A brief history of the Oak-Tree Group of Schools

The Oak-Tree Group is made up of four privately-owned independent schools in the Epping Forest area, all owned and managed by the Hagger Family. Each school has its own individual character, offering an excellent standard of education in happy, secure and family-orientated environments.

The Hagger Family took over Oaklands in Loughton in 1982 and have recently celebrated its 75th Anniversary after its founding in 1937. Located on a large site with extensive grounds, the Haggers are only the second set of owners and the third generation of the Hagger family are currently pupils at the school.

Originally a large country house, Coopersale Hall in Epping was purchased by the Hagger Family in 1988 and welcomed its first children as a school in 1989 following much transformation. Its beautiful grounds have been extensively remodelled over the years with facilities including a large all-weather pitch, sports field, and music studio.

Normanhurst in North Chingford joined the Group in 1996 and has become one of the most respected ‘all-through’ schools in the area for girls and boys from 2½ to 16. The school has an excellent track record preparing children for their GCSEs and life beyond, and the majority of pupils go on to leading VI Form schools and colleges.

Braeside in Buckhurst Hill is the group’s most recent acquisition, joining in September 2015. Founded in 1944, Braeside caters for girls and boys from 2½ to 16 and has a strong reputation locally for outstanding education and excellent pastoral care.