We care just as much about the person each pupil becomes. Here are seven reasons why so many families in Woodford Green and beyond choose Ģ������Ƶ’s, and stay with us from age seven to eighteen.

Ambitious, and genuinely supportive

At Ģ������Ƶ’s, we want every pupil to be challenged at the right level and fully supported throughout their time with us. We value the effort they put in and the progress they make, not simply where they stand at any one moment.

That is what ambition means to us here: sustained effort, given room to grow, in an environment built around the individual rather than a single measure of success.

We are close to home, and part of the community

Ģ������Ƶ’s sits on the Central line, and our own school bus service runs three routes covering Epping and Theydon Bois, Mile End by way of Hackney, Walthamstow and Wanstead, and Goodmayes by way of Clayhall, Hainault and Chigwell.

That matters more than you might think. It means an easier commute than families often expect, and it means a school community that overlaps with the one families already belong to outside the school gates.

Nearly three hundred years of stability

Ģ������Ƶ’s was founded in 1737 by the Drapers’ Company, and our Governors are still drawn from the Company today, keeping that connection genuinely alive rather than merely historical.

In a period when families are rightly asking harder questions about a school’s long-term footing, that continuity is not a small thing. We plan for decades, not academic years.

A growing family of schools

From September 2026, Ģ������Ƶ’s is joining with St. Aubyn’s and Woodford Green Preparatory School to form the Ģ������Ƶ’s Family of Schools. It is a considered step, not a change of direction.

Each school keeps its own character, while gaining the security and shared expertise that come from being part of something larger. For families, it means more routes into a Ģ������Ƶ’s education.

A brilliantly broad life beyond the classroom

Music, drama, sport, the CCF, Duke of Edinburgh, Sea Scouts and more sit alongside the academic timetable, not beneath it. We want pupils discovering things they never expected to enjoy, because that is often where the most valuable learning happens.

A school where every pupil is truly known

Ģ������Ƶ’s is large enough to offer real breadth and choice, and structured so that no pupil is lost within it. Form tutors, heads of year and pastoral staff know our pupils well, and that knowledge shapes how we support each one, guided by the values we hold in common across the school.

Recognised for it, not just claiming it

We could (and do) tell you Ģ������Ƶ’s cares about every pupil as an individual. We also like to point you to people outside the school who have said so themselves.

In 2025, Ģ������Ƶ’s was named Pastoral Care Champion by School House Magazine, won the Alice Rose Award at the Talk Education Awards for nurturing confident, happy children, and was a finalist at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

In 2026, we were commended in the London Independent School of the Year category for the second year running, and named a finalist in the Inclusive SEN Provision category at the Education Choices Awards, recognition of the individual support every pupil receives, whatever form that takes.

Come and see for yourself

If any of this resonates, we would be glad to show you Ģ������Ƶ’s in person. Full details of our upcoming open events are available on our Visit Us page, and you can read more about entry at 7+, 11+ and 16+.

We look forward to meeting you and your family.

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The announcement is a wonderful way to mark the end of another busy and successful school year.

It celebrates the hard work, care and spirit found across our community. Pupils, staff, families and supporters all play an important part in making Ģ������Ƶ’s the school it is.

We are proud to be named alongside so many excellent schools across London.

The winners will be announced in October. Whatever the final result, being commended for a second consecutive year is a fantastic achievement for the whole Ģ������Ƶ’s community.

Our thanks go to the judges at

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This recognition celebrates the School’s commitment to providing inclusive, individual support for pupils, and reflects the care, expertise and dedication of staff across the Ģ������Ƶ’s community.

Winners will be announced on Friday 12 June. We are grateful to for this recognition and proud to see Ģ������Ƶ’s approach to pupil support celebrated in this way.

Find out more about Learning Support at Ģ������Ƶ’s

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The three schools have long been part of the same close-knit community in Woodford Green, united by a shared commitment to educational excellence and a broad, holistic approach to learning.

The formation of the Ģ������Ƶ’s Family of Schools comes from a position of collective strength, with all three being financially robust and educationally thriving, reflecting a proactive response to an evolving independent school landscape.

