Located at the heart of Reading, Crosfields School is a vibrant independent day school that has been serving the educational needs of children aged 3 to 16 for many years. With an enrolment of over 770 pupils, this co-educational institution embraces an interdenominational ethos, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and faiths. The school prides itself on blending traditional values with modern educational approaches, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the future.
Under the leadership of Caroline Townshend, who brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in various educational settings, Crosfields has undergone significant development. The Head’s background in psychology and biology, combined with her passion for education, has been instrumental in shaping the school’s strategic direction. Her vision includes a focus on public speaking and digital literacy, reflecting her admiration for certain aspects of US education systems.
Crosfields operates from a sprawling 40-acre campus that provides ample space for both academic and extracurricular activities. The school’s facilities are impressive, featuring a state-of-the-art senior school building that opened in 2021. This development underscores the institution’s commitment to providing top-notch education to its oldest pupils. The new café-style dining room, known as The Hatch, offers a modern space for students to enjoy meals and socialise.
The academic programme at Crosfields is robust, offering a wide range of subjects at GCSE level. In its first-ever set of GCSE results in 2024, the school achieved a commendable 45% of grades at 7-9. This positions Crosfields as a strong contender among local schools, catering for families seeking quality education without the pressure often associated with more academically selective institutions. The curriculum includes subjects like French, Spanish, Economics, Business, and Psychology, alongside core subjects such as Maths and English.
Teaching at Crosfields is characterised by small class sizes and specialist instruction from an early age. From Year 5 onwards, pupils benefit from subject-specific teachers in areas like Maths and English, while younger students enjoy specialist input in Sports, Music, and Languages. The school’s approach to homework is balanced, ensuring that it remains manageable for students while still promoting academic rigour.
Outdoor education plays a significant role in the school’s offering. The forest school programme allows pupils up to Year 7 to engage in activities such as knot-tying and den-building across various locations on campus. This hands-on approach fosters teamwork and resilience among students while allowing them to connect with nature.
The arts are also a key component of life at Crosfields. Every child participates in an annual class play during their junior years, with opportunities to audition for larger productions as they progress through the school. Music is celebrated through various ensembles and choirs, supported by an extensive team of peripatetic music teachers offering lessons on instruments ranging from the harp to the bassoon.
Sports at Crosfields are inclusive and varied, with co-ed teams participating in cricket and rugby matches against other schools. The sports programme includes traditional team sports as well as options like trampolining and weight training. The school’s cutting-edge swimming pool is a highlight, providing swimming lessons from nursery age upwards.
Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the school’s ethos. With no reports of bullying and a strong emphasis on wellbeing, Crosfields creates a supportive environment where students can thrive. The presence of two school nurses ensures that mental health support is readily available when needed.
Crosfields’ commitment to inclusivity extends to its learning support provision. Six specialist SEN teachers assist around 67 pupils with additional needs through in-class support or small-group lessons. This approach emphasises social learning while catering for individual requirements.
Parents at Crosfields appreciate the grounded and unpretentious atmosphere fostered by the school community. Many families make significant sacrifices to provide their children with this educational experience, valuing the school’s focus on technology and career advice.
In summary, Crosfields School stands out as an institution dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped for future success. Its combination of strong academics, diverse extracurricular offerings, and a supportive community makes it an attractive choice for families in Reading and beyond.
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