Crosfields School

Crosfields School is an independent day school located in Reading, established in 1957. Initially a boys' school, it transitioned to co-educational status in 2007. The school operates as a charitable trust overseen by a board of governors who serve as trustees. The school is divided into four departments: pre-prep for Nursery to Year 2, junior school for Years 3 and 4, middle school for Years 5 and 6, and senior school for Years 7 and 8. The school aims to create a nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and confident, emphasizing exceptional pastoral care. It seeks to provide a broad range of opportunities to help pupils discover their talents while fostering respect for others and the world. The school encourages resilience, effort, and critical thinking, preparing pupils for life beyond its gates.

The majority of pupils come from the local area and represent diverse nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. Many students are bilingual, speaking English alongside another language, and those at early stages of English acquisition receive additional support. The school reports that pupils' abilities are above average, with no children having education, health, and care plans. A total of 65 pupils have special educational needs or disabilities, with 54 receiving additional specialist help. The school also supports able and excelling learners through various curricular and co-curricular activities.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that Crosfields School meets the standards set by the Department for Education. The inspection assessed various aspects, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality. The school was found to have effective behavior management, safeguarding measures, and health and safety arrangements. The leadership team demonstrates good skills and knowledge, ensuring that standards are consistently met and promoting pupil well-being.

In terms of educational quality, the school employs its own framework for assessing pupil attainment, which is documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. The curriculum covers a wide breadth of material, enabling pupils to make good progress. The teaching is effective, and the assessment framework is suitable for monitoring pupil performance. The school promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, encouraging them to become responsible and tolerant citizens.

The quality of pupils' academic achievements is excellent, with pupils making significant progress over time. Their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills are highly developed, and they exhibit excellent attitudes towards learning. The school has implemented a newly developed assessment system that tracks each pupil's progress and helps them set targets for improvement. Pupils consistently achieve high standards in mathematics and literacy, and they are well-prepared for their next educational steps, often gaining entry to their first-choice senior schools.

Pupils' personal development is also excellent, as they demonstrate confidence, self-awareness, and respect for others. The school fosters a caring and inclusive community, where pupils from diverse backgrounds coexist harmoniously. They engage in charitable activities and understand the importance of their responsibilities towards others. The school encourages leadership and service opportunities, allowing pupils to contribute to the wider community.

The inspection evidence indicates that pupils develop high levels of knowledge, understanding, and skills across all areas of learning. They engage enthusiastically in investigative challenges and demonstrate excellent independent learning skills. The school provides a rich curriculum that includes opportunities for physical education, arts, and technology, fostering well-rounded development. Pupils are encouraged to take pride in their work and develop resilience and perseverance in their studies.

Crosfields School places a strong emphasis on pupil well-being, ensuring that they feel safe and supported. The school promotes healthy eating and physical activity, contributing to pupils' overall health. The leadership team actively promotes values of respect, tolerance, and democracy, creating a positive school culture. The overwhelming majority of parents view the school as well-governed and managed, with well-maintained premises.

In summary, Crosfields School is a thriving independent institution that prioritizes the holistic development of its pupils. With a strong focus on academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement, the school prepares its students for future challenges while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. The recent inspections affirm the school's commitment to maintaining high standards in education and pupil welfare, ensuring that all students are equipped with the skills and values necessary for success in their future endeavors.