One of the UK’s leading co-educational independent schools, Ģ������Ƶ’s educates pupils aged 7 to 18 and consistently achieves outstanding academic results alongside award-winning recognition for its first-class pastoral care and transformational impact. St. Aubyn’s and Woodford Green Prep are both highly successful prep schools, providing exceptional, innovative and values-led education to children aged 3 to 11.

The pathway from St. Aubyn’s and Woodford Green Prep to Ģ������Ƶ’s has been a popular and successful choice for many pupils and parents for generations. This charitable merger formalises those bonds and secures the long-term future of that community.

Our schools will share expertise, resources and opportunities in ways that directly benefit pupils, staff and families, without compromising the independence and identity that define them.

Crucially, each school will retain its own leadership, staff, curriculum and distinct character.

This is a deeply considered partnership, one that preserves what makes each school unique while creating a stronger, more connected whole.

Alex Frazer, Head of Ģ������Ƶ’s, said:

“I am tremendously excited to be building on the longstanding relationship with our friends and colleagues at St. Aubyn’s and Woodford Green Prep, welcoming them into the Ģ������Ƶ’s Family of Schools.

United by our shared commitment to a broad and ambitious education, first-class pastoral care and a rich co-curricular life, this charitable merger secures a strong and collaborative future for our three time-honoured institutions, all rooted in the local community of Woodford Green.”

Jenny Maslen, Head of Woodford Green Preparatory School, commented:

“Our school motto, ‘Let Each Flame Burn Brighter’, sits at the very core of this decision. We have always believed that ability is not fixed, and that there should be no limits on what a child can achieve. In Ģ������Ƶ’s, we have found a partner who shares our values of excellence and nurture.

Joining this Family of Schools allows us to protect the unique spirit of Woodford Green Prep while strengthening what we can offer.”

Louis Taylor, Head of St. Aubyn’s School, added:

“This partnership is a deliberate, forward-thinking move. By joining the Ģ������Ƶ’s Family of Schools, we are ensuring that St. Aubyn’s remains at the very forefront of Prep education for generations to come.

Being part of a strong and sustainable Family of Schools brings clear advantages. It will open up opportunities for collaboration, shared expertise and professional development, all of which will directly benefit teaching and learning.”

READ OUR FAQs

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Boys FUNbledon Doubles Championships

With just 17 days to go until the 2026 Championships at Wimbledon get underway, we have crowned a new boys’ FUNbledon champion: Zach (3W)!

Although FUNbledon is a doubles event, Zach’s partner was unfortunately unable to play at the last minute. Undeterred, Zach took on pairs of opponents by himself, alternating singles points throughout the tournament, still managing to claim the trophy.

Congratulations to all 24 competitors who took part, and special recognition goes to Devan and Ted (RW), who reached the final and helped provide an exciting and closely contested conclusion to this year’s event.

Inter-House

With West House already enjoying a strong run of Inter-House success, they added the Lower Fourth boys’ tennis title to their growing collection of 2026 victories.

North House, however, responded in style last week in the Remove girls’ competition. Led by an elated Miss Grimwood, they secured a dramatic victory on games difference, edging out School House!

The final Inter-House tennis event of the year takes place on Friday afternoon, when the Thirds boys compete for the remaining title. The overall Junior, Middle and Senior School trophies will be awarded later this term once the results from all events have been combined.

Junior Tennis Teams Continue Strong Season

The junior tennis teams have enjoyed an excellent fortnight of fixtures, producing a series of impressive performances across all age groups.

The mixed U12 team travelled to Brentwood, where all 16 pairs and trios competed superbly to secure a dramatic victory by a single match, winning 25–24 after a final round of matches.

The U12 girls and U13 girls both maintained their unbeaten records with 15–3 victories over Chigwell. The U13s are now aiming to complete a second consecutive unbeaten season. The U14 girls secured an excellent 12–6 win away at Colfe’s, with pairs 4–6 proving decisive after the top three pairs were evenly matched.

Against Chigwell, the combined U12/U13 boys faced a particularly strong side and were defeated, while the U14 boys earned a hard-fought 5–4 victory after three closely contested rounds.

