Five principles have been chosen from among the virtues as the criteria by which all action can be judged. These principles have been preferred, as each, in itself, embodies a number of virtues and, combined, they include all virtues.

1. Honour
2. Respect
3. Responsibility
4. Leadership
5. Commitment

An important and often mentioned aspect of Townshend is the possibility given to youth for spiritual growth. By keeping the school distanced from the undesired influences that today’s world exercises upon young and old, and by looking to the moral and ethical principles as the guideline to a healthy and happy growth, a community has come into being whose members are free to discover their inherent qualities, and to shape a clear and far reaching vision of their needs and their future. In this respect the criteria for acceptance of a student and their continuation at the School is the initiative taken and the development shown in their personal growth. Students and Staff, irrelevant of their age and position, are expected to measure their words and their actions by the Townshend Code of Conduct.

Honour:
Honour is the inner drive that propels and perpetuates perseverance in making ethically and morally right decisions. Honour fosters such virtues as Integrity, Chastity, Purity of Motive, Self-esteem.

Respect:
Respect for the rights and the dignity of all can only be righteously expressed when comprising the synthesis created among the three circles within which the individual finds themselves: the inner circle of self (self-respect), the middle circle of the community (respect for all persons), the outer circle of the environment (respect for one’s environment). This synthesis then reflects itself in such qualities as Courage, Care, Consideration, Resolution, Character

Responsibility:
Maturity of character requires taking responsibility for each of the three individual circles, without exception: this care and concern conveys and results in Trustworthiness, Stability, Efficiency, Dependability, and Loyalty

Leadership:
Making the right decision and acting upon it; rejecting the influences that can obscure one’s perception and one’s capacity of discernment; establishing an example for those younger or with less determination. True leadership lies in the desire to be of service to all mankind and is founded on Initiative, Service, Humility

Commitment:
Bringing to an end what one has started is rewarded manifold; the strengthening of Determination, Resolution, Perseverance are of the direct results. Students accepted to Townshend are expected to commit themselves to upholding the Townshend Philosophy.