Advice choosing school Chigwell or Bancroft

[Indylindy]

Hello I’m new to posting on Mumsnet so if this has been asked before I haven’t read it. My son will be starting year 6 in September and will be sitting the 11+ exam. We live in Chigwell. He’s currently at a local state primary school and I’m not happy with the system. I visited Chigwell last year and Bancroft. Can mother’s of sons or daughters tell me why they chose either of the schools and if they are happy with their choice.
I don’t know anyone children /parents at either schools so would also like to hear the parent experience.
Travel to school, what you do during the long holidays with them. There seems to be more holidays than state schools , culture of the school how they do things, and any tips things I should watch out for/ know about. I would like to connect with any mothers in the area. Thanks

@Indylindy It was a couple of years ago for us but as no one else has answered....
DS went to Bancroft’s at 11 from state primary. He had offers from Chigwell and Forest. We/he chose it as it was more academic. He was quite introverted and not at all interested in things like sport and drama. He felt the school would appreciate his quirks! Stayed until he went to Uni. Did well and enjoyed it. DD went to Forest at 4 and stayed until 16 when she got a very generous scholarship to Bancroft’s. She did not consider Chigwell as she felt Bancroft’s was better for science and Maths. She loved both schools and is at uni now. To be honest I would apply for both and if he is offered places then go and look again (if allowed by then) and see how you and he feel. They are good schools and you probably won’t go far wrong. I would look at Forest as well as it’s not far from Chigwell. They all have a slightly different atmosphere. Chigwell is greener and has lovely playing fields if that’s important to you. I think Bancs and Forest feel less suburban and a bit more cosmopolitan, but that may be unfair.

Thanks for the comments really appreciate it. I have applied for Chigwell and will probably do Bancroft now as well. Forest seems further away as we are closer to Hainault/Grange hill and Forest is in Walthamstow. I do appreciate your comments. Did you work full time ? What did you do during the long holiday breaks ?

@Indylindy yes I worked full time. The grandparents were very helpful but lots of people used the holiday clubs like Barracudas and sports clubs like football or hockey where they do day camps. It is all additional cost though and needs to be borne in mind. If it’s 11+ there’s not too many years to cover before they are more independent. The closest tube to Forest is actually Snaresbrook and it’s walkable from Wanstead It’s an inbetweeny location but not really Walthamstow.

Also forgot to say that Forest do run a school bus from Hainault through Chigwell. All additional cost of course and it can impact on after school activities. Other key point that I forgot is that Forest teach in single sex classes from 11-16. They all mix at lunch and for other activities but it is a difference that is important one way or the other for some people. It was so unimportant to me that I forgot about it!!

Thanks for that. I did know about the single sex classes and I’m not sure I’m for it against that. Still it’s good to know they have a school bus. Do you know if Bancroft have one?

@Indylindy. Sorry, I don’t know. I don’t think they do but you would need to check with the school.