Bancroft's Prep

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What it's like

Founded 1990 as a co-ed prep school. It is a purpose-built school, alongside its senior school next to Epping Forest. It has its own specialist teaching facilities but shares many of the senior school's sports facilities, such as the sports hall and swimming pool. It is academically selective, for children who are naturally curious about the world. It has developed its own curriculum, based on the National Curriculum and ISEB syllabus, with prominence given to maths, English and science. Many pupils learn a musical instrument and there is a good range of sports and activities. Transfer to Bancroft's senior school is guaranteed and almost all pupils transfer to it.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 7–11, 249 day pupils (117 boys, 132 girls). Entrance: Main entry age 7. Entrance by own tests in small groups, designed to be child-friendly and relatively informal. 3 classes (of some 22) throughout. No special skills or religious requirements.

Scholarships & bursaries

2 means-tested Francis Bancroft scholarships at age 7, value up to full fees (where parental income is less than approximately £21.5k). Average extras approx £450 pa.

Parents

15+% of parents doctors, lawyers etc; 15+% in industry and commerce. Over 60% live within 30 miles.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Mr Christopher Curl, in post since 2005. Educated at King’s Canterbury and at universities of Exeter (education with English and drama) and East Anglia (masters). Previously Head of Ferndale and Housemaster and Head of English at King’s Canterbury Junior School. Teaching staff: 15 full-time, 11 part-time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 35.

Exam results

Pupils take the entrance exam for Bancroft's senior school. 98% achieved Level 5 in Key Stage 2 assessments (discontinued from 2007). Some 20% of pupils gain entrance scholarships to their secondary schools.

Pupils' destinations

96% of pupils go on to Bancroft's senior school. Transfer is automatic although all pupils sit the entrance exam (on which scholarships to the senior school are based).

Curriculum

All National Curriculum subjects taught, plus critical thinking, design and technology, theatre, myths and legends, current affairs. School's own schemes of work developed, linked to the NC and ISEB syllabus, to give a wide and balanced learning experience. Specialist subject teachers introduced at age 7. PSHE and citizenship covered in form time and school assemblies (including relationships, citizenship, bullying, aspects of growing up and good health). Special provision: SEN co-ordinator or learning support teacher give extra help for any pupil who needs it (usually mild dyslexia); all pupils screened at age 7. EAL support can be given to pupils whose first language is not English. Languages: French taught from age 7. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Bank of laptops plus ICT suite for ICT lessons or other subjects; pupil access from age 7.

The arts

50+% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams may be taken. 10 musical groups, choirs, flute and guitar groups, wind band, string group. All pupils involved in school drama productions, on or off stage (The Mikado recently). Specialist art facilities. Music, drama, dance and art all offered as extra-curricular activities.

Sports & activities

Compulsory sports: rugby and cricket for boys; netball and rounders for girls; hockey, swimming, athletics, gymnastics for all. Optional: trampolining, soccer, cross country, tennis. On-site sports facilities shared with senior school: 25m indoor swimming pool, netball/tennis court, multi purpose sports hall, playing field (cricket, rugby, rounders, athletics); also sports ground at West Grove and Old Loughtonians hockey ground. Teams have regular fixtures with local prep and state schools and take part in local and national tournaments; considerable success in swimming galas. Activities: Popular Cub pack, leading to Sea Scouts (joint with senior school in Year 6). Pupils organise annual charity day, raising some £4500. Up to 30 clubs and activities, eg German, jounalism, craft, computer, French, science, Get Active, Mile-at-a-Time, string group, recorders, dance, board games.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn. Houses: Competitive houses. All Year 6 (Prep 2) are monitors; positions in forms available to more junior pupils. Religion: Church of England. Attendance at religious worship encouraged, though pupils can be withdrawn at parental request. Social: Annual ski trip (with Avon House School), French trip for Year 6, boy's sports tour (rugby and soccer). Pupils allowed to bring own bike/scooter to school. Meals cafeteria-style and compulsory; pupils not expected to bring their own food to school. School shop sells some uniform (including secondhand). Most pupils walk to school or come by car. Some supervision available before and after school (8am to 5.30pm); breakfast available if required.

Discipline

Any pupil failing to produce homework on time would be given time to catch up as soon as possible; in any case of stealing, staff would speak to the pupil and parents. School aims to emphasise rewards and encouragement.

Association of former pupils

Old Bancroftians Association, run by the Secretary, email secretary@theoba.org