Hill House School
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| Motto |
Latin: Semper vigilans (Always watchful) |
|---|---|
| Established | 1949 (Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland) 1951 (London) |
| Type | Preparatory school |
| Head Master | Richard Townend |
| Chair | Max Simmons |
| Founder | Colonel Stuart Townend |
| Location |
Hans Place Knightsbridge London SW1X 0EP England 51°29′51″N 0°09′37″W / 51.4975°N 0.1602°WCoordinates: 51°29′51″N 0°09′37″W / 51.4975°N 0.1602°W |
| DfE number | 207/6188 |
| DfE URN | 100518 Tables |
| Staff | 110 (approx.) |
| Students | 989 As of January 2012[update] |
| Gender | Co-educational, splits up after age 9 |
| Ages | 4–13 |
| Houses | Midi, Naye, Grammont & Rosa |
| Colours | Burgundy, maroon & tan |
| Former pupils | Old Hill Housers |
| Website | www.hillhouseschool.co.uk |
Hill House School /ˈhɪlhaʊs/ is a preparatory day independent school based in Knightsbridge, London. It was founded in September 1951 by Lt-Col Stuart Townend and has branches located in West London and in Switzerland. It is the largest preparatory school in London and was originally a boys' school, turning coeducational in 1981. The school is known for its distinct uniform, which includes thick mustard cable knit jumpers, corduroy knickerbockers and knitted hats.
The Good Schools Guide describes the school as "A school with a notable and inescapable past which booms at a visitor from every wood-panelled wall, display board and cabinet," also stating that "Its aim from the first was to be 'international' and to nurture each individual child's talents."
Hill House pupils are often seen on the move around Knightsbridge, Sloane Square and Chelsea, and are distinct in that their school uniform entails burgundy knickerbockers, tan shirts, more often than not with mustard-coloured "gold" roundneck jumpers. The uniform was designed by the founder's wife, and is notable for its bright colours. It was designed to be used for sport as well as class lessons and lacks a tie. However, there is a cravat to be worn for weekly Assembly and special occasions. The Colonel's wife once said "a grey uniform produces grey minds, grey boys". Prince Charles went to Hill House, following advice from Harold Macmillan, Prime Minister at the time. It was his first school and was the first time that an heir to the British throne had been to school, as princes were either educated by tutors or at a military academy such as Osborne. Lieutenant-Colonel Townend died in 2002 at the age of 93. His son, Richard Townend, is now Headmaster. The school very much remains a family concern.
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