Chigwell School

Chigwell School, located in a picturesque village setting, offers a well-rounded education that balances academic rigour with a broad range of extra-curricular activities. The school has a strong intake from its junior school, with more than half of the year 7 cohort progressing from there, while the rest come from a variety of local preparatory and primary schools. The competition for places is fierce, with around 400 applicants vying for approximately 50 spots. The selection process includes interviews for both pupils and parents, as well as tests in English and Maths.

At the age of 13, a small number of vacancies are available, assessed through tests in English, Maths, and a modern foreign language. For those entering the sixth form, the school requires high academic standards, with entrants needing 8s in the subjects they wish to study at A level, although 7s may be considered upon discussion.

The school boasts impressive exit statistics, with up to 10% of students leaving post-GCSEs. The vast majority of sixth formers proceed to university or specialist colleges, with popular destinations including Warwick, Nottingham, and Birmingham. In 2023, three students secured places at Oxbridge, and three pursued medical degrees. The school also sees a growing interest in European universities, with recent leavers studying at prestigious institutions such as Sciences Po in Paris and universities in Spain, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong.

The latest academic results are commendable, with 72% of GCSE grades at 9-7 and 50% of A level grades at A*/A in 2023. The teaching staff are described as skilful, collegiate, and caring, contributing significantly to the school’s excellent academic outcomes. The school encourages independent learning, although it provides robust support to help students become self-reliant.

Class sizes are kept small, with a maximum of 22 pupils per class in year 7, sometimes reducing to just a few by A level. The curriculum is broad, with Latin and French introduced from year 7, and German and Spanish also offered. By year 9, students continue with French and one other language, with at least one language taken to GCSE. The school also offers Greek alongside Latin and Mandarin as an extracurricular activity.

All students take 10 or more GCSEs, including triple science, and the school has recently added Computing at GCSE and Psychology at A level. The school is known for its strong performance in subjects such as Economics, Maths, Sciences, Geography, and English. Drama and Design Technology are also popular, reinforcing the school’s reputation for nurturing all-rounders. Independent research is encouraged at all levels, with projects like the EPQ and HPQ, and a pilot programme for younger students to explore topics of interest.

The arts and extra-curricular activities are a significant part of school life. The drama centre, although some feel it could use a refresh, is a professional space that hosts popular drama GCSE and A level courses. The music department is described as almost conservatoire-like, with numerous music groups catering for various tastes. The chapel choir performs at prestigious venues, and the school encourages all students to participate in music.

The school offers a wide range of sports, with facilities including 100 acres of playing fields, AstroTurf, 3G pitches, and tennis courts. The new sport and wellness centre features an indoor swimming pool, sports hall, gym, climbing wall, studios, and café. While some parents feel girls’ sports could receive more attention, the school reports that senior girls’ teams are growing.

Boarding is available for sixth formers, with four boarding houses providing a homely environment. The majority of boarders are from central and eastern Europe and China, and the school fosters a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

The school’s ethos and heritage are deeply rooted, with a history dating back to 1629. The original red-brick schoolhouse remains a central feature, surrounded by well-maintained buildings and extensive playing fields. The school prides itself on its family feel and ability to develop confident, well-rounded individuals.

Pastoral care is highly praised, with a seamless transition from junior to senior school and a strong focus on wellbeing. The school addresses mental health issues openly and provides structured but light-touch discipline. Diversity and inclusivity are evident, with active groups supporting various causes.

Parents and pupils appreciate the school’s commitment to a broad intake, with a significant number of students on means-tested bursaries. The school fosters a sense of equality and community, with social events and a supportive parent association.

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