Welcome to the Tower College Web Site

Tower College was founded in the Spring of 1948 by the late Mr and Mrs Charles A. Oxley, as an independent day school for boys and girls of all ages. The college is housed in The Tower, Mill Lane, Rainhill, a large country mansion, completed in 1880, at a cost of £80,000. The original family, the Baxters, left before the First World War, during which time it was used as a hospital.

Lawns, terraces and trees now surround the red sandstone building. It has stately grandeur that lends an air of calm and peaceful dignity to the college. The spaciousness and beauty of the interior have a charm and homeliness that give our children a sense of security, as well as a pride in their school.

The traditional values of striving for academic excellence in a disciplined and caring Christian environment still form the basis of school life at Tower College today, under the leadership of our present Principal, Miss Rachel Oxley, the daughter of the school founders.

Tower College was recognised by the Department of Education and Science in 1963. The school is subject to regular inspections and review visits by the Independent Schools Joint Council, and the Principal is a member of the Independent Schools Association. In 1964, Mr and Mrs Oxley registered the Company as Christian Schools (North West) Ltd, a non-profit making company and registered charity.

Boys and girls, aged 3 – 16 years, of all denominations and faiths are welcome in the school and careful attention is given to spiritual and moral development as the basis of sound ethical standards.

Nursery

On entering our Nursery, 3 Year olds are given an early start to school life. Here they gain confidence in the social skills and we have the opportunity to lay firm foundations for number work and reading.

Children are admitted to the Nursery after their third birthday, in September, January or April. The children move up to Kindergarten One in the September that they are four.

Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten department caters for children from 4 to 6 years in bright stimulating surroundings. There are four classes with a maximum of 25 pupils each. The staff are experienced, dedicated professionals, assisted by full-time helpers in all classes

Children attend for the whole day, starting at 8.50am and leaving at 3.40pm. Many of the children use the coach service, which covers seven routes, on which they are supervised by teachers and school prefects.

Junior School

Our Junior School Curriculum provides children from 7 to 11 years with a good grounding in the following subjects of English and Mathematics, Scripture, Science, History, Geography, Music, Art, Design and Craft, I.T., Swimming, Outdoor Pursuits and PE. Individual tuition on a wide variety of musical instruments is available with our peripatetic staff. The children are encouraged to perform at events throughout the year. An important task is the Junior School is to arouse interest, enthusiasm and ambition. Homework is an integral part of the the course and is issued daily.

Examinations are held twice yearly, and termly reports are sent home.

Children entering the school at 7 years or older are required to sit an assessment in Mathematics and English. This can be arranged by appointment through the school office and can take place on the Trail Day.

Senior School

seniorsPupils entering the Senior School, whether from our Junior School or an external school, are required to pass the Senior School entrance examination. This takes place in late January / early February of each year, for entry in the following September, or by appointment for late entries.

The Senior School curriculum covers a wide range of subjects for pupils preparing for GCSE. A separate sheet details our high record of achievement, which is attained through the dedication of the staff, the motivation and hard work of the pupils and the strong support of parents. Our percentage pass rate of pupils gaining GCSE at grades A * to C is usually in the high nineties.

Sports

The school playing field provides facilities for soccer, rugby, cricket, rounders and athletics. Our all¬weather surface courts provide netball, tennis and basketball. We make use of local recreation centre facilities for five-a-side, squash and swimming.

Music

music

Private music tuition is available on a wide range of instruments from a team of peripatetic teachers. Musical groups and individuals are encouraged to perform at Speech Day and Musical Evenings. Details of instruments are available and costs are shown on a separate sheet.

Prefects

Our 5th formers (Year 11) have responsibility as prefects towards younger children of all departments. Their duties range from assisting with parents' parking, to escorting 3 year olds to class in the mornings. Our )4 pupils (Year Six) also have Prefects duties within their department. We encourage our young people to be responsible, confident members of the Tower College family, having a care for the young ones.

Careers

careers

Tower College is a member of the Independent Schools Careers Organisation, whose offices supplement our own staff's advice to pupils and parents. The pupils take part in Morrisby Testing and practice interviews. Visits are arranged to sixth forms, higher education open days, industry and career fairs.