower School since reception. They have both had excellent, caring teachers, formed wonderful friendships and enjoy going to school every day.

The Gower School is an excellent school which we can recommend without hesitation. We have two children at the primary school, one in Year 5 and the other now in Reception. The environment is positive and supportive and the teaching staff are amazing – they really know and care for each child and are observant and proactive in identifying and addressing their needs. Standards are high without the children feeling pressure. The school provides a wide range of activities both as part of the school programme and for after-school clubs, which combined with the Montessori approach develops confident, independent, well-rounded young people.

The Gower School is an excellent school with caring and dedicated teachers who create a supportive environment. They support both academic success and personal growth. My children both love going to school and are thriving.

Our children have had a wonderful experience at The Gower School. We have found the teachers exeptional and the environment so supportive and nurturing.

TGS is a wonderful school that fosters a great community amongst children and the parents. Its small size enables it to focus on each child as an individual, which creates a nurturing environment. It has a strong ethos of positive reinforcement and instills responsibility in the children, which helps develop confidence from a young age. There is a good balance of work and fun; the kids get to participate in many fun activities, to which they always look forward.

Our children have had a wonderful time at TGS.