History of Eastcourt

The school was founded by the Misses Q.M. and C.E. Knight in 1896.  It was then known as The London College, the tuition concentrating on “reading, writing and arithmetic”, with the Classics providing the curriculum’s diversity.

The school’s aim was to educate future ladies and gentlemen for Victorian society by preparing them for the country’s leading educational establishments.

Indeed, the colours of the school uniform – dark blue, light blue, red – alluded to Oxford, Cambridge and London Universities respectively.

In 1945, Mrs A.B.Allen became headteacher on the death of one of the founding sisters, Mrs Q.M.Court (née Knight).

It was in her honour, together with the school’s Eastwood Road location, that the school’s present name was derived. Mr and Mrs F.H.Dunmore became Principals in 1949 until 1962, when Mr and Mrs E.Heath succeeded them as Headteachers.

As postwar society changed, the school’s aim remained – to prepare pupils for Grammar or Public School entry. The present owner, Christine Redgrave B.Sc. (Hons), Dip.Ed., M.Ed., became Headmistress in 1986. During the past century, the school, which is still on the same site, has undergone extensive expansion and modernisation.

The Goodmayes/Seven Kings locality may well have changed from the leafy garden suburb of 1896 to the vibrant urban sprawl of today, but the school’s intention remains the same, to realise the full potential of every one of its pupils.

The Redgrave’s Eastcourt Journey

We are delighted to lead Eastcourt Independent School and constantly seek ways to build on its reputation.

Thinking back to what attracted me (Mrs Redgrave) to join this school, it was the warmth of the parents who, not knowing I might one day head the school, helped me be in the right place at the right time on my first visit – a school concert and prizegiving.

From that moment, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I hope that families visiting us for the first time experience that same welcome from staff, parents and children.

Mrs Redgrave
Proprietor 

My journey with Eastcourt School is very different from that of my mother’s, as we lived in the school in what is now one of the classrooms and as a child, I crawled into pupils’ lessons and sat on a teacher’s lap while they taught. (How times have changed.)

My early education started at Eastcourt, and as an adult, I chose my career path and became a teacher.

Now, having worked in Early Years for over a decade and having been Deputy Headteacher for many years, I am looking forward to the challenges of being Headteacher of a school that has been such a big part of my life personally.

We hope to meet you and your family soon.

Miss Redgrave
Headteacher

Our Staff

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is a valued part of our school community, made up of independent people who work together to help guide and support the school’s vision and development. The group provides insight, feedback, and advice on a range of areas, ensuring that decisions reflect a broad and balanced perspective. By sharing their experiences and expertise, members of the Advisory Board play an important role in helping the school continue to grow, improve, and provide the very best for all pupils.

Friends of Eastcourt

The Friends of Eastcourt is a welcoming school community group made up of parents, carers, staff and friends who come together to support and enrich the school life. The group plays an active role in helping to organise and run a variety of events throughout the year, from fundraisers and celebrations to activities that bring families, staff and pupils together. By volunteering time, sharing ideas or simply lending a helping hand, members of the Friends of Eastcourt help create a strong sense of community while making a positive difference to the school experience for all the children.

The School Day

The times of the school day are as follows:

All year groups start that day at 8:45am. The main school gate is open for pupils to arrive from 8:30am. Children wait in the playground and must be in class by 8:45am for registration.

Morning play times take place between 10am and 11am.

Reception, Year 1 and 2 children are collected from their designated collection points promptly at 3:20pm.

Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 are collected from their designated collection points promptly at 3:30pm. Year 6 children who have written permission from parents may walk home from school alone.

Extended School Care

We are pleased to offer extended school care to provide families with the flexibility and support they need beyond regular school hours. This service ensures that children are cared for in a safe, engaging and nurturing environment, giving parents peace of mind as they balance work and family commitments.

Breakfast Club

The aim is to provide a calm, welcoming and relaxing environment for children in preparation for the busy day ahead.
Breakfast club runs each day from 7.30am till 8.45am. A healthy and nutritious breakfast is served for the first 30 minutes. Children can then choose from a selection of quiet games and activities before packing away, and the gate will open for all other children at 8.30am. The Breakfast Club children will be allowed into the playground from 8.30am once a teacher is on duty.

Click here to apply for Breakfast Club.

After School Club

After school clubs runs from 3.30pm till 6pm every day. Children are offered a healthy snack – fruit, sandwiches, crumpets etc. They are given time to tackle their homework and take part in a variety of activities.

Click here to apply for After School Club.

School Uniform

Summer uniform is to be worn during the Summer Term.

Winter uniform is to be worn during the Autumn and Spring Terms.

Please note blazers are part of the school uniform all year round.

Our uniform is available from The Direct Clothing Company link below:

https://directclothing.co.uk/collections/eastcourt-independent-school

• All clothing must be clearly marked with pupil’s name.
• Long hair to be tied back with school navy accessories. Navy Alice bands are permitted. Short hair must be neat.
• For health and safety reasons no jewellery is permitted. However religious symbols may be worn discreetly but must be covered up with wrist bands or removed during physical education, gymnastics and dance classes. Earrings are not to be worn.
• Analogue watches may be worn. No smart watches.

Eastcourt Independent School Approved Styles
2025 – 2026
Girls

We understand that all Clarks shoes do not contain pig skin.

All shoes must be plain black leather from the selection below – not patent.

Eastcourt Independent School Approved Styles
2025 – 2026
Boys

We understand that all Clarks shoes do not contain pig skin.

All shoes must be plain black leather from the selection below – not patent.

School Houses

School Fees

At Eastcourt, increases in fees have always been kept to the minimum, but still allow us to provide the standard of education we aspire to.

It is our intention that moving forward, we continue to do this, so we can provide an independent education for as many families as possible who want it at
a price they can afford.

We are continuing to do all we can to minimise the impact for our parents.

For this reason, our fees will not increase in September.

The fees will remain as listed below:

• Autumn Term: £2,815 + VAT @ 20% £563 = £3,378
• Spring Term: £2,815 + VAT @ 20% £563 = £3,378
• Summer Term: £2,815 + VAT @ 20% £563 = £3,378

There will be three ways to pay the fees. Please see details below.

Method 1
You can transfer the term’s fees (£3378) into the school account by 3.30pm on the first Friday of each term.

Bank: Barclays
Sort Code: 20-44-22
Acc Number: 30831158
Acc Name: E.I.S Payments
Reference: Fees Child’s name + Class

Method 2
You can pay by standing order in 10 monthly instalments (£1016.40) on or before the 5th day of
each month from September to June.

Method 3
If you wish to pay by cash, please speak to us directly. The same deadlines for payment will apply.

We realise it is a difficult time for many people financially at present.

If you need to discuss a payment plan spread over 12 months, please arrange a meeting with us.

Click here for further information.