Prep school advice Essex/East London (Woodford Green and surrounding)

[ConfusedOfN4]

Hi - I'm relocating to Woodford area from Islington with husband and 2 boys (3 & 5) and we want to put the kids into a local prep school. We don't know anyone in the area with school age kids so any recommendations would be gratefully received - several schools can't accommodate both kids at present so we are particularly looking at Avon House and Oaklands who seem to have space (liked Coopersale but seems a bit too far from our preferred area). Are these friendly schools? We've had a look round but personal accounts or experience with the schools would help!! Thanks

[BillyAndTheSillies]

How about Bancroft's prep? We are in Wanstead so that's the go-to around here. Have heard good things about St Aubyn's as well, but it's a faith school if that's not up your street.

[CruCru]

Have you looked at Forest School?

[hertsandessex]

Chigwell?

[ConfusedOfN4]

Thanks for suggestions. Bancrofts takes from 7 so no good for now, Forest possible but obviously depends on them passing entrance exams. Chigwell we like but they only take students at 4/7/11 so we would need a school in the meantime. St Aubyns didn't have space when I spoke to them (& we're not religious). Would be happy with a small prep till 11 but don't have any parent recommendations to go on which would help immensely!

[Missinglalaland]

With boys, I would consider Loyola boy's prep in Buckhurst Hill. It's near to you and gets consistently good results. There is also Daiglen prep in Buckhurst Hill which is coed. Woodford has Woodford Prep, coed. And there is Snaresbrook Prep, coed, in South Woodford.

Forest in Walthamstow is an all through school starting from pre-reception; and so is Chigwell school in Chigwell. Both are coed.

I'd start there.

Sought after local primaries include: Churchfields in Woodford, St John's CE Primary School Buckhurst Hill, and Staples Road Primary School in Loughton. All three are oversubscribed. St John's being the most oversubscribed in Essex county.

Hope that helps. x

[ConfusedOfN4]

Thanks for taking the time to message, much appreciated.