The Piggott School: All-Through Church of England Academy with Exceptional Secondary Outcomes

Go and do likewise runs the school's motto, drawing from the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and this spirit of service permeates an all-through school where pupils aged 4 to 18 share a coherent educational journey. The Piggott School operates across two sites in the Berkshire countryside: a primary campus in Charvil serving 200 pupils and the main secondary campus in Wargrave educating 1,620 students. Founded in 1939 by the philanthropist Robert Piggott, originally to educate 40 poor children, the school has grown into a high-performing comprehensive with outcomes that rival selective institutions. The 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed the school remains Good, with inspectors noting evidence to suggest it could be judged Outstanding in a full graded inspection. For families seeking a Church of England school combining academic rigour with genuine community values, The Piggott offers an increasingly rare all-through pathway.

The foundation stone was laid on 12 October 1939, and the school opened officially on 17 September 1940, just as wartime evacuations doubled the local child population. That history of adaptation and service continues. The Wargrave campus sits on the village outskirts, its buildings expanded and modernised over eight decades while retaining a sense of place. The 2011 sixth form block provides Year 12 and 13 students with a spacious common room and dedicated study area housing over 100 computers.

Mrs Rebecca Alexander leads as Headteacher of the secondary phase, supported by Mr Andrew MacLeod as Deputy Headteacher. Mrs Claire Waite heads the Charvil Primary site. In March 2024, the school joined the Agape Multi Academy Trust, bringing new governance structures while preserving its distinctive Church of England identity.

The Christian foundation manifests not as superficial branding but as embedded practice. The Good Samaritan Club meets at lunchtime. The Christian Union gathers after school on Mondays. Character education threads through the curriculum. Pupils are described by inspectors as respectful, courteous and polite, with behaviour rated as exemplary in both the 2023 Ofsted visit and the subsequent SIAMS inspection that November.

The school holds International School status from the British Council and specialises in Modern Languages and Humanities. Four languages are offered: French, German, Spanish and Chinese. This breadth reflects a school confident in its academic ambitions.

At Key Stage 2, 70% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined in the current 2024-25 / 2025 dataset. The school ranks 13th in the Reading local area and 2,072nd out of 14,978 schools in England overall for primary outcomes.

Performance in individual subjects shows particular strength in reading and mathematics, where 90% of pupils reached the expected standard in each subject. The current scaled scores are 109 in reading, 108 in mathematics and 104 in grammar, punctuation and spelling.

At the higher standard, 10% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing and mathematics combined in the current dataset. This indicates that a smaller group is reaching the highest Key Stage 2 benchmark, even within a comprehensive intake.

Science attainment runs at 80% meeting the expected standard in the current dataset. The consistency across subjects reflects coherent curriculum delivery rather than selective focus on core metrics.

Secondary outcomes are where The Piggott truly distinguishes itself. The school ranks 599th out of 3,895 schools in England for GCSE academic outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), with an overall GCSE rank of 543rd out of 3,688. Locally, it ranks 8th among secondary schools in Reading.

The Attainment 8 score of 61.9 sits significantly above typical expectations, with the current dataset showing 90.6% of pupils achieving grade 4 or above in English and mathematics combined and 74.6% achieving grade 5 or above.

The Progress 8 score of +0.74 is notably strong. This measure captures the value added between Key Stage 2 and GCSE, indicating that pupils here make progress well above expectations based on their starting points. For parents, this suggests that average-ability children will be stretched, while academically able students continue to excel.

The current GCSE dataset covers 213 KS4 pupils, with Attainment 8 at 61.9 and Progress 8 at +0.74. This keeps the profile of results firmly above typical comprehensive-school expectations.

At A-level, The Piggott ranks 568th out of 2,549 schools in England for academic performance (FindMySchool ranking), sitting within the top quarter of sixth forms. In the Reading area, it ranks 8th, while the overall sixth-form ranking is 491st.

The current A-level dataset covers 609 exam entries. It shows 10% of grades at A*, 30% at A* to A and 70% at A* to B, giving a strong sixth-form attainment profile.

Fine Art achieved particularly striking results, with 50% at A*, 75% at A* to A and 100% at A* to B. Further Mathematics saw 43% at A* and 71% at A* to A. Computer Studies delivered 50% at A* to A. These subject-specific outcomes indicate that high-performing departments can rival selective school results.

