Rapid population expansion around Muswell Hill created the need for a new school and the opportunity was seen by the founder's son Campbell Brown; in 1901 he established Tollington Boys School in Tetherdown, Muswell Hill.

[1] In 1910 Tollington High School for girls was opened by Campbell Brown in nearby Collingwood Avenue.

In 1919 both schools were purchased by London County Council, the local education authority.

Tollington Schools are actively remembered by ex-pupils and staff, members of the Old Tollingtonians Society.

Members of the society meet annually for a reunion in the assembly hall of the school (now Fortismere).