TAXI TRAINING: WizAnn’s new 24-hour Greenwich school praised for flexibility and community focus in Knowledge of London training
- Perry Richardson
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) have praised the WizAnn Knowledge School in Greenwich for offering students a flexible and supportive approach to mastering the Knowledge of London.
With growing numbers of trainees entering the trade from varied working patterns and backgrounds, this latest site is drawing attention for its practical set-up and around-the-clock access.
Writing in TAXI Newspaper, LTDA airport rep Suzanne Sullivan, focused on a recent visit to the school’s new location at 95 Thames Street, opened by long-standing trainer Dean Warrington. She noted: “It’s always interesting to see how training centres for students are evolving, especially as more people come into the trade from different backgrounds and with varied working patterns. This new site is clearly designed with flexibility in mind and that’s something worth recognising.”
WizAnn Greenwich operates 24-hours a day, allowing students to fit study sessions around jobs and family life. Every student has their own access card, which Sullivan said might “not sound revolutionary”, but makes a real difference in practice. “A night worker can finish a shift and go straight into study mode, while someone else might come later in the evening after a day job,” she explained.
The internal layout of the school has also been planned with attention to detail. On the ground floor are the main classrooms, equipped with lighting directed over maps to improve visibility. A small kitchen area allows students to make drinks and keep refreshed during longer study sessions. “These little touches make a difference when you’re putting in long hours,” said Sullivan.
Upstairs, a bright and calm classroom continues the theme, with air conditioning and heating to keep the space comfortable all year round. Sullivan added: “You can tell it’s been designed by someone who knows what Knowledge students actually need.”
She observed one of Dean’s live classes during her visit, describing the atmosphere as focused yet relaxed. “Students were clearly engaged, asking questions, debating routes, and sharing tips with each other. The atmosphere was relaxed but productive, and there was mutual respect all round,” she wrote. “Dean has a calm, direct teaching style that keeps people involved and makes even tricky points easier to grasp.”
The strong sense of camaraderie among students also stood out. With many juggling the Knowledge alongside full-time jobs and family commitments, the classroom dynamic is crucial. “The camaraderie in that classroom summed up what’s best about this trade: people helping one another to get through a tough challenge,” Sullivan said.
The school is supported by a small but experienced team, including Fiona Kelsall and Luke Baker. Fiona has been with WizAnn for 20 years.
WizAnn isn’t the only school offering this kind of support, but the Greenwich site reflects a broader trend in how Knowledge training is adapting. With other schools and tutors also offering tailored setups, there’s an increasing recognition of the need for more flexible, accessible learning. “The 24-hour access model is a practical solution that might well influence how other schools operate in future,” Sullivan concluded.