Vocational Level 3 qualifications achieved a 100% pass rate, with 90% of grades at Distinction Star to Merit. This dual academic and vocational pathway provides genuine breadth in the sixth form curriculum.

Curriculum ambition runs through the school. The Ofsted inspection noted that pupils are motivated to work hard because they know their teachers expect great things from them. This expectation culture operates from Reception through to Year 13.

The primary curriculum builds secure foundations in literacy and numeracy while introducing French from an early stage. Specialist teaching increases through the secondary phase, with the Modern Languages and Humanities specialisms reflected in strong uptake of these subjects at GCSE and A-level.

A-level offerings include traditional academic routes alongside vocational alternatives. Students can study English Language, French, German, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Chemistry, Computer Science and Core Mathematics, among other subjects. The Further Mathematics option indicates provision for the mathematically gifted, while Core Mathematics supports those pursuing subjects with quantitative elements such as Biology, Psychology or Economics.

Class sizes in the sixth form are small enough to permit genuine discussion, while the dedicated study facilities, including over 100 computers for exclusive sixth form use, create conditions for independent learning. Links with local businesses, universities and voluntary groups extend learning beyond the classroom.

Primary Transition

Children attending The Piggott School: Charvil Primary automatically transfer into Year 7 at the Wargrave secondary campus. This guaranteed progression represents a significant advantage for families choosing the primary provision.

For the secondary phase, linked primary schools include The Colleton, Crazies Hill CE, Knowl Hill CE, St Nicholas CE, Sonning CE Primary, Polehampton CE Junior and Robert Piggott CE Junior. Children from these feeder schools receive priority in admissions after Charvil transfers, siblings and designated area residents.

Post-16 Destinations

Sixth form leavers in the 2023/24 cohort numbered 267. University progression stood at 56%, with 29% moving directly into employment and 2% starting apprenticeships. Further education attracted 1% of the cohort.

Oxbridge outcomes demonstrate that students here can compete at the highest level. In the most recent data period, 15 students applied to Oxford or Cambridge, with 3 securing places at Cambridge. The school ranks 409th in England for combined Oxbridge success (FindMySchool ranking), placing it among the top institutions for state school Oxbridge entry.

The diverse spread of destinations, balancing university progression with employment and apprenticeships, reflects a sixth form supporting multiple pathways rather than forcing all students towards higher education.

The Piggott is consistently oversubscribed at both entry points. The Reception intake saw 71 applications for 21 places in the most recent admissions cycle, a subscription ratio of 3.38. At Year 7, 474 applications competed for 218 places, a ratio of 2.17.

Year 7 Entry

Applications for Year 7 entry in September 2027 are made through your local authority. Wokingham residents apply via Wokingham Borough Council's secondary admissions portal, with the current secondary-transfer deadline listed as 31 October 2026.

The Published Admission Number is 206 places, though recent intakes have offered 252 places where space permitted. Admissions criteria operate in the following priority order:

1. Children transferring from The Piggott School: Charvil Primary
2. Children with an EHCP naming the school
3. Looked after and previously looked after children
4. Designated area residents with siblings at the school
5. Children of staff on permanent contracts of two or more years
6. Other designated area residents
7. Out-of-area residents with siblings at the school
8. Children from linked primary schools
9. All other applicants

Fifteen places are reserved for the High Priority Admissions Area, covering the Crazies Hill Primary School designated area within Wokingham borough. These are allocated by straight-line distance, with those living furthest away receiving priority.

Sixth Form Entry

Applications for Year 12 entry from September 2026 are made via a separate portal at piggottschool.applicaa.com/6thform. The Sixth Form Open Evening takes place on Thursday 13 November 2025, with no booking required.

Internal students from Year 11 have priority for progression, subject to meeting entry requirements. External applicants are welcomed, with the school describing its sixth form as truly inclusive.

The 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed that students know they can talk to any member of staff if they have concerns and worries about their safety or someone else's. This accessible safeguarding culture reflects deliberate investment in staff training and pastoral structures.

A personal tutor system provides each sixth form student with dedicated pastoral support. The Assistant Headteacher Miss L Reynolds serves as Designated Safeguarding Lead, heading a team that includes trained staff across both campuses.