Championships

Miss Wainwright was in action on the Championships grass courts at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, showcasing a superb slice approach shot!

Friday 15 May 2026

Congratulations to the Ģ������Ƶ’s combined U12/13 Girls’ Tennis Team, who won the 4-way Haileybury Team Tournament over the weekend.

The U12A and U12B teams performed brilliantly the previous week, securing an 18–3 match win. This strong result gave the U12A team a real confidence boost heading into the tournament, where they joined forces with the U13A team for the Haileybury tournament.

Ten pairs competed in matches against Haileybury, Highgate and St Edmund’s, with all results combined to determine the overall standings.

Our team delivered a strong and consistent performance throughout the event, emerging as overall winners!

Well done to all players for an excellent team effort.

U12A Mixed Tennis Team

Whilst the U12A mixed tennis team took on Latymer and secured an incredibly close 9–8 win, the U12B/C girls impressed with a 19–8 victory against Colfe’s. The U13A boys faced a highly competitive cup tie against Coopers’ Coborn but were narrowly defeated 9–3.

The U15 boys played brilliantly against Latymer, earning a15–1 win, and carried this excellent form into their Saturday block fixture against Brentwood.

They secured a 9–7 victory, which, when combined with strong performances from the U12, U13 and U14 boys, resulted in an overall 30–18 win.

Well done to everyone who represented the School in fixtures over the last two weeks.

Next up is the Inter-House tournaments!

Essex Learning Disability & Autism Tennis Tournament 

Five of our pupils, Shona, Shaan, Hsien Yang and Hsian Wen, alongside Miss Claire Mésenge, who is currently a PGCE teacher, supported the Learning Disability & Autism Tennis Tournament at Redbridge Sports Centre.

They helped by guiding people to their courts, supplying balls to them on court and helping them know where to stand and when it was their turn to receive/serve.

The Ģ������Ƶ’s volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the experience and particularly valued the opportunity to learn about the wide range of adapted tennis formats that help make the sport more inclusive.

Julie O’Mahoney, EDI Lead for Essex Tennis, expressed her sincere gratitude for the support provided by Ģ������Ƶ’s, describing the team as a valuable asset to the event.

A massive thank you to everyone who gave up their time over the weekend to support this initiative.

Friday 1 May 2026

The first two weeks of the tennis season have provided club sessions and fixtures a plenty, as well as a “triple crown” of titles for West House - including the Senior Inter-House tournament.

Thirds-L4ths took part in the U14 Play Your Way To Wimbledon tournaments. Round-robin formats were followed by quarter-finals and a series of Plate events, ensuring everyone had the chance to play several matches against others of a similar experience level.

Congratulations to Ryan and Juniper on their impressive victories and they both advance to the County Finals where they have a chance to qualify for the National Finals on the grass at Wimbledon!

Hannah and Jeevan competed brilliantly in the finals, and well done to the following for winning their Plate events: Molly & Amelia, Olivia & Kyra, Toby,  Anvik, Basil & Aarushan and Aydin & Georgi.

There have also been LTA Team Tennis Cup fixtures galore, with the girls and boys U13 & U15 A and B players putting in some truly “ace” performances against Forest, St Paul’s Way Trust and Roding Valley.

On Saturday, 65 Ģ������Ƶians taking on New Hall in a mixed block fixture. Congratulations to the U12, U14 and U15 girls on their well contested 6-6 draws, and the U13 girls on their 7-2 win. The U12 and U13 boys teams both earned 6-3 wins with Oli D, Rory S, Ammar I and George making their debuts for the School. The U14 and U15 teams battled away against strong opposition but were edged out of overall wins.

On Monday 27^th April, the U13A mixed team travelled to Brentwood and the girls recorded a fine 8-4 victory at the same time as the U13B girls taking a 16-10 win over Colfe’s School.

Well done to everyone who took part!

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Community matters deeply to me. It brings people together, creates belonging, and, as they say, it takes a village to raise a child. Joining the Parents’ Association wasn’t a decision I had to think twice about.

I still smile remembering my first PA meeting, wide-eyed among senior school parents who welcomed me so warmly that before I knew it, I was leading events. When my daughter joined a few years later during Covid, we kept that momentum alive through virtual gatherings, because connection doesn’t pause for a pandemic.

