Englefield C.E. Primary School Review 2026: A High-Performing Village Sanctuary

The approach to Englefield C.E. Primary School feels like a journey into a preserved pocket of rural Berkshire history. Set within the private Englefield Estate near Reading, the school occupies a handsome Victorian flint and brick building that has served the village since 1863. It is an intimate environment with a total capacity of just 112 pupils, which translates to approximately 16 children per year group.

This small scale is the school's defining characteristic, allowing for a genuine family atmosphere where every child is known across all age groups. Despite its idyllic village setting, the school is an academic powerhouse. The 2024 KS2 results place it in the top 6% of schools in England, outperforming many larger urban alternatives. It is a school that combines Church of England values with an uncompromising pursuit of academic standards.

The atmosphere at Englefield is defined by its unique relationship with the surrounding estate. The school is physically and culturally integrated into the village, often participating in community events at the nearby St Mark's Church. Since January 2026, the school has been led by the co-headship of Mrs Hilary Latimer and Miss Katherine Galvin, providing a blend of experienced stability and fresh leadership.

Inside, the Victorian architecture has been adapted to house classrooms that feel bright and purposeful. The small cohort sizes mean that mixed-age classes are a necessity, but rather than being a compromise, this is used to foster a sense of responsibility among older pupils and confidence in the younger ones. The Christian ethos is pervasive but gentle, focused on the values of perseverance, respect, and kindness.

Official assessments highlight that behaviour is a significant strength. A January 2025 Ofsted inspection rated behaviour and attitudes as Outstanding, noting that pupils rarely get distracted and show significant pride in their work. Because the community is so small, there is nowhere for a child to be lost or overlooked, creating a high level of accountability and a calm environment.

The academic performance at Englefield is exceptional, particularly given its small intake. In 2024, 85% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%.

The school sits in the elite tier for high achievement. Over half of the pupils (51%) achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of just 8%. In reading specifically, the average scaled score was 112, with 82% of pupils hitting the high score mark.

Englefield C.E. Primary School ranks 818th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Within the local Reading area, it ranks 10th among all primary schools, placing it comfortably within the national high bracket, which includes the top 10% of schools in England.

Teaching at Englefield is characterised by high expectations and a curriculum that makes the most of the school's rural surroundings. The small class sizes allow for a level of individual attention that is almost impossible to find in larger state schools. Teachers can tailor their questioning and support to the specific needs of each child, which is reflected in the high percentages of pupils reaching greater depth in their writing (27%).

The curriculum is broad, with a strong emphasis on phonics and early reading. According to the 2025 Ofsted report, reading is highly prioritised and teachers ensure learning activities build well on previous knowledge. While the core subjects are a clear strength, the school is currently refining the organisation of planning in computing and design technology to match the high standards seen in English and maths.

As a primary school in West Berkshire, the majority of pupils progress to secondary schools in the nearby area, such as Theale Green School. However, because the school is located near the border of the Reading local authority, a significant number of families also consider the selective grammar schools in Reading.

The school's high academic standards mean that pupils are well prepared for the 11 plus examinations. Transition arrangements are thorough, with staff working closely with receiving secondary schools to ensure that the move from a tiny village primary to a large secondary school is managed carefully. This includes several familiarisation visits and a focus on building the independence needed for the next stage of education.

Securing a place at Englefield is a significant challenge. With a subscription proportion of 3.81, there are nearly four applications for every available place. In 2024, the school received 61 applications for just 16 places in Reception.

Admissions are coordinated by West Berkshire Council, although the school's status as a Voluntary Aided institution means the governing body acts as the admission authority. Priority is given to looked after children and siblings, followed by children with exceptional medical or social needs. As a faith school, religious commitment to the Church of England is a major factor in the oversubscription criteria.

Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous intake patterns. Because the school is so small and highly sought after, the effective catchment can be very tight.

Pastoral care is where Englefield's small size becomes its greatest asset. The staff know the families well, often over several generations. This creates a safety net where emotional or social issues are spotted and addressed almost immediately. The 2025 inspection awarded an Outstanding rating for Personal Development, reflecting the school's success in fostering confident, independent young people.

The school uses older students to take on responsibilities, such as caring for the school's tortoise and helping in the library. Support for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is highly personalised. Class teachers plan activities and use resources effectively to meet individual requirements, ensuring that every child can participate fully in school life.

Extracurricular life at Englefield is surprisingly varied for a school of its size. The school makes excellent use of local facilities and its own grounds. Notable activities include the Early Birds breakfast club and the Barn Owls after school club, which provides out of hours childcare until 6pm (5pm on Fridays).

Sporting opportunities are enhanced by the school's participation in local small school clusters, allowing pupils to compete in football, netball, and athletics tournaments. The school also offers a range of residential trips for older pupils, designed to build resilience and teamwork away from the familiar village environment. These often include outdoor pursuit centres where pupils can try climbing, canoeing, and orienteering.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:30pm. Given its rural location, most pupils arrive by car, though there is a small amount of parking available in the village.

Wraparound care is well established. The Early Birds Breakfast Club runs from 8:00am and costs £4 per session. The Barn Owls After School Club runs until 6:00pm (5:00pm on Fridays) at a cost of £11 per session, which includes a sandwich based tea. Parents must register club attendance with the school office.

• Intense Competition for Places: With 61 applications for 16 places, the school is significantly oversubscribed. Families living outside the immediate area or without a strong church connection may find it difficult to secure a place.
• Mixed Age Classes: Because the year groups are so small, children are taught in classes that span two year groups. This environment suits independent learners but requires careful management by teachers to ensure every child is challenged.
• Rural Location: While the setting is beautiful, it is relatively isolated. Car travel is essential for most families, and transport times should be considered if traveling from outside the Englefield Estate.
• Small Social Circle: A cohort of 16 children means a very small social group. While this creates deep bonds, it may be less suited to children who thrive in larger, more diverse social environments.

Englefield C.E. Primary School is an exceptional choice for families seeking a traditional, high achieving village education. It offers a rare combination of elite academic results and a nurturing, small scale environment that feels more like a private prep school than a state primary. Best suited to academically able children who will flourish in a close knit, faith based community where high standards of behaviour and effort are the norm. The main hurdle is the admissions process; once a place is secured, the education is exceptional.