Cookham Dean CofE Primary School Review 2026: A Village Haven with Elite Results

High on a hill overlooking the Thames Valley, Cookham Dean CofE Primary School represents the archetypal English village school. However, its quaint, rural setting belies an academic engine that is among the most powerful in the county. Serving a single-form entry of approximately 28 pupils per year, the school fosters a close-knit atmosphere where every child is visible. The latest data places the school in the elite tier of primaries in England, outperforming nearly 95% of schools across the country.

The atmosphere at Cookham Dean is defined by its semi-rural location and Church of England heritage. Surrounded by common land and woodland, the school feels connected to the natural world; a theme that frequently finds its way into the curriculum. The physical site is a blend of traditional Victorian architecture and modern additions that house the library and specialist teaching spaces.

The current head teacher, Fenella Reekie, has been in post since January 2017. Under her leadership, the school has maintained a reputation for balancing high-octane academic performance with a gentle, village ethos. The religious character is pervasive but inclusive; the school's motto, Together we believe, together we achieve, serves as a daily reminder of the collective responsibility shared between staff, pupils, and the local parish.

The academic outcomes at Cookham Dean are exceptional. In 2024, 91% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%.

The school ranks 756th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, it ranks 4th among 47 primaries in the Maidenhead area, placing it among the highest-performing in England (top 5%).

Depth of learning is a particular strength here. At the higher standard, 36% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. In reading specifically, half of the pupils achieved a high score, while 100% of pupils reached the expected standard in science.

Teaching at Cookham Dean is characterised by small class sizes and a high degree of individual attention. With a capacity of just 196, the school avoids the anonymity of larger three-form entry primaries. The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with specialist teaching in areas such as music and physical education.

The 2022 Ofsted inspection, which rated the school as Good, confirmed that the curriculum is well-sequenced and that teachers have high expectations for all pupils. Science and mathematics are taught with a focus on problem-solving, and the school uses the surrounding Berkshire countryside as an outdoor classroom for geography and biology. Inspectors found that pupils are keen learners who try their best and enjoy their lessons.

As a primary school, Cookham Dean acts as a significant feeder for the highly regarded secondary schools in the Windsor and Maidenhead authority. Furze Platt Senior School and Altwood CofE Senior School are the primary designated feeder schools.

Due to its location and high academic standards, there is also a notable contingent of pupils who sit the 11-plus for the Buckinghamshire grammar schools. Data from recent years suggests approximately 33% of leavers progress to Sir William Borlase's Grammar School in nearby Marlow. The school provides robust transition support, ensuring that pupils are emotionally and academically ready for the step up to Year 7.

Securing a place at Cookham Dean is a significant challenge for those living outside the immediate village. The school is heavily oversubscribed; in the last admissions cycle, there were 137 applications for just 29 places. This equates to a subscription proportion of 4.72, meaning nearly five families applied for every available desk.

Admissions are coordinated by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Priority is given to looked-after children, siblings, and those living within the designated appropriate area. As a voluntary aided school, the governors manage admissions, and a portion of places may be allocated based on religious practice if the school is oversubscribed, requiring a supplementary information form.

The school operates as a genuine community where older pupils are encouraged to mentor younger ones. This "buddy" system is central to the school's pastoral approach, ensuring that Reception pupils feel safe and welcomed from their first day.

The latest inspection findings confirm that safeguarding is effective and that pupils feel safe and well-cared for. The school's Christian values of friendship, peace, and endurance underpin its approach to behaviour, which is described as exemplary. There is a strong focus on mental health, with specialized ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) staff available to support children's emotional needs.

Despite its small size, Cookham Dean offers a rich array of extracurricular activities. The "Bigfrith" outdoor space is used for Forest School sessions, which are a highlight for the younger pupils.

The school has a strong musical tradition, with a thriving choir and opportunities for peripatetic instrument lessons. Sports are equally well-represented; the school participates in local leagues for football, netball, and athletics. Named houses—Diamond, Topaz, Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst, and Sapphire—provide a framework for competitive events and community spirit.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Wraparound care is managed by WrapAroundCare4u. The Breakfast Club runs from 7:30am, while the After School Club offers sessions until 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm, or 6:30pm.

Travel to the school is primarily by car or on foot for village residents. Parking near the school gate on Bigfrith Lane is strictly managed via a "kiss and drop" zone to ease local congestion and ensure pupil safety.

• Extreme oversubscription: With nearly five applications per place, entry is the primary hurdle for this school. Families moving into the area solely for the school should check the current parish boundaries and admissions criteria carefully.
• Small cohort size: While a single-form entry offers intimacy, it also means a very small social circle. Children stay with the same 27 peers for seven years, which may not suit every child's social needs.
• Village location: The school is situated in a rural part of the borough. While beautiful, it lacks the immediate public transport links of a town-centre school, making a car almost essential for families living further afield.

Cookham Dean CofE Primary School is a rare find; it manages to deliver elite, top-tier academic results within the warm, protective embrace of a village community. It is an ideal fit for families who value a Church of England ethos and want an education that rivals the local independent sector without the associated fees. Best suited to those living within the immediate vicinity of Cookham Dean or with strong parish links. The main challenge is not the education itself, which is exceptional, but simply getting through the door.