The Mount School was founded 1785, when prominent Quakers, Esther and William Tuke, wished to provide an education for the children of Quakers. A Quaker education at The Mount School does more than just prepare pupils for academic achievement. It prepares them for life. Mount pupils go out into society as people who combine responsibility and independence with an open-minded, questioning attitude. Pupils grow into to remarkable young adults who want to help to make the world a better place.
The School’s ethos reflects the Quaker values of:
- Simplicity
- Truth
- Equality
- Peace
- Social Justice
- Sustainability
These Quaker values, also called testimonies are central to our School community – they influence and underpin everything we do.
“The Mount’s Quaker ethos means that pupils are not told what to believe but can take aspects of Quakerism that speak to them. Although pupils in the School come from different faiths and backgrounds and all have different beliefs, the values of Quakerism become important to all of us. They are something that we will take with us beyond school and throughout our lives, affording us confidence, humility and a drive for self-betterment. It is these qualities that make us Mount girls.” Sixth Form Leaver
“A strong sense of community and social responsibility are embedded across all areas and facets of the school, in line with the Quaker philosophy.”
ISI Inspection
We value each member of The Mount community equally, no matter where they are from or their beliefs. This results in a happy, supportive, and compassionate community, with positive relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils discover the best in themselves, learn to see the best in others and want to make a positive difference in the world.
At The Mount School pupils are empowered to discover their voice. Pupils learn to articulate their thoughts and listen to others, appreciating their opinions and views. In this atmosphere of mutual respect pupils master how to learn with integrity and have the confidence in their own beliefs and opinions.
All pupils attend regular ‘meetings’ (similar to assemblies), pupils and staff come together during this time. Meetings in both the Senior and Junior Schools include a period of silence, in the Quaker style. This provides older pupils with the chance understand their thoughts through quiet contemplation and reflection .Younger children learn to sit quietly and think about their feelings.
Quaker Faith and Practice
To learn more, about the Quakers Faith and practices please download our publication ‘Faith and Practice’ which has been adapted by Helen Snelson, who is a practising Quaker.
Find out more about Quaker Schools at The Quaker Education website.