The LGBTQ+ Advocacy group meets at lunchtime on Mondays, indicating that inclusion extends beyond policy statements to visible provision. The Mindfulness Club on Thursdays offers structured wellbeing support. The school employs a SENCO, Mrs V Hunt, who also serves as Assistant Headteacher, placing SEN leadership at senior level.

Character education, rooted in the Christian foundation, emphasises service, resilience and community responsibility. The Good Samaritan Club translates the school motto into practical action.

Sport

All extracurricular sports clubs are free, with students scanning a QR code to register attendance. The range is extensive: cross-country, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rounders, rugby, athletics, table tennis and tennis. School teams play regular fixtures in rugby, football, hockey, netball and basketball against local schools.

Participation in the Reading Cross Country League extends competitive opportunities, with several pupils competing at county level. The partnership with Reading FC Kicks brings community football coaching on Mondays. The fitness suite is accessible on Wednesdays.

Music

Instrumental tuition is provided by Berkshire Maestros, offering woodwind, strings and other instruments. Pupils learning instruments are expected to participate in at least one ensemble. The Orchestra rehearses on Wednesdays. The String Group and School Jazz Band provide smaller ensemble opportunities. The Junior Choir meets at Tuesday lunchtime.

Drama and Creative Arts

Drama productions are a feature of the school calendar. The former sixth form block now serves as a dedicated drama studio, providing purpose-built space for performance. The Dance Club meets on Wednesdays.

Academic Enrichment

The Debate Club welcomes Year 12 and 13 students on Wednesdays. The Newspaper Club and Creative Writing Club offer outlets for aspiring writers. The Science Club develops practical investigation skills. The Programming Club meets at Tuesday lunchtime for those interested in coding beyond the curriculum.

Duke of Edinburgh

The Bronze Award is offered to Year 9 students, progressing to Silver in Year 10. The four sections, Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition, develop resilience, problem-solving and team-working. Mr Spencer coordinates Bronze; Miss Howlett leads Silver. The school emphasises that any student can participate regardless of ability, gender, background or location.

Languages and Culture

The Languages Film Club runs at Tuesday lunchtime, supporting the school's Modern Languages specialism. The EAL Club operates daily, reflecting the school's commitment to supporting students with English as an additional language.

This is a state-funded Church of England academy. There are no tuition fees. The school is part of the Agape Multi Academy Trust.

Families may incur costs for uniform, trips, instrumental tuition through Berkshire Maestros, and Duke of Edinburgh expedition equipment. These are typical state school supplementary costs rather than barriers to access.

The school day at the Wargrave secondary campus runs typical secondary hours, with an after-school club provision extending to 2025/26. The Charvil Primary site offers wraparound care appropriate for the primary phase.

Transport links serve the rural location reasonably well, though families should note that Wargrave is a village rather than a town centre. The school draws from a wide catchment including linked villages and Reading suburbs.

The sixth form study area housing over 100 computers is exclusively available to Year 12 and 13 students, providing space for independent work outside timetabled lessons.

Church of England foundation. The Christian character is genuine and pervasive, not merely nominal. The school holds SIAMS inspections, runs Christian Union, and embeds values education throughout. Families uncomfortable with this ethos should consider whether the school is the right fit.

Two-site operation. The primary campus in Charvil and secondary campus in Wargrave are separate locations. While Charvil pupils transfer automatically to Wargrave at Year 7, families should factor transport requirements into their planning, particularly if choosing the primary provision specifically for the all-through pathway.

Rural location. Wargrave is a village in Berkshire, not a town centre. Transport links exist but are more limited than urban alternatives. Families relying on public transport should verify journey times.

Oversubscribed at both entry points. With more than three applications per Reception place and over two applications per Year 7 place, admission is not guaranteed. Families should have realistic backup options and understand the priority criteria carefully.

The Piggott School delivers results that would satisfy many fee-paying parents, within a genuine Church of England community and at no cost. The Progress 8 score of +0.74 demonstrates exceptional value-added; the Attainment 8 of 61.9 shows strong GCSE outcomes; and the A-level results, with 70% at A* to B, confirm that strong GCSE performance translates into sixth form success.

The all-through structure suits families wanting continuity from age 4 to 18, with guaranteed Year 7 places for Charvil Primary pupils. The Christian ethos is authentic rather than cosmetic. For families who share those values and live within the priority catchment, The Piggott represents an outstanding choice. The challenge lies in securing a place; once admitted, the education is exceptional.