Schools in Loughton:

[eastlondoner323232]

Hi - my DS was born in Nov 2019. We're starting to think about independent schools in and around Loughton. I'd ideally like him to go to Bancrofts from 7yrs of age or Chigwell from 4yrs and would like to know peoples thoughts on both schools. If Bancrofts, where do children go before 7years of age?
Are there any other schools we should consider? We were originally interested in Oaklands but I've been hearing that it's not very academic and therefore I don't know where my DS would get a place at Bancroft/Chigwell from there.

You've got quite a few around the area. Loyola in Buckhurst Hill, Coopersale in Epping. St Aubyns or Avon House in Woodford - I have friends with children at all of those.

What do your friends say about Avon House? That’s the closest to me from those that you’ve mentioned.

Also Woodford Prep is excellent at getting children into the top secondary schools. You need to sign your DS up now though as the list starts in utero!). I believe the children that go to Bancrofts at 7 come from Avon House / St Aubyns / Woodford Prep (but I live nearby as do the people I know whose children go there!)

They are happy at Avon House but only moved there because St Joseph's closed down and they couldn't get into Churchfields.

The wraparound care is good and they are very good at helping children with dyslexia but the school isn't anything spectacular.

If you want Chigwell then just try to get a place from age 4. It's much easier than going the 7+ route.

The 4+ assessment for Chigwell School consists of pupil participation in a range of activities centred on the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Briefly, these activities comprise number and literacy games, physical games, playing with other children, listening and responding to a story and joining in with singing or rhymes. The assessment usually takes place in the Pre Prep library, lasts approximately 1½ hours and is carefully designed to ensure children feel happy and settled.