Chigwell School Review 2026: Four Centuries of Academic Distinction and Inclusive Excellence

When Samuel Harsnett, Archbishop of York, established Chigwell School in 1629 with just sixteen poor scholars in a single schoolhouse, few could have imagined the 100-acre educational powerhouse that would emerge nearly four centuries later. Today, from that Georgian foundation, Chigwell has evolved into a thriving co-educational independent day and boarding school where over 1,100 students aged 4 to 18 thrive in what is unmistakably one of Essex's most accomplished academic communities. The school ranks 128th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 3%, while its A-level performance positions it 138th (FindMySchool data), equally impressive for a school that refuses to sacrifice breadth for narrowness. What distinguishes Chigwell is not merely the exam results, but the palpable sense that academic ambition coexists with genuine pastoral warmth, competitive sport with inclusive participation, and historic tradition with forward-thinking innovation. The recent ISI inspection awarded the school Excellent ratings for both pupils' academic and personal development, cementing its reputation as a leading educational institution. Recently named Independent School of the Year 2025 for East Anglia by The Sunday Times, Chigwell demonstrates that serious academic achievement and genuine student wellbeing can flourish simultaneously.

The campus speaks to its heritage. The oldest buildings, dating from 1629, sit alongside the Victorian structures that characterise many English independent schools. Most striking, perhaps, is the visual jumble of eras: red-brick Edwardian blocks stand beside modern glass-fronted science facilities; the historic Swallow Library occupies what was once the school's original "Big School" building, its vaulted ceilings a reminder of centuries of scholarship; nearby, the Risham Sarao Sixth Form Centre, opened in 2016, provides contemporary spaces designed explicitly for the needs of older students.

Head Damian King, appointed in September 2022, arrived from Dulwich College where he was deputy head academic. His background is science (physics teacher at Eton, head of science at Brighton College), which shapes his understanding of rigorous academic practice. Under his leadership, the school completed its largest capital project: the Sport and Wellness Centre, opened in 2023, housing a 25-metre competition pool, five-court multipurpose sports hall, gymnasium, climbing wall, individual studios, and a café. This physical investment reflects something deeper: the school's commitment to building infrastructure that allows ambition to flourish across multiple domains.

The atmosphere is one of purposeful activity. Students move between lessons with clear direction. The house system creates belonging; there are four houses with distinct identities, and house competitions throughout the year foster a sense of loyalty that extends beyond academic performance. The Chapel, dedicated in 1924 as a memorial to 78 Old Boys who fell in the First World War, remains the spiritual and ceremonial heart of the school, though it serves a diverse community across multiple faiths and philosophies. Pupils describe a genuine sense of community rather than relentless competition, which speaks to the school's foundational commitment to pastoral care alongside academic excellence.

GCSE Performance

Chigwell's GCSE results reflect consistent, top-tier achievement. In 2024, 77% of all grades awarded were 9-7 (A*-A), a figure that speaks to the school's academic rigour. Attainment extends across all subject disciplines. The English and Mathematics departments maintain particularly strong records. Sciences are taught separately, and physics, chemistry and biology results consistently exceed national benchmarks. Modern languages (French, Spanish, German, Mandarin) see strong uptake, reflecting the school's international mindset. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) are offered, allowing ambitious students to develop independent research skills beyond the core curriculum. This breadth is deliberate: the school refuses to narrow the curriculum to league table metrics.

The school ranks 128th in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it among the top 3% of all secondary schools. Within Essex, Chigwell is the top-performing independent secondary. This ranking reflects not just raw results but also consistency across year groups and the school's ability to support pupils of varying starting points.

A-Level Performance

A-level results tell a similar story of excellence. In 2024, 85% of grades achieved were A*-B, with 23% at A* alone. The school ranks 138th in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the top 5%. Thirty A-level subjects are offered, providing genuine choice: students can pursue Classical Greek or Russian alongside the traditional triumvirate of English, Maths and Sciences. The Extended Project Qualification continues at sixth form level, and many students undertake independent research projects of genuine sophistication.

The curriculum balances traditional academic rigour with contemporary pedagogical practice. Teachers have strong subject knowledge and deliver lessons structured around clear learning objectives. The pace accelerates significantly at GCSE and A-level; this is not a school for reluctant learners. The school emphasises mastery: rather than coverage of enormous swaths of content, there is deliberate focus on depth and understanding. In mathematics, this translates to structured problem-solving; in sciences, students conduct experiments using equipment that rivals university laboratory standards.

