News Blog

We are proud to share that, from September 2026, Woodford Green Preparatory School will join Bancroft’s and St. Aubyn’s School to form the Bancroft’s Family of Schools. 

This charitable merger brings together three exceptional schools in Woodford Green, united by a shared commitment to educational excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a broad, rounded education. 

Woodford Green Prep and Bancroft’s have enjoyed a close and long-standing relationship for generations. Many former pupils have gone on to thrive at Bancroft’s, and more than 100 Woodford Green Prep alumni are currently part of the Bancroft’s community. This next step builds on those existing bonds, establishing a clear framework for working together while protecting the distinctive character of each school. 

The formation of the Bancroft’s Family of Schools is a positive and forward-looking decision, made from a position of strength. It reflects a joint commitment to ensure that each school continues to flourish in a changing educational landscape, with the resilience, expertise and resources needed to support pupils, staff and families for generations to come. 

For our pupils and families, daily school life will continue as usual. Woodford Green Prep will remain on its current site and will retain its own leadership, staff, curriculum, routines, traditions, uniform and nurturing ethos. The close, personal environment that families value so highly will remain central to the school’s identity. 

Within this new structure, Woodford Green Prep will benefit over time from closer collaboration, shared professional expertise and access to a wider educational network. There may also be opportunities for pupils to benefit from specialist facilities and shared activities where this adds value to their experience. 

Importantly, we will continue to support families in considering the full range of senior school options for their children. As part of the new family structure, eligible pupils will also have access to the Bancroft’s Senior School Pathway, providing an earlier opportunity to be considered for a conditional place at Bancroft’s Senior School during their time with us. 

This is not a sale or takeover. It is a charitable merger designed to secure the long-term future of all three schools while preserving what makes each of them special. Woodford Green Prep will remain proudly itself, with the additional strength and support of a wider family. 

Jenny Maslen, Head of Woodford Green Preparatory School, said: 

“This marks a significant and exciting step in our school’s journey of excellence, one that honours our ‘Red School’ heritage while looking confidently towards the future. 

Our school motto, ‘Let Each Flame Burn Brighter’, sits at the very core of this decision. We have always believed that ability is not fixed, and that there should be no limits on what a child can achieve. 

Joining the Bancroft’s Family of Schools allows us to protect our unique spirit while strengthening what we can offer.” 

Alex Frazer, Head of Bancroft’s, added: 

“I am delighted that each of our schools will retain the individual identity and distinct character for which they are known, supporting genuine choice for parents and their children. 

My colleagues and I are thoroughly looking forward to working closely with the team at Woodford Green Prep, learning from one another and sharing expertise, resources and opportunities for pupils and staff, for the benefit of everyone in the Bancroft’s Family of Schools.” 

Gillian Haddon, Chair of Governors at Woodford Green Preparatory School, said: 

“In the current landscape of the independent school sector, the opportunity for Woodford Green Prep to join a nationally renowned school such as Bancroft’s merited serious and careful consideration. 

We are confident that this partnership will preserve our autonomy, values and identity, while providing a continued pathway to excellence and opportunity for all within the group.” 

Luke Savage, Chair of Governors at Bancroft’s, noted: 

“The Governors have approached this process with great care and a clear sense of responsibility for the long-term future of the schools we serve. 

I would like to recognise the thoughtful and collaborative work of the governing boards and senior leaders. Their collective effort has been central to shaping a partnership built on shared values and confidence in the future of the Bancroft’s Family of Schools.” 

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