More about St. Aubyn’s

Dedicated to nurturing curious minds.

Through innovative teaching methods and a dynamic curriculum, we empower every child to reach their full potential and become lifelong learners and contributors to society. We embrace diversity, champion inquiry, and cultivate a culture of respect, empathy, and resilience. 

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Our history

St. Aubyn’s is one of the oldest schools of its type in the country, founded in January 1884 by James Crump BA.

It was originally sited opposite Bancroft’s School and in 1893 moved to premises on the site of the present Hawkey Hall. In 1919 the school was relocated to its current site in Bunces Lane, with a temporary relocation to Cumberland during the Second World War.

In 1922, Colonel W H Colley took over the School and in 1951 his son, Mr H H Colley, joined the staff. Mr Harold Colley took over as Headmaster in 1967 and in 1975 the School became a registered charity, St. Aubyn’s, Woodford Green, School Trust. Mr Harold Colley retired in 1993 and was succeeded by Headmaster, Mr Gordon James MA (Oxon) in whose time the School doubled in size and saw the introduction of girls. Mr James retired in 2013 to be succeeded by Mr Leonard Blom. During this time, the School benefitted from significant developmental changes: a new Dining Hall, Nursery building, extension to the Performing Arts Centre, Reception conservatory to name but a few. It also went from strength to strength in its academic achievements.

Mr Blom retired in 2023, with his successor being Mr Taylor.

The Bancroft’s Family of Schools was established in 2026, it brings together Bancroft’s, St. Aubyn’s School, and Woodford Green Preparatory School. Each school remains proudly itself, while wider opportunities for pupils, families and staff bring benefits of collective strength that come from working together.  

A more detailed account of the School’s history can be found below. This was written by former pupil and school archivist, Nicholas Dixon. The School Archive may be of interest to anyone wishing to know more of the School’s history and we are always grateful for any information, memorabilia etc., relating to our past.

0 %

of pupils who sat the 11+ (2025) received an
offer from one of their chosen schools.

Our Governors

The Bancroft’s Family of Schools formally came together under one governing body and one charitable entity following the merger in 2026. 

The charity merger brings together three exceptional schools in Woodford Green, linked by shared ethos, a long standing relationship, a commitment to education excellence and close geographical proximity.

The Bancroft’s Family of Schools are governed by a singe board of Governors, which includes representation from each school, ensuring that every school community has a voice within the governance of the wider Family.

What sets our academic approach apart

  • Specialist subject teaching from Nursery
  • Small class sizes for personalised support
  • Challenge for All; personalised support and academic stretch
  • Experienced SEND provision
  • Most co-curricular activities are included in admission fees
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ISI Reports

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is the body responsible for the inspection of schools in membership of the Associations that make up the Independent Schools Council. St. Aubyn’s is an ISI School.

ISI is approved for the purpose of inspection under Section 109 of the Education and Skills Act 2008 and reports to the Department for Education on the extent to which schools meet statutory requirements.

St. Aubyn’s last full (integrated) inspection took place in May 2025 and the full report is below.

Vacancies

Working at St. Aubyn’s

Contact us

Telephone: 020 8504 1577

Email: school@staubyns.com

Head of Learning Support (SENDCo)
Start Date: January 2027
Contract Type: Full time/Part time, permanent
Head of Learning Support (SENDCo)
Full time/Part time, permanent
Start date: January 2027

St. Aubyn’s School is looking to appoint a new Head of Learning Support (SENDCo) to oversee the provision of intervention and assessment for SEND and EAL pupils, as well as being an advocate for our school’s “Challenge for All” scheme which ensures every pupil receives personalised support and academic stretch at every level of study.

The successful candidate will be an experienced teacher who has worked successfully across all education phases, and ideally has a recognised qualification in SEND. In addition, during our selection process applicants will be required to demonstrate their:-

  • Commitment to high standards of teaching and learning.
  • Experience and desire to work with SEND, EAL and Most Able children.
  • Ability to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential.
  • Aptitude to work as part of a team, supporting the ethos, aims and vision of the School.
  • Management experience, or appropriate skills and aptitudes to line manage a team of Learning Support Assistants.
  • Exceptional organisational abilities and ability to manage competing priorities.
  • Desire to embrace learning opportunities to improve their skills, knowledge and career progression.

The successful applicants will join a friendly, enthusiastic, hard-working team, who consistently strive to improve teaching and learning, and continue to raise standards. Benefits include reduced school fees, free car parking and lunches.

For a full job description and to apply please download the Candidate Information Pack and Job Application Form (CVs alone not accepted).

Closing Date: 11.59pm, Wednesday 7ᵗʰ October 2026

We reserve the right to appoint at any time within the advertising period

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020, and the successful applicant will be subject to appropriate child protection screening including an Enhanced DBS check.

The School’s Child Protection Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy (including the School’s policy on employing ex-offenders) can be found on the school website at https://staubyns.com/about/policies/

Vacancies

Working at St. Aubyn’s

Contact us

Telephone: 020 8504 1577

Email: school@staubyns.com

KS1 Teacher (maternity cover)

Start Date: Sep 2026

Contract Type: Fixed term, part-time

KS1 Teacher (maternity cover, September 2026 to February 2027)

Part time, Monday to Wednesday

Start date: 1st September 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an energetic and enthusiastic KS1 Teacher to join our team here at St. Aubyn’s.

During our selection process applicants will be required to demonstrate their:-

  • Commitment to high standards of teaching and learning with excellent classroom practice.
  • Ability to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential.
  • Desire to embrace learning opportunities to improve their own teaching skills, knowledge and career progression.
  • Ability to work as a team member, supporting the ethos, aims and vision of the School.