Enrichment is embedded throughout. The Dissection Club allows younger pupils to explore anatomy beyond the confines of the curriculum. The Astronomy Club operates a telescope facility. The Rock Soc investigates geology through field trips. The Mythos Club explores ancient Greek language and mythology, drawing links between Classical texts and contemporary culture. These are not bolt-on activities but genuine extensions of classroom learning. The school's academic scholars programme, open to high-achieving pupils across subjects, meets weekly for extension seminars that push intellectual boundaries.

The recently appointed Director of Music, Howard Ebden, has expanded the co-curricular enrichment programme significantly. Over thirty distinct musical groups now flourish at the school. Subject specialists across departments (Art, Languages, Physical Education, Drama) ensure high-quality instruction. Teaching is traditional in structure but contemporary in approach; pupils use digital platforms for research and collaboration whilst maintaining strong foundations in handwriting, essay construction, and formal academic communication.

University Destinations

Chigwell sends strong cohorts to leading universities. In 2024, 75% of leavers from the sixth form progressed to university. The remaining pupils entered apprenticeships (4%) or direct employment (6%), reflecting the school's broader understanding that university is the appropriate path for most but not all students.

University destinations favour the Russell Group and research-intensive institutions. Past cohorts have secured places at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, UCL, Edinburgh, Durham, Bristol, Warwick, and the London School of Economics. In 2024, four students secured Oxbridge places (1 Cambridge, 3 Oxford), reflecting the school's consistent pipeline to the most selective universities. The recent ISI report noted that pupils receive excellent guidance on university pathways, and the new Sixth Form Centre houses a dedicated Careers and University Advice Centre to support applications. Sixth form students benefit from visits from university representatives and attendance at higher education fairs. The school partners with the University of Essex for some enrichment programmes and maintains strong relationships with tutors across the university sector.

Music: A Defining Strength

Music at Chigwell enjoys an enviable position. The Walde Music School, built in the 20th century, houses rehearsal spaces, recording facilities, and individual practice rooms. Over thirty musical groups flourish: the Chapel Choir, a prestigious ensemble that performs at major concerts throughout the year; the Junior Rock Band and Senior Rock Band, which showcase contemporary music; the Big Band, which performs swing standards and jazz arrangements; the Senior Pop Choir; the Symphonic Wind Band; chamber ensembles including the Beethoven String Quartet, Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, Trombone Quartet, and Flute Group; the Junior Cello Group and Senior Cello Group; the Musici Chamber Orchestra and Intermediate Orchestra. Musical scholarships are awarded at 11+, 13+ and on entry to sixth form, recognising that musical talent enriches the broader school community. Many pupils learn instruments: the school maintains a roster of visiting music teachers covering every instrument from flute to tuba. The annual House Music competition is a highlight of the school calendar, with each house preparing an ensemble piece that showcases the breadth of musical ability. Recent concert tours have included performances at Cadogan Hall in London, reflecting the seriousness with which the school approaches musical education.

Drama and Performing Arts

The Drama Centre, completed in the 1990s and designed by architects Aedas, stands as one of the school's architectural achievements. It contains a 150-seat performance studio with professional lighting, sound and A/V facilities, accommodating everything from intimate studio productions to full-scale school musicals. A drama classroom, foyer, and performance support areas provide spaces for technical rehearsal and creative development. The impact is visible: student productions showcase genuine theatrical competence. Recent productions have included Shakespeare classics and contemporary pieces, with casts of 40+ pupils and orchestral accompaniment. The school offers A-level Drama, and many sixth-form drama scholars go on to drama schools or arts degrees. The theatre curriculum is broad: pupils learn not just performance but technical design, stage management, and theatre history. A-level Drama scholars receive guidance from teachers with professional theatre backgrounds, ensuring that what is taught reflects authentic contemporary practice.

