This charitable merger brings together three highly regarded schools in Woodford Green, each with its own character and history, and all united by a shared commitment to academic ambition, strong pastoral care and a broad, values-led education.
St. Aubyn’s has enjoyed a close and long-standing relationship with Bancroft’s over many generations. The pathway between the two schools is already well established, with many pupils going on to flourish at Bancroft’s. Today, nearly 100 former pupils are part of the Bancroft’s community, reflecting the strength of that connection and the confidence families have placed in it over time.
This new structure builds on these existing relationships. It is a positive and carefully considered step, taken from a position of strength, and designed to ensure that each school continues to thrive in a changing educational landscape.
Importantly, daily life will remain unchanged. Pupils will continue to be taught by the same dedicated staff, within the nurturing and supportive setting families know so well. ISI inspectors also highlighted the Significant Strength of St. Aubyn’s Early Years provision, noting the exceptional quality of care, teaching and learning. This recognition places us among the top tier of independent schools for EYFS and reflects the excellent foundations children receive for the next stages of their education.
With our excellent staff and core values as steadfast as ever, this transition ensures that the high standards families trust will be maintained while offering greater long-term benefits.
As part of a wider family, we will benefit over time from closer collaboration, shared professional expertise and the wider opportunities that come from being part of a connected educational group. This may include access to specialist teaching, shared facilities and joint activities where these add value to pupils’ experience.
We will continue to support families in considering the full range of senior school options for their children. As part of the new family structure, eligible pupils will also have access to the Bancroft’s Senior School Pathway, offering an earlier opportunity to be considered for a conditional place at Bancroft’s Senior School.
This is not a sale or takeover. It is a charitable merger that protects the individuality of each school while creating a secure foundation for the future. St. Aubyn’s will remain proudly itself, with the additional stability, support and opportunity of the wider group.
Louis Taylor, Head Teacher of St. Aubyn’s, said:
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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.
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Rajesh Kalia, Chair of Governors, commented:
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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.
This ensures St. Aubyn’s has the support of a wider group, allowing us to continue providing an exceptional educational experience for pupils and families.
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Alex Frazer, Head of Bancroft’s, added:
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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.
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Luke Savage, Chair of Governors at Bancroft’s, noted:
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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.
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