Snaresbrook Preparatory School, located at the heart of London, is a distinguished co-educational primary institution catering for children aged four to eleven. With a Church of England/Interdenominational affiliation, it provides a nurturing environment that embraces all faiths. The school has been operating from a charming Victorian villa, which retains its historical charm while accommodating modern educational needs.
Under the leadership of Ralph Dalton since 2018, the school has continued to thrive. Dalton’s background in law and education, coupled with his experience in pastoral care and secondary school applications, has equipped him well for his role. His focus on individual attention ensures that each child receives the support they need to excel both academically and personally.
The school’s academic strength is evident in its curriculum, which largely follows the national framework but is delivered in an accelerated and enriched manner. Specialist teachers in Languages and IT supplement the core teaching staff, providing a comprehensive education that includes French from nursery and Latin from Year 3. The objective is to complete the primary curriculum by the end of Year 5, allowing Year 6 to offer a broader educational experience.
Snaresbrook’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its impressive 11+ results. In 2017, the school achieved its best-ever set of results, with pupils gaining entry into top independent and grammar schools such as City of London Boys & Girls Schools, Forest, Chigwell, and Bancroft’s. Eighteen scholarships were awarded to nineteen Year 6 pupils, highlighting the school’s ability to prepare students for future success.
The school’s pastoral care is a core strength, fostering a family atmosphere where pupils feel supported and valued. This environment encourages self-esteem and personal growth, ensuring that children are well-prepared for their next educational steps. The small class sizes, particularly in higher years, allow for focused attention on each pupil’s progress.
Extracurricular activities are abundant, with a strong emphasis on Music and Drama. Pupils have opportunities to participate in school orchestras, choirs, and drama performances. Sports are also well-represented, with facilities for netball, football, tag rugby, hockey, athletics, and swimming. A professional football coach from Chelsea visits weekly to enhance the sports programme.
The school’s community spirit is bolstered by an active PTA that organises events such as summer fêtes and sleepovers to raise funds for charity. The house system promotes values like respect, excellence, sharing, perseverance, enjoyment, confidence, thoughtfulness, friendship, unity, and learning. House points are awarded for embodying these values, fostering healthy competition among pupils.
Parental feedback through successive questionnaires indicates high satisfaction with the school’s leadership and management. Recent innovations in Music, Drama, Languages, and ICT have been well-received by parents who appreciate the focus on preparing children for life beyond exams.
The entrance process is not academically selective but seeks families who align with the school’s values. Oversubscription means some hopefuls are placed on waiting lists until vacancies arise. Class sizes are largest in early years but reduce naturally as some pupils leave at ages seven or eight.
Upon exit at age eleven, most pupils transition to local independent schools like Bancroft’s, Forest, and Chigwell or commutable grammar schools such as Ilford and Woodford County High. The Head encourages parents to consider various options for their children’s secondary education from Year 4 onwards.
The dining experience at Snaresbrook features a basement hall where pupils eat in relays. While menus rotate regularly with vegetarian options available, feedback suggests room for improvement in meal quality. However, efforts have been made to enhance food offerings this year.
Families at Snaresbrook come from diverse ethnic backgrounds with many being first-time buyers seeking an academic education within a structured yet caring environment. The school successfully meets these expectations by producing articulate young individuals ready for future educational success.
In conclusion, Snaresbrook Preparatory School offers a robust educational foundation supported by excellent pastoral care and a vibrant community spirit. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
