London Independent School of the Year Finalist

For the second year running, we have been named a finalist for London Independent School of the Year 2026.

The award, part of the Independent Schools of the Year Awards, asks schools to show what makes them distinctive in the London context: how the capital shapes pupils’ experience, how pupils contribute to the city around them, and how schools are planning for the future.

Being based in Woodford Green gives us a strong local identity, with London on our doorstep. Our pupils benefit from access to the capital’s culture, universities, institutions, businesses and wider networks. Just as important is what they contribute beyond our own gates through partnerships, service and community life.

This year has also been an important one for our future, with Bancroft’s, St. Aubyn’s School and Woodford Green Preparatory School coming together as the Bancroft’s Family of Schools. The new family builds on long-standing local relationships and creates further opportunities to share expertise and resources across our Woodford Green community.

The finalist place comes at the end of a strong year across the School. Our 2026 A Level results and GCSE results were exceptionally strong, while our work in learning support and pastoral care has also received national recognition.

The 2026 London shortlist also includes City of London School for Girls, Ibstock Place School, North London Collegiate School, South Hampstead High School GDST and Whitgift School.

We’ll find out the winner at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards ceremony on Wednesday 14 October. For now, being named among the six finalists for the second year running is something we are very pleased to celebrate.