PrepCo-educationalISI · Excellent
Bancroft's Preparatory School logo

Bancroft's Preparatory School

Woodford Green, Essex · IG8 0RF

Pupils

266

Day fees

£26k

Inspection

Excellent

Read report
School website

Bancroft's Preparatory School is the junior division of Bancroft's, a leading co-educational independent day school in Woodford Green, Essex, serving children aged 7–11. The school emphasises academic excellence, personal growth, and kindness within a supportive community setting. With 266 pupils across Year 3 to Year 6, it provides a traditional prep school education with strong pastoral care and a broad co-curricular offer. The prep feeds into Bancroft's Senior School, creating a continuous educational pathway.

  • Direct progression to well-regarded Senior School (Bancroft's) with established reputation in Essex
  • Strong academic curriculum combined with extensive co-curricular provision (sport, music, drama, outdoor activities)
  • Supportive, nurturing pastoral environment with emphasis on kindness and personal development
  • Convenient location in Woodford Green with school bus service for families across Essex

Who thrives here

Bright, curious children who benefit from a structured, traditional prep school environment with balanced emphasis on academics and character development. Families seeking continuity through to senior school and those valuing a strong community ethos will find this school engaging.

Strengths at a glance

Exam resultsno dataSports50th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typePrep · Day
Founded1990
Number of pupils266
Pupils with SEND19
Age range7–13
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£26.2k/yr (inc. lunch)
AssociationsISC
Settingsuburban
LocationExcellent tube access via Central Line; school operates its own bus service across Essex.

Contact & visit

611-627 High Road

Woodford Green, Essex

IG8 0RF

www.bancrofts.org
02085066751
Mr Joe Layburn, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Woodford (Central Line)5 min
Buckhurst Hill (Central Line)8 min
Loughton (Central Line)10 min

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Bancroft's Preparatory School?

Day fees at Bancroft's Preparatory School are approximately £26,166 per year (2026/27).

How do you get into Bancroft's Preparatory School?

Bancroft's Preparatory School admits pupils at 7+, 8+, 11+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

Is Bancroft's Preparatory School a boarding school?

Bancroft's Preparatory School is a day school in Woodford Green and does not offer boarding.

What is Bancroft's Preparatory School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Bancroft's Preparatory School “Excellent” (2022).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Caring, nurturing environment with strong emphasis on pastoral care and wellbeing

Excellent breadth of co-curricular activities and strong competitive sport

Smooth transition pathway to Senior School with established teaching staff and systems

Active parent community and transparent communication

Common concerns

!Not yet inspected by Ofsted, making independent validation of standards unavailable

!Limited public transparency on specific SEND provision and learning support detail