Independent Co-Educational Day School

Bancroft’s

Family of Schools

Bancroft’s Family of Schools

St. Aubyn’s is proud to be part of the Bancroft’s Family of Schools, alongside Bancroft’s and Woodford Green Preparatory School. This partnership builds on the strengths and values that have shaped our school for over 140 years, creating even more opportunities for every child to thrive.

While we are now part of a wider educational family, St. Aubyn’s remains the same school our families know and trust. Our leadership, staff and nurturing ethos continue unchanged, with the added benefits of shared expertise, enhanced opportunities and stronger pathways for the future.

0 %

of pupils who sat the 11+ last year received an
offer from one of their chosen schools.

Introduction

Collective Strength.
Individual Character

Collective Strength. Individual Character

In May 2026, St. Aubyn’s embarked on a strategic journey, merging with Bancroft’s and Woodford Green Preparatory School to form the Bancroft’s Family of Schools.

This is not a change of identity, but an evolution of opportunity. By joining this family, we are amplifying what you can already be confident in: our commitment to academic foundations, confidence, and a happy, challenge-centered preparatory environment.

What sets our academic approach apart

  • Specialist subject teaching from Nursery
  • Small class sizes for personalised support
  • Stretch and challenge programmes
  • Experienced SEND provision
  • Most clubs are included in admission fees
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A forward-looking partnership

This charitable partnership is a deliberate decision made from a position of strength. While we look forward, we remain deeply rooted in our 140-year heritage. St. Aubyn’s retains its unique leadership, ethos, and community spirit. Daily life continues to nurture every pupil through the same dedicated staff and core values families trust, now backed by the long-term benefits of a larger educational network.

Collective strength, individual character together, we create a richer tapestry of opportunity. This union allows for:

Collaboration
Closer work between schools and shared professional expertise.

Opportunity
Access to wider facilities, joint activities, and specialist teaching.

Pathways
A clear route to the Bancroft’s Senior School

The Bancroft’s

Senior School pathway

We are proud to introduce an early admissions route for our eligible Year 5 pupils. The Bancroft’s Senior School Pathway offers a selective, evidence-based opportunity for children whose achievements and attitudes align with Bancroft’s standards. Families will opt in to the Pathway by registering at the beginning of Year 5.

Rather than relying on a single 11+ exam, this optional pathway allows us to consider a child’s sustained performance over time. This provides families with earlier clarity and peace of mind regarding secondary transitions. 

As a long-standing preparatory school with deep, trusted relationships across the local education community, St. Aubyn’s remains fully committed to preparing every pupil for a full and diverse range of senior school destinations, ensuring our families retain total freedom of choice.

Together, we are building a brighter future for every child.

Here’s what we

have to say about the merger

This partnership is a deliberate, forward-thinking move. By joining the Bancroft’s Family of Schools, we are ensuring that St. Aubyn’s remains at the forefront of prep education for generations to come.

Being part of a strong and sustainable family of schools brings clear advantages. It will open up opportunities for collaboration, shared expertise and professional development, all of which will directly benefit teaching and learning.

Louis Taylor
Head Teacher of St. Aubyn’s

This has been a deeply considered process amongst our collective community of governors to conserve individual heritage whilst building stability as a united family of institutions.

Rajesh Kalia
Chair of Governors

I am tremendously excited to be building on the long-standing relationship with our friends and colleagues at St. Aubyn’s, welcoming them into the Bancroft’s Family of Schools.

United by our shared commitment to a broad and ambitious education, first-class pastoral care and a rich Co-curricular life, this charitable merger secures a strong and collaborative future for our three time-honoured institutions, all rooted in the local community of Woodford Green.

Alex Frazer
Head of Bancroft’s

The Governors have approached this process with great care and a clear sense of responsibility for the long-term future of the schools we serve.

I would like to recognise the thoughtful and collaborative work of the governing boards and senior leaders. Their collective effort has been central to shaping a partnership built on shared values and confidence in the future of the Bancroft’s Family of Schools.

Luke Savage
Chair of Governors at Bancroft’s

We aim high

Experience St. Aubyn’s
for Yourself

Meet our teachers, explore our campus and experience our inclusive, ambitious community.

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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.

Family of Schools

St. Aubyn’s proudly announces its next chapter:
Introducing the Bancroft’s Family of Schools.

Bancroft’s Family of Schools:

Collective Strength. Individual Character.

St. Aubyn’s proudly announces its next chapter: Introducing the Bancroft’s Family of Schools.

Bancroft’s Family of Schools:
 Collective Strength. Individual Character.

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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