Bancroft's Preparatory School
A leading co-educational independent day school for children aged 7-18
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Our take
Independent co-ed all-through school in Redbridge for ages 7–18. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.
- Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 7–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
- Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
- Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
About the head
“Unto God Only Be Honour and Glory”
Activities & co-curricular
sport
Latest exam results
Where leavers go
| 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Cohort | 64 |
| Oxbridge | 18 |
| Russell Group | 43 |
| US Ivy | 0 |
| Medicine | 8 |
Recent coverage
In August 2024, Bancroft's Preparatory School reported that 77% of its pupils' GCSEs were graded 9-8 (equivalent to the old A*), and 91% achieved grades 9-7 (A*/A equivalent). Notably, 48% of results were graded 9, and four students were top national performers in OCR’s GCSE Art and Design: Fine Art. Additionally, 26 pupils achieved nine or more Grade 9s, and 15 pupils received straight Grade 9s across all subjects. Furthermore, 51 Year 10 pupils took GCSE Mathematics a year early, with 98% achieving a Grade 9. In August 2024, Bancroft's School celebrated exceptional A-Level results, with 74% of A-Levels graded A*-A. Additionally, 91% of results were graded A*-B, and 32% were graded A*. Two students were top performers in OCR’s A-Level Art and Design, and 15 students achieved three or more A* grades. Over 70% of leavers secured places at Russell Group universities, and 17 students will be studying medicine. In May 2026, it was announced that from September 2026, Bancroft's Preparatory School would merge with St Aubyn's and Woodford Green Preparatory School to become Bancroft’s Family of Schools. As of May 2026, the headteacher of Bancroft's Preparatory School was Mr. Joe Layburn.
Registration deadline confirmed
Bancroft's Preparatory School closes registrations on 9 Oct 2026. Add the deadline to your plan and start booking visits before applications.
How well does Bancroft's Preparatory School match?
Tell us your child's age, location, needs and entry point. We'll score commute, academics, support, budget and culture against schools in Redbridge.
Check fit for my childApplication timeline
1 of 7 admissions stages have confirmed dates. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.
| Year | Opens | Closes | Reply by | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | TBC | 1 Dec 2026 | TBC | Open |
Open events
Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.
Fees
Bursaries & Scholarships
Excerpts
“While some independent schools choose to sit SATs, they are not required to do so and the UK government does not collect or publish their results.”
HeadteacherHead Mr Joe Layburn
Open days June and October
Wellbeing
"Bancroft's provides a broad and ambitious curriculum that prioritises both academic achievement and pupils’ wellbeing." We are proudly devoted to scholarship and intellectual inquiry, and we believe that each child will truly flourish by combining academic endeavour with enthusiastic engagement in the wide range of co-curricular opportunities that we provide, while being supported and nurtured by our first-class pastoral care. “The school provides a broad and ambitious curriculum that prioritises both academic achievement and pupils’ wellbeing.”
Inspection
Isi — 4 Feb 2025
One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.
Term dates 2026-27
Policies & documents
Schools like Bancroft's Preparatory School
Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Questions parents ask
Common questions about Bancroft's Preparatory School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.
What kind of child is Bancroft's Preparatory School best for?+
Independent co-ed all-through school in Redbridge for ages 7–18. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.
How does admissions work?+
Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.
Are fees published?+
Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.
Does the school support SEND?+
SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has identified needs, contact admissions early to discuss capacity.
Are there open days?+
3 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.
How do I contact admissions?+
email at prepoffice@bancrofts.org or phone on 020 8506 6751. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.
What similar schools should I compare?+
We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Bancroft's Preparatory School — see the "Schools like Bancroft's Preparatory School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
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