Tower College

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Tower College
Tower College.jpg
‘The Tower’
Address
Mill Lane

Rainhill
,
L35 6NE

England
Coordinates53°24′25″N 2°45′30″W / 53.4069225°N 2.7584481°W / 53.4069225; -2.7584481Coordinates: 53°24′25″N 2°45′30″W / 53.4069225°N 2.7584481°W / 53.4069225; -2.7584481
Information
TypeIndependent Day School
MottoLabore et Honore
Established1948
FounderCharles Oxley
Local authoritySt Helens
PrincipalAndrea Bingley
GenderCoeducational
Age3 to 16
Websitetowercollege.com

Tower College is an English independent[1] non-denominational Christian school for boys and girls aged 3–16.[2]

History[]

The main school building was built as a private residence, 'The Tower' in Mill Lane, Rainhill near Prescot, Merseyside, for Henry Baxter and his family in 1880.[3] Designed in free Jacobethan style, the exterior of the building has features including balustrades and parapets, with high Elizabethan style chimneys.[4]

During World War I, 'The Tower' operated as a war hospital[5] before being bought by Charles and Muriel Oxley to establish their first school in 1948. Oxley went on to establish two further schools - Scarisbrick Hall School, near Ormskirk in 1964 and Hamilton College, Lanarkshire in 1983.[6]

After the deaths of Charles and Muriel Oxley, their daughter, Rachel Oxley took over as Principal.[7] As of 2021, the Principal is Andrea Bingley.[8]

Internally, there are many wood panelled rooms in Jacobean style with decorative ceilings, as well as an impressive main stair hall with stained glass windows.

The main school building was considered for listed building status in 2006, but on closer inspection did not qualify. The report concluded that, although there are some rooms with original fireplaces and other notable features, due to the considerable alterations and additions made in other rooms in the years since becoming a school, it was unsuitable for listing.[9]

Curriculum[]

The school has a broad curriculum covering all major subjects, together with specialist sport, music and languages teaching. Extracurricular activities include choir, instrument ensembles, performing arts and sports.[10] Exam results at Tower College are often above the local and national averages.[11][12][13]

Reputation[]

Tower College aims to have clear and transparent communication with parents.[14]

With the challenges of the 2020-21 pandemic, the school invested in online learning where teachers offer live online lessons and a ‘virtual exam hall’, where invigilation can be conducted by teachers via zoom, a development widely reported in national media.[15]

Aside from public examinations, students take part in competitive music, squash, tennis and public speaking.[16] Students take part in the Rotary Club of St Helens public speaking competition and have represented the region in the ‘Youth Speaks’ competition.[17]

Also known for charity fundraising, Tower College holds fundraising events throughout the school. This has included raising money for the local Willowbrook Hospice in Eccleston Park.[18]

References[]

  1. ^ "Private and state schools bid to kill off GCSEs". the Guardian. 2020-09-20. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
  2. ^ "Tower College, Rainhill - ISC". www.isc.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
  3. ^ "Tower V.A.D. Hospital". Rainhill Remembers... Retrieved 2021-02-15.
  4. ^ "Heritage Gateway - Results". www.heritagegateway.org.uk. Retrieved 2021-07-24.
  5. ^ www.rainhill-civic-society.org.uk http://www.rainhill-civic-society.org.uk/html/Transitionauto1.html. Retrieved 2021-02-15. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ "StackPath". www.hamiltoncollege.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
  7. ^ "Lewis Media | Tower College". www.govtiq.com. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
  8. ^ "Tower College - GOV.UK". www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
  9. ^ "Heritage Gateway - Results". www.heritagegateway.org.uk. Retrieved 2021-07-24.
  10. ^ "Tower College, Pre-Prep, Lower & Middle, Prescot L35". Schoolsmith. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
  11. ^ "BBC News - School league tables". BBC News. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
  12. ^ "Tower College - GOV.UK". Find and compare schools in England. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
  13. ^ "All schools and colleges in St. Helens - GOV.UK". Find and compare schools in England. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
  14. ^ "Spotlight on a School: Tower College, Rainhill". Independent School Management Plus. 2020-10-06. Retrieved 2021-07-24.
  15. ^ "Private and state schools bid to kill off GCSEs". the Guardian. 2020-09-20. Retrieved 2021-07-24.
  16. ^ Feature, Promotional (2014-05-29). "Tower College – A Leading Independent School for 3 – 16 Year Olds". Great British Life. Retrieved 2021-07-24.
  17. ^ "North West Young Speakers Set Highest Standard in National Competition". Rotary NW England & IoM. Retrieved 2021-07-24.
  18. ^ "Tower College - Pre-Prep & Lower School 'Bob-a-Job'". JustGiving. Retrieved 2021-07-24.

External links[]

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