Oldfield Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in the Heart of Maidenhead

Oldfield Primary School occupies a central position in the Maidenhead community, located a short distance from the River Thames. It serves as a flagship of academic achievement in Berkshire, consistently delivering results that place it among the top tier of schools in England. As a two-form entry school with a capacity for 420 pupils, it maintains a scale that feels substantial yet personal.

The school moved to its current purpose-built site on Bray Road in 2015, trading its historical origins for expansive modern facilities. Under the stable leadership of Mrs Catherine Page, who has served as head teacher since 2018, Oldfield has cemented its reputation for rigorous standards and a calm, purposeful atmosphere. For local families, it represents the gold standard of state primary education, frequently appearing as one of the most oversubscribed schools in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

The atmosphere at Oldfield is one of quiet industry. The modern architecture provides bright, airy classrooms and wide circulation spaces that contribute to an orderly environment. While the buildings are contemporary, the school culture is rooted in traditional values of respect and hard work.

Pupils appear genuinely engaged with their surroundings. The move to the new site allowed for the creation of dedicated spaces for music, art, and sport, which has prevented the academic focus from becoming one-dimensional. There is a palpable sense of pride among the staff, many of whom have been with the school through its transition from the old site to the new.

The latest inspection findings highlight a culture where expectations are high and behaviour is exemplary. The 2025 Ofsted report awarded Outstanding grades across all five key judgements, including Quality of Education and Leadership and Management. Inspectors described a setting where children feel safe to take risks in their learning, supported by a staff team that prioritises both progress and wellbeing. The school operates as a cohesive community where parents are actively involved, primarily through the Parent Teacher Association.

The academic outcomes at Oldfield Primary School are exceptional. In 2024, 86% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 61%, placing the school in the top tier of providers nationally.

The school ranks 636th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Within the local context of Maidenhead, it ranks 3rd among 32 schools. This high performance is consistent across all subjects. In reading and mathematics, the average scaled score was 109, well above the England baseline of 100.

Most striking is the percentage of pupils reaching the higher standard. At Oldfield, 44% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. This indicates that nearly half the cohort is working well beyond the expected level for their age group.

Teaching at Oldfield follows a structured and ambitious curriculum. Subject leaders ensure that learning is sequenced logically, allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge year after year. The school has a particular strength in mathematics and English, as evidenced by the high scaled scores in Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS), which reached an average of 111 in 2024.

The curriculum is not limited to core subjects. Specialist teaching in music and physical education ensures that pupils receive a broad experience. Teachers use assessment effectively to identify pupils who may need extra support or further challenge, ensuring that no child is left behind.

In the early years, the focus is on developing strong foundations in phonics and numeracy. This early intervention is a key driver of the school's success in later years. By the time pupils reach Key Stage 2, they have developed the independence and stamina required for more complex academic work.

Transition to secondary school is a priority for the leadership team. Given its location in Berkshire, Oldfield sits within a selective system. A significant proportion of pupils sit the 11-plus examinations for entry into the local grammar schools, such as Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School or the Langley Grammar School.

For those moving into the non-selective sector, popular destinations include Desborough College and Altwood Church of England School. Oldfield maintains strong links with these providers to ensure that pupil data and pastoral information are shared effectively. The school provides 11-plus familiarisation and transition workshops to help pupils manage the move to Year 7.

Securing a place at Oldfield is the primary hurdle for most families. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 347 applications for just 61 offers. With over five applications for every available seat, it is one of the most competitive schools in the region.

The school is consistently oversubscribed. After looked-after children and siblings, places are allocated based on proximity to the school. Families should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous intake patterns.

For the 2026 entry, applications open in November 2025 and must be submitted to the Windsor and Maidenhead local authority by 15 January 2026. Parents should note that living within the Oldfield locality does not guarantee entry given the sheer volume of first-preference applications.

Pastoral care is integrated into the daily life of the school. Each class has a dedicated teacher and teaching assistant who monitor the emotional wellbeing of their pupils. The school uses a house system to encourage a sense of belonging and healthy competition across different age groups.

The school's approach to behaviour is based on positive reinforcement. Formal observations confirm that the school is a calm and safe place to learn, with very few incidents of disruption. For pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the SEN coordinator manages tailored support plans, ensuring that these pupils make progress in line with their peers.

The extracurricular life at Oldfield is diverse. The school makes full use of its modern facilities, including a large hall and outdoor spaces. Sport is a significant pillar, with teams representing the school in local football, netball, and athletics tournaments.

Music is another area of strength. The school choir performs at local events, and many pupils take up individual instrumental lessons provided by visiting teachers. STEM activities are encouraged through coding clubs and science discovery days. The Oldfield Outdoor programme uses the school's grounds to teach environmental awareness and teamwork.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:20pm. For working families, Oldfield offers comprehensive wraparound care. The Early Risers breakfast club begins at 8:00am, with sessions costing £4.00 with breakfast or £3.00 without. Alternatively, a half session from 8:25am is available for £2.00.

After school care is provided by the Wise Owls club, which operates on the school site from 3:15pm to 6:15pm. This provision offers structured sport and craft activities alongside homework sessions and an evening meal.

• Extreme Competition for Places: With a subscription proportion of 5.69, the school is nearly six times oversubscribed. This means the vast majority of applicants will be disappointed. Families must have a realistic "Plan B" and should use the Comparison Tool on the Local Hub page to identify other strong local options.
• Academic Intensity: While the school is supportive, the pace of learning is brisk. The focus on reaching the Higher Standard, achieved by 44% of pupils, creates an environment of high expectations. This suits children who thrive on challenge but may feel intense for some.
• Modern Site Utility: Families seeking a school with historic ivy-covered charm may find the 2015 purpose-built campus a little clinical. However, the trade-off is superior facilities and accessibility that older buildings cannot match.

Oldfield Primary School is a powerhouse of academic achievement that successfully balances modern facilities with traditional standards of behaviour. Its results place it among the highest-performing in England (top 5%), making it an incredibly attractive prospect for parents in Maidenhead. It best suits families who value academic rigour and a structured, purposeful learning environment. The main challenge is not the education itself, but simply securing a place at the starting gate.