Serving as an officer and Chair over the past six years has been an honour.

Juggling full-time work, parenting and everything else life throws at us (you know how it is) it has still brought me enormous joy.

Highlights I’m proudest of: launching the Spring Fayre as an annual fixture the prep children now look forward to; creating dedicated PA events for Prep 1, Removes and Lower Fourth, meaning almost every year group now has their moment; the parents cricket team having a win against the staff; the growth of our full members and deepening our collaboration with the school so the PA feels genuinely woven into school life – the Summer Festival being a beautiful example of that.

The impact has been tangible too. In the last three years alone, we’ve donated just under £60,000 – funding year group events, the prep playground redevelopment, the exercise suite at West Grove and new football goals. Every penny goes back to the students.

The calendar has never been busier, from the reinvigorated Ball and the beloved Fireworks and Camping nights, to supporting many of the year-group events. The PA has grown in strength year on year, and that’s down to our dedicated officers and full members, but equally to every parent, student and staff member who has shown up and supported our events.

As my tenure as Chair draws to a close in October 2026, I leave feeling genuinely excited about what comes next. If you’ve ever considered getting involved, please do. You will always be warmly welcomed.

Written by Sumeeta Dhir (Chair of the Ģ������Ƶ’s Parents’ Association)

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When as a child I slept and wept, time crept

When as a youth I laughed and talked, time walked

Then when the years saw me a man, time ran

But as I older grew, time flew

Soon, as I journey on, I’ll find time gone.

I have a bit of a thing about time: how I use it, how I sometimes waste it, how often I worry about not having enough of it, and how I make plans to use it more wisely. Sometimes those plans work; sometimes they don’t, and I find myself sidetracked or distracted.

The one thing that is true for every single person in this room is that time is passing at exactly the same rate for all of us — every day, every week, every year.

The poem I began with, by Henry Twells, was once read in an assembly by my headteacher, Mrs Smith, and its message stayed with me. That was a very long time ago, and yet I still remember it vividly. I can picture myself sitting in the school hall, just as you are now, listening as she recited it. As the years have passed, its meaning has spoken to me in ever deeper ways.

That leads me to a question: what is your earliest memory? How far back can you really remember?

One of my earliest memories is of being in my pushchair. I was probably three or four years old, kneeling and facing backwards for some reason. That is all I remember — where I was, who was pushing me, and why I was facing backwards have completely faded away.

From the word compassion comes the word passion, and I want you to think carefully about what you are passionate about in your own lives. Do you think passion comes from the head, from the heart, or from a mixture of both?

I suspect it is a combination of the two — though the scientists and psychologists among us might tell me I am wrong! It seems to me that the way we think, the way we feel, and the way we experience life can lead us to discovering something we care deeply about — something that helps us use our time more wisely.

If we imagine a lifetime of around 85 years, that equates to approximately:

· 31,046 days

· 2.68 billion seconds

If you sleep for around eight hours a night, that is roughly 28.4 years asleep, or 10,349 days. But sleep is not wasted time. It is central to how our memories are formed, organised, and preserved. Sleep allows the brain to curate memories — deciding what stays, what fades, and how memories connect with one another.

This is especially poignant when thinking about memory loss. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease are closely linked to disruptions in sleep, and poor sleep can both reflect and accelerate memory problems. Many of you know that I am supporting the this year, as Mr Whitbread’s mum has been diagnosed and is living with this devastating disease.

I hope this also makes you think about how you use your time — what you choose to do in the here and now — because none of us knows how much time we have, or what the future will hold. What we can do, however, is shape our futures by finding something we are passionate about.

That passion may lead to a career, or towards sport, the arts, academic study, reading — or something else entirely. To be truly passionate about something can enrich our lives, give us meaning, and, over time, bring a deep sense of fulfilment and contentment.

