Crowthorne Church of England Primary School Review 2026: Elite Primary Where Every Child Thrives

In a village shaped by Wellington College since 1859, Crowthorne Church of England Primary School stands as a beacon of genuine academic excellence wrapped in Christian values. When you step into this primary school, you encounter something increasingly rare: a place where 97% of children master reading, writing, and mathematics by Year 6, not through pressure or narrow teaching, but through clarity, confidence, and relationships. The school ranks 257th in England overall (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the elite tier — the top 2% of all primary schools nationally. What distinguishes Crowthorne is not merely the numbers but how it achieves them: through a curriculum that stretches every child while protecting childhood joy. Led by Mrs Emily Hicks, the school serves a tight-knit community of 208 pupils in a voluntary controlled Church of England setting, where daily worship flows naturally from the school's values rather than feeling imposed.

Walking the corridors of this purposeful primary, you sense immediately that relationships matter here. The school is built on five explicit values: Respect, Honesty, Compassion, Resilience, and Collaboration. These are not posters on walls but the language staff and pupils use daily. The most recent Ofsted inspection in February 2025 rated the school Outstanding across all four key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Inspectors found that pupils develop deep insights into their learning and demonstrate genuine pride in their school community.

Mrs Hicks leads with clarity about purpose. Her vision is simple: to inspire and encourage the school community to live life to the full. This translates into teaching that feels neither hurried nor casual. Year 6 pupils describe learning with real depth; a Year 5 child notes that lessons challenge them to think, not merely to answer. The school actively cultivates a culture of continuous learning, where mistakes are treated as opportunities. Teachers have expert subject knowledge across reading, mathematics, science, history, and the humanities, with additional strengths in French language teaching from Year 1 onwards.

The Church of England character is genuine and pervasive. Daily collective worship forms the rhythm of school life, and the school maintains close links with Saint John the Baptist church in the village. Services invite families, and pupils understand that their learning sits within a framework of Christian values. For families uncomfortable with formal daily worship, this is worth noting; for those seeking a school where faith provides genuine moral compass rather than mere decoration, this appeals deeply.

KS2 Performance and Progress

Crowthorne's results sit dramatically above England averages across every measure. In 2024 KS2 assessments, 97% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to 62% nationally — a gap of 35%age points well above England average. In reading specifically, 100% of pupils reached expected standard (England average: 75%), with a scaled score of 111 (England average: 100). In mathematics, 93% met expected standard with a scaled score of 110 (England average: 101). Grammar, punctuation, and spelling performance reached 93% at expected standard, with 60% achieving the higher standard (England average: 20%).

What distinguishes Crowthorne is the breadth of high achievement. At the higher standard — pupils achieving scaled scores of 110+ in reading and maths and assessed as working at greater depth in writing — 52% of pupils reached this benchmark, compared to just 8% nationally. This means the school is not merely lifting lower attainers; it is stretching able pupils to genuine depth.

The school ranks 257th in England for KS2 results (FindMySchool ranking), and first among Crowthorne's primary schools locally. This elite positioning reflects sustained excellence; the 2014 Ofsted inspection also rated the school Outstanding, and four years of consistent high attainment suggests this is embedded practice rather than a single strong cohort.

The curriculum is built on clear structures and high expectations. Teachers employ the national curriculum with confidence, but enrich it significantly. French instruction begins in Year 1 with a specialist teacher, giving pupils several years of linguistic exposure before secondary entry. Setting in mathematics begins in Year 4, allowing differentiated pacing while maintaining whole-class teaching of key concepts. Reading receives particular emphasis; the school uses phonics systematically in Early Years and Year 1, then moves to guided reading groups where pupils engage with challenging texts matched to their level.

The school's approach to progress is evidence-based. Teachers assess continuously, using observations and formative assessment to track learning. The curriculum is designed to give every child — including those with SEND support — access to ambitious learning. Teaching assistants provide focused support, particularly for pupils with additional needs, ensuring they progress within the mainstream classroom where possible.

The latest inspection noted that pupils' attainment is significantly above average and that they make good progress. Staff maintain high expectations for what every child can achieve, whether working at expected standard or greater depth. This combination of ambitious curriculum, skillful teaching, and individualised support is what produces results without creating a culture of pressure.

Most pupils progress to Edgbarrow School, the nearest secondary. Approximately 25% of each cohort passes the 11-plus examination to attend grammar schools, primarily Reading School and Kendrick School. The school provides familiarisation with 11-plus style questions in Year 6 but does not deliver intensive preparation; families seeking tutoring typically arrange this externally.

The smooth transition to secondary education is supported by the school's relationship with secondary partners, transition days, and clear communication about each child's learning profile. Staff ensure secondary schools understand each pupil's strengths and areas for development.

Music & Creative Arts

Choir is established as a central feature of school life, particularly through connection with Saint John the Baptist church. The school recognises that music opens doors for many children, and participation is encouraged across the year groups.

Physical Activity & Sports

The school's commitment to physical education reflects both national curriculum requirements and genuine investment in movement. Extracurricular clubs include Football Club (Years R-6), Girls Football (Reception-Year 6), Netball (Years 3-6), Basketball (Years 3-6), and Judo, which runs as a lunchtime club. Dance Club operates in two tiers: KS1 (Years 1-2) and KS3-6 (Years 3-6), taught by external providers specialising in children's dance. Acrobatics Club (Reception-Year 3) teaches fundamental movement skills through gymnastic-style activities.

