Meet the Principal

Emma Gowers set up The Gower School in Islington in 2000, and it now provides primary education to about 150 children aged 4-11 and nursery care to about 150 children aged 0-5, including her own two daughters. The school’s approach is firmly grounded in the Montessori philosophy. Emma puts a strong emphasis on the school continuing to explore and adopt new approaches which will enhance the children’s educational experience. Children from the school go on to all major independent schools in north and central London, often with scholarships.

Prior to setting up The Gower School Emma was Director of Music at two London schools, and also ran a business providing a range of musical services. She is a graduate in music and education from Trinity College of Music, and also holds Early Years Professional status.

Emma is active in the wider education world. She has been active in the Montessori movement since 2004, and is now the Montessori Schools Association’s Chair for primary schools, after several years as Deputy Chair, and as Deputy Chair of the MSA’s London region. The Gower School was fully accredited as a Montessori school by the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board (MEAB) in 2008 and 2016. She is also an active member of the Independent Schools Association (ISA) and is currently Treasurer of the ISA London North region.

Emma feels strongly that The Gower School draws strength from being rooted in its local community in Islington. She is a member of Islington’s Schools Forum, and chairs the Private and Voluntary and Independent (PVI) nurseries forum in Islington, having formerly chaired Islington’s Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

Emma has been a local councillor, chairing the local planning committee and was Islington Council’s champion for the historic built environment.

Emma has served as Principal of The Gower School for over two decades. Her leadership has seen growth and expansion of the school from a simply nursery to a world-class Nursery and Primary School.