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Studies have shown that when faced with a vast array of things to choose from, people tend to abstain from choosing. A part of that is the newly-minted 'fear of missing out' (FOMO) phenomenon. What if you choose this but that one's better? Sometimes, people are just overwhelmed by the number of things to choose from. And maybe the expectation that their selection will reveal something about them, is probably unsavoury. Fortunately, Bancroft's School has found a way around all of this.
- All pupils study the same 15 subjects for their first two years.
- Year 8 students must choose two modern languages to study alongside Latin
- Year 9 students must choose three additional subjects from a set menu of courses
- All pupils sit 10 GCSEs, only four of which are electives (and one must be a language)
Some might argue that Bancroft's School doesn't allow their pupils enough choice. But compare that the vast majority of students who, come time to select their GCSE subjects, have no idea which exams they want to sit. Their frantic scrambles are evident; they're all over The Student Room threads. But it's not like Bancroft's students have no choice in what they study.
Just like students enrolling at Hurtwood House, Bancroft's School hopefuls have lots to look forward to. We want to do our best to help everyone keen to learn at this fantastic school. Thus, we give you this guide to getting into Bancroft's School.
About Bancroft's School
Bancroft’s School is an independent, coeducational day school in Woodford Green. This campus welcomes students aged seven to 18. Francis Bancroft had long wanted to establish a house of learning for boys. Upon his death, in 1726, a sizable sum passed to the Draper’s Company. Following Mr Bancroft's wishes, in 1737, that Company opened this school, naming it after its benefactor.
Despite its 275 years of educational excellence, Bancroft's School was faced with the same dilemma as Alleyn's School. During the mid-70s, the British government ended the Direct Grant Grammar School program. Aware that neither the school nor its benefactor could continue boarding services, Bancroft's administrators decided to end them. They also decided to welcome female students. Their third major decision was to become independent.
Would you like to see how Bancroft’s School is managing today? The school hosts Open Morning and Evening events throughout the autumn term. You and your child can experience all Bancroft has to offer before making your final decision. After all, former Headmistress Mary Ireland said that “[e]ach child only goes through school once, so their experience should be as good as it possibly can be.” Such a visit could be your chance to see how good a learning experience Bancroft's School provides.
For a September entry, the 7+ Open Morning is held in October of the prior year, usually from 10.00 a.m. to noon. For 11+ entries the first Opening Morning is generally in November, from 10.00 a.m. to noon. For 16+ entries, the Open Evening is usually scheduled for mid-October, from 8.00 to 9.30 p.m. Please note that all of these dates and times are approximate. The school will schedule them firmly during the Summer term.
The Open events include a Head talk, a tour of the school site, the opportunity to chat with staff and students, and an information pack. Unlike Latymer Upper School events, Bancroft’s does not require registration for their Open events. But the school requests that you and your child arrive early as school site parking is quite limited.
Bancroft's School Admissions Policy
Registration at all entry points requires that parents download and complete the relevant entry form. On their website, the school makes available specific 7+ Entry Registration Forms, 11+ Registration Forms, and 13+ Registration Forms. Additionally, they have created a Sixth Form Registration document in PDF format. You should include a copy of your child’s full birth certificate and the requisite registration fee payable to Bancroft’s School. These fees vary depending on which Year your student enters.
Generally, December marks the closing date for 7+ registrations for entry the next year in September. The same applies to 11+ entries for September of the following year. January usually marks the closing date for 13+ fee-paying registrations for entry in September of the following year. For 16+ entrants, the end of October marks the deadline for entering the next year in September.
Unfortunately, due to high placement demand, Bancroft’s School does not always accept applications for scholarship students entering year 9. Please note that if your child applies for a means-tested scholarship only, they will not be considered for any of the fee-paying positions, regardless of their examination results. For more bursary information and important dates, check out Bancroft’s School's web page.
Bancroft's School Interviews and Examinations
Bancroft’s 7+ entry requires that your child write Maths and Non-verbal reasoning exams. However, this school does not ask pupils at this level to interview. All 11+ students will write both an English and a Maths entrance exam and will interview. The English exam is sectioned into a 45-minute reading and understanding period, and a 20-minute writing period. Students will be recognised for relevant, original, and accurate answers with few spelling or grammar errors.
The Maths examination is also divided into two sections and lasts 75 minutes. The first section will feature a series of increasingly difficult questions from level 5 at Key Stage Two. The second section is comprised of more difficult questions that may be unfamiliar to your child. Bancroft doesn’t expect a high score in this section. Rather, they are looking for students who can apply logic to a difficult problem even if the result is incorrect.
Similarly, all 13+ students will sit two 75-minute papers in both Maths and English. If your child does well on the exams, they will be asked to interview one of Bancroft’s senior staff members and another student. The interviews are mostly about your child’s previous school work. A report from their current school will be taken into account.
Lastly, 16+ will sit two 90-minute exams for a GCSE subject of their choice. If your child chooses to sit an entrance paper in English Literature, they will be asked to follow special instructions. Bancroft's designed their exam so that this examination covers one of two texts of the student's choice. Your child will further write about a text that will not be confirmed until the examination. If your child is applying for Art, they should bring a portfolio of recent work with them to the interview.
At all levels, for the interview portion, Bancroft suggests that your child works towards being comfortable discussing their interests and achievements. The interview process for 16+ is relatively easy, but students will benefit from practising talking about themselves and their academic goals. In this aspect of school entrance applications, Bancroft's and Highgate Schools are the same. Best of Luck!
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