The successful applicant will join a friendly, enthusiastic, hard-working team, who consistently strive to improve teaching and learning, and continue to raise standards. Benefits include reduced school fees, free car parking and lunches.

For a full job description and to apply please see below (CVs alone not accepted).

Closing Date: Sunday 5th July 2026

We reserve the right to appoint at any time within the advertising period

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020, and the successful applicant will be subject to appropriate child protection screening including an Enhanced DBS check.

The School’s Child Protection Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy (including the School’s policy on employing ex-offenders) can be found on the school website at https://staubyns.com/about/policies/

Vacancy 02

Start Date: Sep 2026

Contract Type: Fixed term, part-time

KS1 Teacher (maternity cover, September 2026 to February 2027)

Part time, Monday to Wednesday

Start date: 1st September 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an energetic and enthusiastic KS1 Teacher to join our team here at St. Aubyn’s.

During our selection process applicants will be required to demonstrate their:-

  • Commitment to high standards of teaching and learning with excellent classroom practice.
  • Ability to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential.
  • Desire to embrace learning opportunities to improve their own teaching skills, knowledge and career progression.
  • Ability to work as a team member, supporting the ethos, aims and vision of the School.

The successful applicant will join a friendly, enthusiastic, hard-working team, who consistently strive to improve teaching and learning, and continue to raise standards. Benefits include reduced school fees, free car parking and lunches.

For a full job description and to apply please see below (CVs alone not accepted).

Closing Date: Sunday 5th July 2026

We reserve the right to appoint at any time within the advertising period

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020, and the successful applicant will be subject to appropriate child protection screening including an Enhanced DBS check.

The School’s Child Protection Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy (including the School’s policy on employing ex-offenders) can be found on the school website at https://staubyns.com/about/policies/

Vacancy 03

Start Date: Sep 2026

Contract Type: Fixed term, part-time

KS1 Teacher (maternity cover, September 2026 to February 2027)

Part time, Monday to Wednesday

Start date: 1st September 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an energetic and enthusiastic KS1 Teacher to join our team here at St. Aubyn’s.

During our selection process applicants will be required to demonstrate their:-

  • Commitment to high standards of teaching and learning with excellent classroom practice.
  • Ability to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential.
  • Desire to embrace learning opportunities to improve their own teaching skills, knowledge and career progression.
  • Ability to work as a team member, supporting the ethos, aims and vision of the School.

The successful applicant will join a friendly, enthusiastic, hard-working team, who consistently strive to improve teaching and learning, and continue to raise standards. Benefits include reduced school fees, free car parking and lunches.

For a full job description and to apply please see below (CVs alone not accepted).

Closing Date: Sunday 5th July 2026

We reserve the right to appoint at any time within the advertising period

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020, and the successful applicant will be subject to appropriate child protection screening including an Enhanced DBS check.

The School’s Child Protection Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy (including the School’s policy on employing ex-offenders) can be found on the school website at https://staubyns.com/about/policies/

Vacancy 04

Start Date: Sep 2026

Contract Type: Fixed term, part-time

KS1 Teacher (maternity cover, September 2026 to February 2027)

Part time, Monday to Wednesday

Start date: 1st September 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an energetic and enthusiastic KS1 Teacher to join our team here at St. Aubyn’s.

During our selection process applicants will be required to demonstrate their:-

  • Commitment to high standards of teaching and learning with excellent classroom practice.
  • Ability to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential.
  • Desire to embrace learning opportunities to improve their own teaching skills, knowledge and career progression.
  • Ability to work as a team member, supporting the ethos, aims and vision of the School.

The successful applicant will join a friendly, enthusiastic, hard-working team, who consistently strive to improve teaching and learning, and continue to raise standards. Benefits include reduced school fees, free car parking and lunches.

For a full job description and to apply please see below (CVs alone not accepted).

Closing Date: Sunday 5th July 2026

We reserve the right to appoint at any time within the advertising period

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020, and the successful applicant will be subject to appropriate child protection screening including an Enhanced DBS check.

The School’s Child Protection Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy (including the School’s policy on employing ex-offenders) can be found on the school website at https://staubyns.com/about/policies/

We currently have no vacancies.

Our Policy Documents

The following policies, procedures and plans can be downloaded in PDF version by clicking on the appropriate line. All policies and procedures (except Early Years Foundation Stage specific ones) apply across the whole School.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,
answered

Have questions? We’ve got you covered. Check out our FAQs for quick answers!

What are the academic outcomes of St. Aubyn’s pupils

Yes. A 97% five-year 11+ success rate demonstrates our academic strength, delivered without compromising wellbeing.

Will my child be happy?

Our wellbeing provision, pastoral systems and inclusive culture ensure children feel supported, not pressured.

How do you compare to Forest, Bancroft’s or Chigwell?

As well as academic rigour families choose us for our facilities, personal attention, warm community that many clubs are included in the fees.

What if my child needs extra support?

Our specialist SEND team and tailored teaching ensure every child receives what they need to thrive.

Will my child be prepared for senior school?

Absolutely. Our academic outcomes and character development, according to each child’s needs, prepare children exceptionally well for their next stage.

See our school in action with a personal guided tour

We warmly invite you to a personal guided tour with Admissions Registrar, Mrs Helen Madden. During your visit, you’ll explore classrooms, creative spaces, and sports facilities to see how children grow in confidence and curiosity while building firm foundations for a lifetime of learning.

Most importantly, you’ll be in amongst a typical school day, allowing you to gain genuine insight into our nurturing community. Your visit concludes with a relaxed meeting with the Head to answer your questions.

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