Chigwell school vs Bancroft school

[Cominghomemom]

Hello! My dd has been accepted into both schools for 7+ and wanted to know your thoughts on each of these schools. We are also looking at Normanhurst in chingford. Dd and I like the idea of a smaller school, like Normnahurst, but my dh is obsessed with Bancroft and chigwell - prestige. Anyone have any pros cons, experience with the schools?

Don’t make a choice based on prestige. These schools have ‘prestige’ because of their ranking in the area but these rankings are based on results which are quite frankly driven by the extra support these kids receive from tutors or parents. It’s a fallacy to think that the good GCSE or A Level results are achieved solely through the work done by the school.

Choose where your child would thrive because what we are actually paying for is the facilities and the environment of like-minded children and parents. Most parents who send their kids to private schools are very invested in their children’s educational success and that’s why your child’s ultimate success at GCSE or A Levels will be all about the extra support you give them.

Let’s face it, kids at states schools will also end up at Oxbridge or the Russell Group universities and no one cares after that which secondary school you went too, except to criticise you for your privilege and perhaps favour the person from a state school.

My point is, focus on what feels right for your child for her to have the best chance at a healthy mind. That’s what will determine her resilience and success for the big things that matters.

These are quite different schools - and pretty far from each other location wise. My dd went to Braeside as a junior so in the oak tree group with Normanhurst. It was lovely but very small and no 6th form. In the end we thought she was better suited to a larger school with more going on extra curricular and subject wise. They aren't big enough to run fill orchestras/choirs/bands or to offer Latinl, three languages etc.

Don't pick Normanhurst if you want to change at 11 - they don't prep for the 11+ so you aren't keeping pace with Oaklands etc. We thought about it a lot though there is a lot to be said for big fish/ small pond and the teaching and care is great.

We had offers at 11 for Bancrofts, Chigwell and Forest. We chose Chigwell (partly bigger scholarship) but more the feel - they are quite different schools and we preferred the slightly less selective academic focus of Chigwell. Transport is a big one though dd is there most evenings and weekends - and we live on a good day 20 mins drive but more like 35 to get past the Epping retail park bit and we don't live on one of the bus routes. She has to be there by 7.45/8 and generally doesn't finish until 5/6 and then back on Saturday. I expect Bancrofts would be the same but their bus routes are slightly better.

I have another dd (only 2) she will hopefully go to Chigwell at 7. I like the set up of the junior integrated into the senior campus but separate and years 7/8 being part of the junior. Also the pre prep being there makes them feel not so tiny. The new sports facilities will be great and for my elder (sporty but not team sport) having choice of outdoor pursuits, gym,climbing, swimming is really good. Music is amazing if your dd is that way inclined.

There is no bad choice between the 3 they are great schools. I'd go on what does dd want to do - does she get on best as part of a large cohort (where you find your tribe) or a smaller more cohesive group as a whole and who is going to do all the dropping off and picking up!

We have two children at chigwell (went in at 11+) and absolutely love it. It's a really good all rounder and my children are thriving. I wasn't as keen on Bancrofts as they seemed to be solely focused on the academic side of things and had smaller grounds. I didn't even look at Nomanhurst as the facilities aren't as good (Plus they only go up to 16).

Bancroft's every time. I understand that the academic focus could be off putting but DS went at 11 from a state primary and loved it. DD was at Forest from 4-16 and went to Bancs for 6th form because she wanted a change and also did not feel academically stretched or recognised at Forest. Bancs delivered all round. We were happy with Forest ( didn't like Chigwell although DS had an offer) but honestly the teaching at Bancs is on a different level. Do not have personal experience of the Prep at Bancs but obviously know lots of parents who did and they were very happy.

Thanks everyone for your input, I appreciate it. I want to send her where she is able to thrive academically and socially. I will keep you posted on how it goes!
We also have an older daughter who is waitlisted at these schools, she would be 12+ entry point, so not sure if place usually become available. Has anyone had any experience with that? I’ve read a couple of posts about sending kids to different schools with drop off and pick up issues. We will be moving to the area this summer.

Chigwell have a 13+ entry in any event and the change from junior into senior at the age (they change into different houses so are mixed up) means new joiners don't feel too much like they are the only ones as everyone is getting to grips with new timetables/teachers/forms and rooms etc.

@Hosum good to know, thank you!

I know various people with kids at prep at Chigwell and Bancroft’s. Parents seem largely happy with them both. Anecdotally I have known a few from Chigwell want to look at more academic schools for 11 whereas haven’t heard that of Bancroft’s.

I haven’t heard bad things about Normanhurst but it certainly is not that academic compared to the other two so depends on the child.

Neither school has a 12+ intake per se so you’re relying on occasional places becoming available. Do you have a plan B for your older child?

I would think hard about logistics. Bancroft’s is hard to drop off/pick up at by car - all residents parking locally. Chigwell has a car park but demand outstrips supply but does have a school bus service. Bancroft’s does not have much in outdoor sports on site and uses other spaces locally. Chigwell is on a much bigger campus.

@AegeanBlue thank you for that, good to know about traffic situation at both schools.
Plan B will be a state/ public school, then try for 13+ next year. Any suggestions on preferred state/ public schools?