Crosfields School Review 2026: A Modern All-Through Choice

Set within 40 acres of parkland on the southern edge of Reading, Crosfields has transformed from a traditional prep school into a dynamic all-through day school for children aged 3 to 16. The expansion to GCSE provision, completed with the opening of the Senior School in 2021, offers families a modern alternative to the 11-plus/13-plus treadmill. The campus blends mid-century origins with striking contemporary architecture, most notably the award-winning 'Aspire' building.

The atmosphere is noticeably fresh and energetic. Extending the age range to 16 has shifted the school's centre of gravity; it no longer feels like a "prep" school preparing children to leave, but a complete community with its own senior identity. Mrs Caroline Townshend, who joined as Head in 2023, brings significant senior school experience and a focus on "high challenge, high support".

The school motto, Ubi Spiritus Est Libertas (Where there is spirit, there is liberty), reflects a culture that values character over conformity. Students describe the environment as friendly and relatively informal compared to traditional boarding counterparts. The uniform is smart but practical, and staff-student relationships are grounded in mutual respect. Parents frequently cite the "Crosfields Spirit"—a willingness to get involved—as the school's defining quality.

The decision to extend to 16 is validated by strong examination outcomes. In 2025, 71% of GCSE grades were awarded at 9-7 (A*-A equivalent), a figure that places the school well above the England average. Departments such as History and Computing performed particularly well, with over 70% of grades at the top level.

In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 60.1 (England average: 46.0). Ranked 886th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), Crosfields performs better than 80% of schools in England. In the local context of Reading, it ranks 15th, holding its own in a highly competitive market dominated by selective grammar schools.

The curriculum is broad and takes full advantage of the site's facilities. Specialist teaching begins early; Junior School pupils receive instruction from subject experts in music, sport, and languages. In the Senior School, all subjects are taught by specialists in dedicated department areas.

The 'Aspire' building provides university-standard science laboratories and bright, seminar-style classrooms. Teaching emphasises active participation; students are encouraged to debate, experiment, and question rather than passively consume content. The library is designed as a modern research hub, with a "funky" aesthetic that encourages even reluctant readers to settle in. Digital learning is integrated throughout, with a 1:1 device policy for older students.

Crosfields concludes at Year 11, meaning students move on for Sixth Form. The school views this as a strength, allowing teenagers to choose a college or Sixth Form that suits their specific young adult interests rather than drifting into a default option.

The "Future Schools" programme guides families through this transition from Year 10. Leavers progress to a mix of local independent schools (such as Bradfield, Wellington, and Pangbourne) and high-performing state providers (including Reading School, Kendrick, and Theale Green). In 2024, all students secured their required grades for their first-choice destinations.

Admissions are selective but holistic. The main entry points are Nursery, Reception, Year 3, and Year 7. Demand for Year 7 places has risen significantly since the school extended its age range.

For Year 7 entry in September 2026, the process involves an assessment day in the preceding Autumn term (typically November). Candidates sit computerised tests in English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, alongside a creative writing task and a group problem-solving activity designed to assess collaboration skills.

Scholarships are available for entry into Year 7 and Year 9, rewarding excellence in Academic, Art, Drama, Music, and Sport.

Pastoral care is organised through a vertical House system, which encourages friendships across year groups. Form tutors see students daily and act as the primary link for parents. The school has invested in a dedicated "Wellbeing Hub"—a quiet space for students who need to decompress—and a PSHE curriculum that tackles modern issues such as digital resilience and mental health.

The most recent ISI inspection (March 2024) confirmed that the school meets all standards for spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. Inspectors noted that the "whole-school approach" builds a strong sense of community where students of different ages respect one another.

Extracurricular breadth is a major pillar of the Crosfields offer. The 40-acre site is utilised intensively for sport. A 25m indoor swimming pool with a variable-depth floor allows for year-round training, while the large sports hall and numerous pitches host fixtures in football, rugby, hockey, cricket, and netball.

The arts are equally well served. The theatre hosts ambitious productions, and the music department coordinates numerous ensembles, from choirs to rock bands. Unusually for a day school, the activities programme is integrated into the extended day. Most students complete clubs and prep at school, leaving evenings free for family time. Clubs range from Lego Robotics and Coding to Debating and the Eco-Committee.

The school operates an "extended day" model that is particularly popular with working parents. The core day runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm (Juniors) or 4:15pm (Seniors), but wraparound care is available from 7:30am to 6:00pm. This includes breakfast in "The Hatch" cafe and supervised prep sessions.

An extensive network of school buses serves Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, and surrounding villages. The location on Shinfield Road provides easy access from the M4, though traffic can be heavy at peak times.

No Sixth Form: The school finishes at Year 11 (age 16). Families must be prepared for a school move after GCSEs. While this offers a chance to reset, some students may prefer the continuity of an all-through school to 18.

Ongoing Evolution: As a school that has grown rapidly, the environment is dynamic. While the major Senior School build is complete, the school continues to refine its senior identity. Families joining now are part of establishing new traditions.

Fees Increase with Age: While fees are competitive for the sector, costs rise significantly as students move up the school. Families should budget for the higher tier of fees in the Senior years.

Crosfields has successfully reinvented itself as a modern, forward-thinking choice for families who want the facilities and breadth of a major independent school without the boarding culture. It offers a "soft landing" into senior education, avoiding the pressure of 11-plus exit exams while delivering strong GCSE results. Best suited to active, engaged students who will thrive in a co-educational environment and make the most of the 40 acres before heading to a specialist Sixth Form.