The Emmbrook School Review 2026: Inclusive Excellence in Wokingham

In a town often defined by its single-sex schooling options, The Emmbrook School stands out as a thriving co-educational comprehensive that prioritises inclusion alongside academic ambition. Situated on a leafy site in Wokingham, the school serves as a central hub for the local community, distinguishing itself through a specialist resource for hearing-impaired students and a Sixth Form that punches significantly above its weight.

While GCSE performance sits comfortably within the national average, the Sixth Form is a standout feature, ranking in the top 20% of schools in England. This trajectory, where students accelerate their progress the longer they stay, speaks to a culture of growing confidence and expert subject teaching at higher levels. The presence of "The Resource", a specialist base for students with hearing impairments, fosters a genuine culture of empathy and communication that permeates the wider student body.

At drop-off, the mix of students entering the gates reflects the school's inclusive ethos. Unlike the distinct uniform silos of neighbouring single-sex schools, Emmbrook offers a natural, mixed environment where social development runs parallel to academic work. The buildings are a functional blend of 1960s architecture and modern additions, including a dedicated English block and refurbished science labs that signal continued investment in the learning environment.

Mr Nick McSweeney, who has led the school since 2017, is a visible presence. His leadership has brought stability and a clear focus on "The Emmbrook Way", a code of conduct rooted in mutual respect rather than authoritarian rule. Parents describe the atmosphere as grounded and friendly; this is not a hothouse, but a school where anxiety is managed, and individual quirks are accepted.

The integration of deaf and hearing-impaired students is seamless and defines the school's character. It is common to see hearing students using basic sign language or ensuring they face their peers when speaking. This unplanned curriculum of inclusivity creates a cohort of young people who are notably patient and articulate.

The academic narrative at Emmbrook is one of acceleration. At GCSE, the school performs solidly. In 2024, the Attainment 8 score of 48.3 exceeded the England average of 45.9. The school ranks 1832nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 40% of schools nationally. This reflects solid performance, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

However, the picture changes dramatically at A-level. The school ranks 500th in England and 2nd in Wokingham for A-level outcomes, placing it in the "National Strong" band (top 20% in England). In 2024, nearly two-thirds (65%) of grades were A*-B, well above the England average of 47%. The proportion of top grades is equally impressive, with 35% of entries achieving A*-A.

This disparity between solid GCSEs and strong A-levels suggests the school is particularly effective at transitioning students from general education to specialist study. For parents, the implication is clear. Students who stay the course here reap significant academic rewards in their final two years.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, resisting the trend to narrow choices too early. At Key Stage 3, students cover the full range of arts, technologies, and humanities. The teaching style is often described as collaborative; teachers do not just deliver content but encourage students to question and discuss, a method that pays dividends in the Sixth Form.

Support for literacy is a priority. The "Drop Everything and Read" initiative is not a token gesture but a timetabled commitment, reinforcing the school's belief that reading underpins success in every discipline. In mathematics, setting is introduced carefully, allowing students to work at a pace that challenges them without destroying confidence.

The specialist teachers in the Hearing Impaired Resource Base also support mainstream staff, sharing strategies for clear communication and visual reinforcement. This expertise benefits all students, as lessons are structured with exceptional clarity and visual aids are used effectively across the board.

The strong A-level results translate directly into impressive university destinations. In 2024, 59% of leavers progressed to university. The academic rigour of the Sixth Form is evidenced by the elite university pipeline, with students regularly securing places at Russell Group institutions.

Oxbridge success is a feature of the high-achieving cohort. In the most recent cycle, the school supported three applicants to Oxford and Cambridge, securing one acceptance to Cambridge. This 33% success rate is notable for a non-selective state school and highlights the personalised support available for high-flyers.

Apprenticeships are also a valued pathway, with 3% of the cohort moving into vocational training. The careers department is proactive, organizing fairs that feature local tech giants and engineering firms, leveraging Berkshire's status as a tech corridor.

Admission to The Emmbrook School is coordinated by Wokingham Borough Council. As a co-educational comprehensive in a high-demand area, the school is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, the school received 846 applications for 237 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 3.6 applications per place.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates. While the school does not publish a fixed catchment area, places are allocated based on distance after looked-after children and those with siblings are admitted.

The Resource Base for hearing-impaired students has a separate admissions procedure managed via the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process. Families seeking a place in The Resource must have an EHCP that names the specialist provision specifically.

Pastoral care is organised through a Year system, meaning students have a Head of Year who stays with them as they move up the school, building a long-term relationship with the family. This continuity is invaluable during the rockier adolescent years.

The school is proactive about mental health. A dedicated student support team works alongside external agencies to provide counselling and mentoring. The "Emmbrook Family" is a phrase often used by staff, and for the most part, it holds true. Bullying is taken seriously, with an electronic reporting system that allows students to flag concerns discreetly.

For students in The Resource, pastoral support is intensified. Specialist Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) provide not just academic access but social bridging, ensuring these students are never isolated during unstructured times like lunch and break.

The extracurricular offer is robust, particularly in areas that leverage the school's specialist history in maths and computing. The Coding Club is popular and competitive, often entering national challenges.

Sport is a major pillar of school life. The extensive playing fields host regular fixtures in football, rugby, and netball against local rivals. The PE department is inclusive, running "active lifestyle" clubs for those who want to move without the pressure of team selection.

The Arts are equally well served. The annual school production is a highlight of the calendar, involving over 100 students in cast and crew roles. Music tuition is available for a wide range of instruments, and the Jazz Band performs regularly at community events. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is thriving, with high participation rates at Bronze and Silver levels, taking advantage of the nearby countryside for expeditions.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The site is located on Emmbrook Road, accessible by local bus routes and within walking distance for many local families. While there is no official school transport for mainstream students, the site has ample cycle storage to encourage active travel. Wraparound care is not provided on-site for secondary students, though the library is typically open for independent study before and after school.

Highly competitive entry. With over 3.5 applications for every place, securing admission is not guaranteed even for those living relatively close. Families should always have a realistic backup option on their Common Application Form.

Site limitations. While functional, some of the older 1960s buildings are showing their age. The school manages this well with maintenance and new builds, but it lacks the gleaming aesthetic of some newer academies.

Sixth Form entry requirements. The jump in performance at A-level is supported by strict entry requirements for the Sixth Form. Students hoping to stay on must meet specific grade thresholds, particularly for STEM subjects.

Mixed ability teaching. Parents used to the grammar system should note that classes in Key Stage 3 are largely mixed ability. While this supports social cohesion, some parents of very high achievers may feel the need to monitor that their child is being sufficiently stretched before setting is introduced.

The Emmbrook School offers a compelling alternative to the single-sex and grammar schools that dominate the local landscape. It is a school that proves kindness and high standards are not mutually exclusive. With a Sixth Form that rivals the best in the county and a unique commitment to inclusivity through its specialist hearing provision, it produces well-rounded, socially intelligent young people who also happen to achieve excellent exam results. Best suited to families seeking a grounded, co-educational environment where students peak at the right time. The main challenge is securing a place.