Curridge Primary School Review 2026: A Village Gem with Exceptional Academic Punch

Curridge Primary School represents the quintessential English village school, yet its academic performance suggests an institution of much larger proportions. Serving a small community near Thatcham, the school is a single-form entry establishment with a total capacity of just 105 pupils. Its 2024 results are elite; it ranks as the number one primary school in Thatcham and sits comfortably within the top 5% of all primary schools in England.

The atmosphere is one of focused intimacy. With only 15 places available in Reception each year, the school functions as a close-knit family where every staff member knows every child. Mrs Jackie Livermore, who was appointed as Headteacher in June 2017, leads a team that balances the traditional charms of a rural school with a rigorous, high-performing curriculum that consistently outpaces national benchmarks.

The school is the heart of Curridge village. The physical environment is a blend of historic charm and modern utility, featuring traditional brickwork and well-maintained outdoor play areas. Because the cohort is so small, the social fabric of the school is tight. Older pupils often take on leadership roles, looking after younger peers during break times and school events.

This is not a school that feels like a pressurized exam factory, despite its high rankings. Instead, the culture is built on a sense of individual recognition. Mrs Livermore, a trained Forest School Leader, often emphasizes the importance of the outdoor environment in her leadership. The latest Ofsted inspection in July 2023, which rated the school Good, described a calm and purposeful environment where pupils are eager to learn and staff know every child as an individual.

Academic performance at Curridge Primary is a significant draw for local families. In 2024, 71.3% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. While this is already ahead of the England average of 62%, the truly remarkable data lies in the higher standards.

An exceptional 40.7% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, which is more than five times the England average of 8%. This indicates that nearly half the cohort is working well beyond the expected level for their age group.

Curridge Primary School ranks 691st in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 1st among all primary schools in Thatcham. This places the school in the elite tier, outperforming 95% of schools in England (top 5% percentile). The reading scaled score of 111 and mathematics score of 108 both significantly exceed the national averages.

The curriculum is designed to make the most of the school’s small size. Mixed-age classes are managed with precision, ensuring that every child is challenged according to their individual ability rather than just their year group. Teachers have expert subject knowledge, particularly in literacy and numeracy, which is reflected in the high percentage of pupils achieving greater depth in writing (29%).

Science and the arts are integrated into a broad curriculum that utilizes the local Berkshire countryside for outdoor learning. Mrs Livermore's Forest School expertise ensures that students spend significant time outside, developing resilience and curiosity through hands-on environmental study.

Most pupils transition to secondary schools within West Berkshire. The most common destination is The Downs School in Compton, which is highly regarded and serves as the local catchment secondary for the area. In previous years, nearly 70% of the cohort has progressed to The Downs, while others move on to Trinity School or St Bartholomew’s in Newbury.

The transition process is robust. Because Curridge is so small, staff work closely with receiving secondary schools to ensure that the jump from a 100-pupil primary to a large secondary is not overwhelming. This involves multiple transition days and shared curriculum projects in the summer term of Year 6.

Securing a place at Curridge Primary is the primary challenge for families. With a subscription proportion of 1.53, the school received 23 applications for its 15 Reception places in 2024. All 15 offers were made to families who chose the school as their first preference.

Admissions are coordinated by West Berkshire Council. After children with EHCPs and looked-after children, priority is given to siblings and then to those living within the designated catchment area. Because the intake is so small, even those within the village must ensure their applications are submitted on time. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the gates compared to the last distance offered.

Pastoral care is a natural strength of a school this size. The Headteacher and staff are visible at the gates every morning, allowing for immediate communication with parents. Safeguarding is prioritized, and the latest inspection confirmed that children feel safe to voice concerns and that staff are well-trained to support them.

For pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the small class sizes allow for a high degree of personalization. The school focuses on early identification and works effectively with class teachers to implement tailored support plans that help children blossom within a mainstream setting.

Extracurricular life at Curridge is varied, often relying on the passions of the staff. The school offers a range of clubs that typically include gardening, choir, and various sports. The Forest School programme is a pillar of the school's identity, providing students with unique opportunities to build confidence and teamwork outdoors.

Specific clubs like the Netball Team and the Coding Club are popular, and the school participates in local West Berkshire sporting fixtures, often competing successfully against much larger schools. Annual traditions, such as the village summer fete, are central to the community's social calendar.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded community school with no tuition fees. Parents are not required to pay for the standard educational provision.

Incidental costs such as school uniforms, optional trips, and music lessons may apply. Financial support for school trips and other activities is often available for families eligible for Pupil Premium, ensuring that all students can participate in the full range of school experiences.

The school day typically runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Curridge Primary offers wraparound care via its own Breakfast Club and After School provision.

The Breakfast Club runs from 7:45am until the start of the school day. After-school care is typically available until 6:00pm. As provision can change based on demand, parents are advised to contact the school office directly for the latest session times and availability.

• Extremely small cohort: With only 15 children per year group, the social circle is limited. While this creates a family feel, it may not suit children who thrive in larger, more diverse peer groups.
• Highly oversubscribed: With a 1.53 subscription ratio, the school is regularly full. Families moving into the area mid-term may find it difficult to secure a place outside of the normal Reception intake.
• Rural infrastructure: Access to the school is via narrow village lanes. Parents must be mindful of local traffic and the limited parking facilities during the busy school run.

Curridge Primary School is a high-achieving sanctuary that offers an academic standard usually reserved for elite urban primaries within a tranquil village setting. It is best suited to local families who value a small-scale, nurturing environment where their child will be known individually but challenged to hit national-leading targets. For those who secure one of the 15 annual places, the educational experience is exceptional.