News Blog

Tell us what makes WGPS such a special place to work and learn?

WGPS is simply a wonderful place to be! There are happy and motivated children who enjoy a variety of learning experiences in a happy, warm and nurturing environment. We have high aspirations for all of our pupils and there is a steady sense of academic ambition and scholarship with compromise on pupil wellbeing and development, breadth of opportunity and fun!

What would you say is the first thing a visitor would notice when arriving at WGPS?

They would notice really happy children, with ready smiles, whose love for learning and their community is truly palpable.

Tell us about the key features of a prep school education at WGPS?

At Woodford Green, we are committed to providing an innovative and broad ranging curriculum that enables our pupils to acquire knowledge and develop skills, alongside rich and stimulating real life experiences. Wellbeing and personal development are at the core of all we do and pupils and staff work and learn in a happy and nurturing environment where kindness and respect lead the learning agenda.

The breadth of experiences that we offer pupils allows them all to excel and ignites a passion in a wealth of subject areas, taught by a highly experienced and committed team of specialist teachers. In the science lab, art studio, music room and sports field, pupils become intellectually curious, courageous and independently motivated learners. It’s about making sure that all children are supported and challenged to be successful.

Can you explain how the 7+ entrance process works?

The school enjoys an excellent reputation and we are fortunate enough to have a high volume of applications for year 3 for a limited number of places. This enables us to begin to build relationships with prospective families early on as they look to make an important decision about their child’s education. Families can come to the school for a personal tour before the more formal assessment process. Whilst this does involve assessments for maths and English, it’s also an opportunity for prospective pupils to experience life at the school by spending time in class. If a child has strengths in specific areas of the curriculum such as music, the Head of Department will also meet with the family to signpost the pathway to scholarship. We welcome enquiries from prospective 7+ applicants as early as possible in the year prior to transition.

You offer assisted places too - how does that work?

Prep school education is not exclusive. I believe that all parents should have a choice as to which type of school to select for their child. Having that freedom of choice allows parents to select a school environment in which their child will thrive. We offer assisted places at 7+ to support parents with school fees. This is a means tested, external assessment following which various levels of financial assistance may be offered. We have supported a large number of families in recent years, with all children who leave WGPS in year 6 gaining places at their senior school of choice.

 

What about WGPS makes you swell with pride?

The simple answer is the children! Our pupils are kind, well rounded, and curious individuals with unique personalities. The school’s values driven focus on personal development ensures that the pupils, alongside a knowledge rich curriculum, learn important skills and attributes like being resilient, reflective and principled that enable them to approach life with confidence and care and an ability to understand perspectives other than their own.

Typically, where do your pupils head off to once they leave the school?

Our pupils move on to a wide range of senior school settings, from Grammar schools, to state schools and independent senior schools. We continue to be a main feeder school locally to Bancroft’s, Forest School and Chigwell School, as well as some of the top senior schools in London, such as City of London Boys, City of London Girls and Westminster. Senior school transition in much the same as choosing a primary setting; it’s about supporting parents to select the school that is the best fit for their child and where they know they will reach their potential.