Founded in 1737 by Francis Bancroft and the Worshipful Company of Drapers, the school moved to its present site at Woodford Green in 1889. It began admitting girls into the sixth form in 1973 and became fully co-educational from 1977.
The school is a charitable trust, administered by a governing body which oversees both the preparatory and senior schools. Since the previous inspection, it has expanded its dining facilities for pupils as well as its common room for the sixth form.
The school is divided into two sections: the senior department, for pupils aged 11 to 16 years; and the
sixth form for those aged 16 to 18 years.
What the school seeks to do
The school aims to provide a broad, balanced, high-quality and forward-looking curriculum relevant to the aspirations of the pupils and their parents. Its vision is to be a successful centre of excellence, providing a vibrant cultural environment that prepares pupils successfully for the next phase of their
lives.
About the pupils
Pupils come from a range of professional and business backgrounds, mostly from London and surrounding counties. Nationally standardised test data provided by the school indicate that the ability
of the pupils is above average. The school has identified 114 pupils as having special educational needs
and/or disabilities (SEND) which include dyslexia and dyspraxia, all of whom receive additional
specialist help. No pupils have an education, health and care (EHC) plan or a statement of special
educational needs. English is an additional language (EAL) for 77 pupils, none of whom require
additional support.
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