When I am away, alongside reading novels, I also read quite a few magazines. One column I particularly enjoy is written by Baroness Karren Brady. I find her inspirational, because although she is hugely successful, the ideas she writes about often apply just as much to ordinary people living ordinary lives.

is a sporting executive, politician, television personality, columnist, author and novelist. She was the former managing director of Birmingham City FC and is now vice-chair of West Ham United FC. She appears on The Apprentice as an aide to Lord Sugar and sits in the House of Lords. She has written several books and is often referred to as “the First Lady of Football”.

A recent article she wrote made me think again about time and how quickly it passes.

She asked what would the reader put on their list of passions, would it be: Money, possessions, health, happiness, success? These are not bad things to want or to aspire to. Karren Brady found things she was passionate about — but the more important question is: what will you find to be passionate about? How will you put your time to the best possible use?

Being passionate about something often leads us to give something of ourselves to others and to the world around us. Some of you may already know what that is; others may still be searching. When you find it, it may lead to big, visible achievements, or to small, quiet acts that seem insignificant to others — but that does not matter. What matters is that you do it with commitment and heart. Doing these things will take some of your time, but it will be time well spent.

If you remember only one thing from this assembly — just as I remembered that poem — let it be this: live each day fully, take the opportunities that come your way, and rest well too. Treasure values that help you live a good life and use the time you have with richness and intention, but without needing to show off.

The Japanese idea of captures this beautifully. Ikigai roughly translates as “a reason for being” — the quiet, sustaining joy that gives your days meaning. It does not have to be grand or public. It might be:

· a craft you practise for its own sake

· caring for family or community

· a daily ritual — making tea, walking the same route each morning

· continuing to grow, even in later life (something I fully intend to do from September onwards!)

At its heart, ikigai is about purpose without pressure, process over outcome, lifelong growth, and connection — to people, place, memory, and tradition.

And so, my time at Ģ������Ƶ’s is nearly done. It has been an honour and a privilege to work with the musicians here over the past eight years and two terms and with my departmental colleagues. Since deciding to retire, I have spent time reflecting on so many wonderful memories and opportunities — and on the many ways I have been able to share what I am passionate about.

Don’t worry, I won’t bore you with my life story today — I’m saving that for my colleagues at the end of term — but I hope I have shown my passion for music, for singing, for performance and for teaching. Please use your time wisely, embrace what you care about, and seize opportunities when they come, because I promise you: the older you get, the faster time seems to move.

Finally, I wish you all long, happy, healthy, successful — and above all — passionate lives.

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Together, they brought home an impressive total of 35 medals, including;

7 Gold, 20 Silver and 8 Bronze

In the weeks leading up to the competition, pupils dedicated their Thursday lunchtimes to preparation sessions with Mr Ceeraz, developing the skills needed to tackle the paper’s demanding multi-step problems.

As well as embracing the opportunity to explore physics in greater depth, they enjoyed the challenge of thinking beyond the usual syllabus and applying their knowledge in new and exciting ways.

Well done to everyone who participated.

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The competition invites young writers to create original historical fiction, bringing the past to life in the tradition of Walter Scott.

Their achievements reflect the creativity, talent and hard work they have shown, and offer an encouraging example to other pupils.

Read both entries:

Tasbih Walter Scott 2026

Meda Walter Scott 2026

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Competing across a series of demanding military stands for the Biennial Section Competition Shield and the Dan Clack Trophy, cadets rose to the occasion with real distinction. RSM Henry H led a parade that was, by every measure, executed superbly.

Liz left Ģ������Ƶ’s in 2004 before completing a Physics degree and joining the RAF. Since then, she has built an impressive career, flying Tristars and Voyagers, teaching at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham and working in the complex field of air transport logistics.

She spoke highly of the cadets and their engagement during the Review, and her speech at the prize-giving ceremony made a strong impression. Her return was a proud moment for Ģ������Ƶ’s and a fitting way to recognise the achievements of the cadets involved.

Cup winners:

Baker Cup for the best cadet in the RAF Section:  LCpl Ancoor S

Gray Cup for the best cadet in the Army Section: CSgt Tristan L

Greenwood Cup for Leadership: CSM Krishan A

Bromfield Cup for the Senior NCO in the Contingent: RSM Henry H

Biennial Shield and Dan Clack Trophy: Section 8, led by Tom W

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