The school enters local competitions organised through Bracknell Forest and with neighbouring schools. Year 6 pupils participate in residential outdoor and adventurous activities during their residential visit, developing resilience alongside physical skills.

Science & STEM

Mad Science operates as a popular after-school club (Reception-Year 6), delivering hands-on investigations and making science engaging and tangible. The club runs weekly and emphasises experimentation over formal instruction, allowing children to develop curiosity and problem-solving.

Other Clubs & Activities

Chess Club (Years 1-6, Thursday 3:30-4:30pm) serves pupils interested in strategic thinking and quiet competition. The Outdoors Project (Years 1-6, Thursday 3:30-4:30pm) offers outdoor learning experiences including woodland skills and environmental awareness. Little Musketeers Fencing (Years 1-6, Tuesday lunchtime) provides a specialist sport known for developing coordination and discipline. Art Club (Year 1-4, Wednesday 3:30-4:30pm) gives pupils extended time for creative expression beyond the curriculum.

The breadth of this offer reflects the school's belief that every child should find something that captivates them. Clubs change termly, allowing rotation and experimentation. Cost varies by provider; the school partners with external organisations (Elibah Dance, The Outdoors Project, Chess Coaching Services, Arty Class, Mad Science) as well as running some internally. This mixed model ensures affordability (some clubs are heavily subsidised) while maintaining quality through specialist providers.

The Friends Community

The Friends of Crowthorne C of E (PTA) is exceptionally active. Beyond traditional fundraising, Friends organise events that build community: School Disco, the annual village Late Night Shopping stall, Santa's Grotto in December, Santa's Secret Shop, Quiz Night, and the BIG Summer Event with activities, stalls, and BBQ. These events serve dual purposes: they fund school improvements (recent investments include equipment and resources across the curriculum) and they create social occasions where families connect.

Admissions are coordinated through Bracknell Forest Local Authority for Reception entry. The school is significantly oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions round, the school received 99 applications for 30 places — a ratio of 3.3 applications per place. This demand reflects the school's reputation and limited availability in a one-form entry setting.

After pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, admissions are allocated by distance from the school gates. There is no formal catchment boundary, but the last distance offered has historically been tight, typically under 1 mile. Parents considering applying should verify current distances, as these vary annually based on applicant postcodes. Families living within the immediate village often secure places; those further afield face uncertainty.

Reception applications close on 15 January each year. The school offers school tours; dates are published on the website and typically fill quickly. Parents interested in visiting are advised to register early in the admissions cycle.

School hours run 8:50am to 3:20pm. Breakfast club operates from 7:45am for families needing early arrival, and after-school wrap-around care is provided by In2Care until 6:00pm. Holiday club is available during main school holidays. This wraparound provision is essential for working families; the school recognises that childcare is a real barrier to access for some families and has worked to ensure affordable options.

Crowthorne is served by local bus routes and benefits from parking near the school. Walking and cycling are encouraged. The village itself is accessible by car from Bracknell, Reading, and Wokingham, and the railway station (though serving London commuters primarily) is within the broader village.

The school makes no specific charges to families for education, as it is a state school funded through government allocation. Voluntary contributions are requested for activities, trips, and resources; take-up is optional but enables richer provision. Some families access Free School Meals entitlement; the school ensures this is administered with dignity and no stigma.

Safeguarding is taken seriously and forms a core focus of school governance. The Deputy Head, Mrs C Parker, holds the role of SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and provides substantial pastoral oversight. The school monitors attendance closely and works with families to support pupils who struggle with regular attendance.

For pupils with identified special educational needs, the school provides SEND support within the mainstream setting where appropriate. The school works within the local graduated response system and coordinates with the local authority for pupils requiring EHCP assessment. Approximately 14% of the school receives SEND support (close to national average of 14%).

The school's values culture creates a foundation for wellbeing. Pupils report feeling safe and supported. Behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied. The latest Ofsted inspection specifically praised behaviour and attitudes as Outstanding.

Oversubscribed Entry. With 3.3 applications per place, securing a Reception position requires living very close to the school. Distance-based allocation means postcodes matter significantly. Families outside Crowthorne village should verify whether they fall within realistic distance before planning around this school.

Faith Character. Daily collective worship forms part of school life, and the Christian values are lived throughout the curriculum. For families seeking a secular primary or uncomfortable with regular Christian teaching and prayer, this is important to consider. The school is open to families of all faiths and none, but the Church of England character is not incidental; it shapes the culture genuinely.

Limited Catchment Flexibility. One-form entry (30 places per year) means the school cannot expand significantly to meet demand. If your preference is Crowthorne CofE but you live beyond the likely distance, you need realistic backup options. Nearby schools include Hatch Ride Primary (1.1 miles), Finchampstead Church of England Primary (3.3 miles), and others listed by Bracknell Forest.

This is a school performing at the very top tier nationally. Elite academic results, genuine Christian values, and a warm community culture converge to create something increasingly rare: a primary where intellectual ambition and human kindness reinforce each other. Mrs Hicks and her team have built a school where children love learning because they feel known, challenged fairly, and supported authentically. Best suited to families within the immediate Crowthorne area who value academic excellence paired with holistic development and are comfortable with the school's Church of England character. The main barrier to entry is distance; those living in the village and seeking outstanding education should prioritise this school highly on their preference forms.