Sports: Inclusive and Competitive

Sport is deeply embedded in Chigwell's identity. The 100 acres of grounds provide abundant space: multiple grass pitches, an all-weather floodlit 3G pitch, floodlit astroturf courts, six newly constructed netball and tennis courts, and cricket nets. The Sport and Wellness Centre adds an indoor sports hall, gymnasium, climbing wall, and 25-metre swimming pool. Football and rugby dominate in autumn term; hockey and cricket follow. Tennis, netball, athletics, and cross-country provide additional routes to competition. The school emphasises Saturday sport as an inclusive activity: there are typically five football teams per year group, meaning that players of varying abilities can represent the school competitively. This principle extends across sports. Basketball, badminton, table tennis, yoga, body balance, and strength and conditioning classes provide alternatives for those seeking different physical challenges. The climbing wall allows pupils to develop technical climbing skills. Recreational swimming is offered alongside competitive swimming squads. Cross-country running, a particular strength, attracts significant participation.

Academic Enrichment and STEM

The Bronze Crest STEM Project engages younger pupils in applied science and technology. The Greenpower Club races electric vehicles, applying physics, engineering, and design principles in competition against other schools. The Python Club introduces coding and computational thinking. The Maths Olympiad Training programme prepares candidates for the UK Senior and Junior Mathematical Olympiad competitions. The Attenborough Society, named after the naturalist, explores biodiversity and environmental science. The BioMedical Society caters to aspiring medics and scientists. The Dissection Club, mentioned above, allows pupils to dissect preserved specimens and explore comparative anatomy. The Robotics Society builds and programs robots, participating in competitions and showcasing projects. The Graphic Novel Club and 3D Pen Club cater to pupils interested in visual creativity and design. Academic enrichment is not confined to STEM: the Poetry Society, Senior Debating Club, Literary Society, Year 8 & 9 Literary Society, and Reading Companions programme promote engagement with English language and literature. The Williams Project and various subject-specific competitions (Art D Shepherd, ARTiculation Prize, French Public Speaking) recognise excellence in humanities and creative disciplines.

Pupil-Led Societies and Leadership

Many societies are pupil-led, reflecting the school's commitment to student agency. The Sustainability Ambassadors work with staff advisor Emma Thorogood on environmental initiatives; the school is supported by Arup, a global consultancy firm, in developing a comprehensive sustainability strategy. The Equality Ambassadors, Jewish Society, Islamic Society, Christian Union, and LGBTQ+ Society provide spaces for identity exploration and religious or cultural expression. The Feminist Society, Philosophy and Ethics Society, and Criminology Society foster critical thinking on contemporary issues. The Journalism Society produces school publications. The Japanese Cinema Club and Mandarin Club reflect the school's international outlook. Competition and intellectual engagement are encouraged: the Chigwell Biologist society, for instance, brings together biology enthusiasts for seminars and field trips.

Entry points exist at 4+ (Pre-Prep), 7+ (Prep), 11+ (Senior), 13+ (Senior), and 16+ (Sixth Form).

11+ Entry

The 11+ entrance examination utilises the school's own internal assessment format. Candidates sit English and Mathematics papers, followed by interviews for successful candidates. The school uses the Quest 11+ test, which assesses reasoning and thinking skills rather than curriculum knowledge alone, reducing the advantage of intensive tutoring. Approximately 1,000 pupils apply for 150 places annually, making entry highly competitive. Registration closes in November in Year 6; examinations are held in January; offers are released in February. The last distance offered varies annually but reflects the school's position as oversubscribed.

The school offers a range of scholarships at 11+ entry: Academic Scholarships recognise intellectual excellence; Music Scholarships are available for talented musicians with auditions; Sports Scholarships reward athletic potential; Art Scholarships are awarded to those demonstrating visual creativity. All scholarships carry a proportion of fee reduction (typically 5-25%) and are awarded irrespective of financial need, though they can be combined with bursaries for families requiring financial support. The school's commitment to identifying and nurturing talent across multiple domains is exemplified through this scholarship structure.

Financial Access

Bursaries are available at all entry points: 11+, 13+, and 16+. These are means-tested awards covering up to 100% of tuition fees, depending on family circumstances. The school has operated a bursary scheme since its foundation in 1629, with the founder's original intention of supporting able pupils whose families lacked financial means remaining central to current policy. Initial income assessments are completed by families; successful candidates undergo final assessment through Bursary Assessment Associates (BAA), an independent partner. The school emphasises that bursary applications do not affect academic assessment outcomes; all applicants sit entrance examinations.

