Crosfields School

Caroline Townshend BSc PGCE. Grew up near San Francisco in lovely Redwood City, California. Moved to the UK in year 7 and attended two independent schools before asking her parents if she might please go to the local grammar (Chesham Grammar in

Around 40 enter nursery at 3+, another 10-20 pupils join in reception, and a handful enrol in years 1 or 2. From year 3 admission involves a CAT4 test, a writing task and an informal interview. Year 7 is an ‘official’ senior school entry point, but

Some 25 per cent leave at 11+ to a range of co-ed schools including a handful to Reading (grammar) School. Despite the strong all-though flow, Crosfields prides itself on getting everyone where they aim to go, whether to a grammar at 11, a boarding

In 2025, 71 per cent 9-7 at GCSE.

Mops up children in the huge middle ground between Reading’s uber-academic grammar schools and the local comps. Crosfields will be pleased with its first-ever set of GCSEs in 2024 from its very first 16+ cohort. A respectable 45 per cent of grades

Six specialist SEN teachers provide assistance to around 67 pupils (130 identified as having additional needs, none currently with EHCPs). Help is usually delivered in class or via timetabled small-group lessons (often in place of a foreign language)

‘Breadth of opportunity is important here,’ the head told us, referring to the numerous extracurricular options. This was backed up by pupils who. when asked what they liked best about the school. told us, ‘the music, the drama, the freedom!’ Every

Co-ed sport has arrived in juniors, first cricket and now even rugby, and there are co-ed matches against other schools (single sex too). Lively fixture card; arch rivals are Holme Grange and Lambrook. Seniors obliged to play one team sport per year;

Bullying not even a blip on the radar: ‘There is no bullying – none,’ a pupil told us earnestly. ‘Teachers are very quick to shut down any problems that might be emerging.’ Uniforms are worn smartly and with pride. Litany of recent changes has been a

Pupils hail from Reading and beyond, out to Maidenhead, Henley and Pangbourne. Diverse backgrounds with around 40 languages spoke at home (reflecting the Reading demographic). The European Mid-Range Weather Centre and Shinfield Studios are local

Bursaries available in the senior school up to full fees. Year 6 scholarships give up to 15 per cent off fees (though most are in the five to 10 per cent range). Head’s awards at 13+ for internal and external candidates who ‘really shine’. Not the

This is a useful, low-profile, ‘humble’ school charmingly uneasy with its fee-paying status. Many schools say they offer a ‘whole-school approach’ but here it’s really true. One school. One community. Teetering on the brink of glory.