Hill House International Junior School

Hill House International Junior School stands in Knightsbridge, a district of central London. Founded in 1949, it is a private preparatory school with about 450 pupils. The school is run by the Townend family across three generations. Beatrice Townend designed its distinctive uniform, including golden cable-knit jumpers and burgundy corduroy knickerbockers. The main London site is in Hans Place, with a boarding house in Glion, Switzerland, overlooking Lake Geneva. The school is notable for being the only London school still managed daily by its founding family. Lt-Col Stuart Townend led it from 1949 to 2002, followed by his son Richard until 2022, and now his grandson Edmund. Richard Townend became the first Warden when he stepped down as headmaster. The uniform’s eccentric design and the family’s hands-on leadership set it apart from other schools. Visitors notice the school’s four London buildings and the Swiss chalet used for boarding trips. The uniform remains a talking point, with cravats and racing-green backpacks. Notable alumni include actors Anya Taylor-Joy and Rupert Degas, singer Lily Allen, and King Charles III, who attended as a child. The school’s history and media appearances show its long-standing role in London’s educational landscape.