Fees for 2025-26 are £9,780 per term for Years 7-13 (day places), equivalent to approximately £29,340 annually. Full boarding fees are £17,154 per term, or approximately £51,462 annually. Registration costs £180 (non-refundable); an acceptance deposit of £1,680 is required upon offer. Fees are inclusive of tuition, lunches, afternoon tea, textbooks, games, most clubs and societies, and educational visits (though not residential trips). Additional costs include examination fees, school bus fees via Zeelo, breakfast club, after-school club, and individual music lessons (delivered by visiting self-employed teachers).

Pastoral structures at Chigwell are comprehensive. The house system provides vertical mentoring: older pupils guide younger ones. Each pupil is assigned a tutor within their house; tutors meet regularly with their tutees to discuss academic progress and wellbeing. The school employs a dedicated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) who works closely with families to identify and support pupils with specific learning needs. Around 15% of pupils are recorded on the SEN register, most commonly for dyslexia; screening is used and support is tailored. The Health and Wellbeing Centre provides on-site care for physical and mental health needs. Counselling services are available to pupils experiencing emotional difficulties.

The school takes safeguarding seriously. Induction programmes ensure all staff understand their responsibilities. Pastoral updates are shared regularly with parents. The ISI report noted that pastoral care is excellent, with inspectors particularly praising the school's inclusive approach to supporting pupils with varying needs.

Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently reinforced. Mobile phones are collected at the start of the school day (except for sixth-formers, who can use phones within the sixth form centre). The behaviour policy emphasises restorative approaches: where possible, pupils who breach school rules are encouraged to reflect on their actions and make amends rather than face purely punitive consequences. The atmosphere is generally calm and purposeful, with incidents of serious misbehaviour rare.

School hours run from 8:50am to 3:20pm for main school pupils. The school operates a breakfast club from 7:45am for early arrivals and an after-school care provision until 6pm for younger pupils. The Zeelo bus service operates across Essex, making the school accessible to families beyond immediate walking distance of Chigwell village. The school occupies a leafy location within view of Epping Forest and within 30 minutes of central London via the Central Line Tube. Parking is available for parents dropping off or picking up pupils; working parents can book working day tours by appointment.

Selective entry. The school operates academic selectivity at 11+ and 13+ entry. Places are competitive, and entrance examinations require candidates to demonstrate strong reasoning and literacy skills. The school provides entrance assessments to all applicants regardless of bursary status, but families should recognise that approximately 85% of applicants will not gain a place.

House system matters. Success at Chigwell involves more than academic achievement. The house system is central to school life, and pupils are expected to engage actively. Introverted pupils may find the constant emphasis on house competition and participation tiring, though the school's pastoral care structures typically provide supportive environments for quieter students.

Academic pace is rigorous. Once admitted, the curriculum moves at considerable speed. There is no remedial pathway; all pupils are expected to keep pace with peer-group expectations. Pupils who struggled at primary or who have learning differences that require significant scaffolding may find the demands challenging. However, the Learning Support Department is experienced and can provide additional support where appropriate.

Boarding is sixth-form only. Whilst the school offers boarding places, these are confined to sixth-formers. Younger pupils cannot board, which limits access for families outside commuting distance unless they relocate.

Chigwell delivers something increasingly rare: genuine academic excellence alongside inclusive pastoral care and broad extracurricular opportunity. The school ranks in the top 3% for GCSE results in England (FindMySchool data), yet it does not achieve this through narrowness. With over thirty musical groups, a purpose-built drama centre, extensive sports provision across a 100-acre campus, and dozens of academic and pupil-led societies, Chigwell demonstrates that intellectual rigour and human flourishing can coexist. The ISI inspection confirmed this: pupils are happy, engaged, and making excellent progress. The recent Sunday Times recognition reflects this balanced excellence.

Chigwell is best suited to academically able pupils who are ready for intellectual challenge and who value broad opportunity beyond the classroom. Families seeking a school where ambition is nurtured but not at the expense of wellbeing will find it here. The main barrier to entry is competition for places rather than any flaw in provision once admitted. For those fortunate enough to gain a place, Chigwell offers genuine educational distinction grounded in four centuries of accumulated expertise and current institutional thoughtfulness.