Woodford County High School (London)
Woodford County High School (WCHS) is a secondary all-girls selective grammar school in Woodford Green in the London Borough of Redbridge, England. The school opened in 1919.
Woodford's brother school is Ilford County High School.
Like most grammar schools, Woodford County High School has seven Years (7–13). To gain a place in the lower school, children take the Eleven Plus exam via the local authority, the London Borough of Redbridge. Redbridge offer the top 120 girls from the 11+ exam results a place at Woodford County High School where, upon entry, girls are allocated to one of 4 individual 'forms' of 30 students each. Each of the four forms in every year group for Years 7-11 is part of a different school 'house'. These houses are Repton (blue), Warner (yellow), Highams (green) and Newton (red). There are many roles that students are encouraged to volunteer for within the day-to-day running of the school, including representation of peers on the 'school council' and becoming 'Silver Badges' (Y12/13 6th Formers with additional responsibilities). 6th Form (Y12/13) places at the school are highly sought after, and applications to attend 6th Form are open to those who have attended schools other than Woodford County High School in Years 7 to 11.
The school building was the site of the Highams Manor, built in 1768. The grounds of the school were designed by Humphry Repton, who gives his name to one of the school's houses.
The school has a long and colourful history, being a hospital, in which the likes of Florence Nightingale worked, as well as a means of accommodation for Winston Churchill during the World War II. It was also once owned as a house, owned by the Warner family, who also held ownership of many properties in Walthamstow.
Higham Hall, the Main Lobby (which is now the office) and the winding staircase were designed by William Newton.
The school history is learnt by students in year 7 for the first half-term of the academic year.
Read more about Woodford County High School (London): The School Birthday, House Events, Notable Former Pupils, School Song
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