Our story began in 1894, when the preparatory department of St. Ignatius College was established in Stamford Hill, London. It was here that the values that continue to shape Loyola today — faith, discipline, scholarship, and service — first took root.

In 1944, the preparatory department took a significant step forward, becoming an independent school in its own right: Loyola Preparatory School. Just six years later, in 1950, Loyola moved to its current location in Buckhurst Hill, settling into the beautiful site once occupied by Braeside School. From that day on, Loyola Prep became a cherished part of the local community — a place where generations of boys have been nurtured, challenged, and inspired.

For 75 years, our Buckhurst Hill home has echoed with the sounds of learning, laughter, and lifelong friendship. It has seen countless pupils walk through its gates as young boys and leave as confident, compassionate young men, ready to make their mark on the world. And although the building has changed very much over the 75 years, with the addition of a large new hall, extra classrooms, dedicated science and art rooms, an ICT suite, after-school club spaces, an astro-turf pitch, and even a pirate ship, the spirit of Loyola has remained constant: a community rooted in faith, learning, and care.

Over the decades, Loyola has continued to grow while remaining true to its Jesuit heritage and founding principles. In 1962, the school became a feeder for both St. Ignatius College and the newly founded Campion School in Hornchurch, strengthening its ties to two of Essex and London’s most respected Catholic institutions. Then, in 2001, the school entered a new chapter when its trusteeship was transferred to the Diocese of Brentwood, ensuring its continued mission and Catholic identity for future generations.

Today, Loyola stands as a testament to stability, tradition, and excellence. We are immensely proud of our past — and equally committed to our future. As we celebrate 75 years in Buckhurst Hill, we do so with gratitude for the generations of pupils, families, and staff who have built our community, and with confidence in our continued role as a trusted, forward-looking preparatory school.

At Loyola Preparatory School, we don’t just prepare boys for their next school — we prepare them for life. Our history proves that we are here to stay: deeply rooted, proudly independent, and dedicated to nurturing the minds and spirits of our pupils for generations to come.