Waverley
PreparatoryHow to Choose the Best Primary School - A Parent's Guide
Looking for a primary school place in Wokingham? Finding the best school for your child involves looking beyond league tables and academic results. Parents should also consider class sizes, teaching quality, pastoral care, sport and enrichment, senior-school pathways, school culture and, above all, whether their child will be happy and confident. Here's a quick summary:
What to look for in a primary school...
1. Academic achievement
Academic achievement is an important consideration when choosing a primary school, but strong results are only one part of a successful education. Parents should look at how well a school supports every child to make progress, as well as the opportunities it provides to develop curiosity, confidence and a genuine love of learning.
When comparing primary schools in Wokingham, consider the school's academic results, teaching approach, class sizes and how teachers identify and support individual needs. It is also worth asking whether children are sufficiently challenged and encouraged to achieve their full potential.
At Waverley, we combine high academic expectations with a personalised approach to learning. As a non-selective school, we welcome children with a range of abilities and work closely with each pupil to understand their strengths and areas for development.
Our academic outcomes are consistently strong. In 2026, 95% of Waverley Year 6 pupils achieved Achieved or Greater Depth across reading, writing and mathematics, compared with a national average of 62%. Read more about our SATS results here.
We believe academic success is about more than examination results. Our aim is to develop confident, independent and enthusiastic learners who leave Waverley with the knowledge, skills and self-belief to thrive at their next school and beyond.
Consider the following:- SATS results
- Progress term by term and year on year - how often and how this is measured.
- Communication - how often are their parents' evening and reports? Is there an open-door policy?
- Greater Depth - is there teaching capacity to challenge children with a higher academic ability? Look at the school's SATS Greater Depth results.
- Breadth of Curriculum - a wide and varied curriculum in academics, sports, art, music and the performing arts will keep children eager to learn, interested and challenged by finding their own personal interests.
- Individual Support - is there teaching capacity to help a child who needs a little extra intervention? And is this in class, or taught separately?
More about Waverley Prep's SATS results
2. Small class sizes and individual attention
Class size can make an important difference to a child's experience of primary school. Smaller classes can give teachers more time to understand each pupil's strengths, interests and areas for development, while creating greater opportunities for children to ask questions, contribute and receive individual support.
When visiting schools, parents may want to ask about average class sizes, how many children are in each year group and how teachers adapt learning to meet different needs. It is also worth considering whether the school has a structure that allows teachers to know pupils well throughout their primary education.
At Waverley, we have single-form entry, with one class per year group, creating a close-knit school community where every child is well known. Our small classes, an average of 21 pupils per class, allow teachers to provide individual attention, appropriate challenge and support according to each child's needs. All classes at Waverley have a full time Form Teacher, and also either a second full-time teacher or a full-time Teaching Assistant. Our teachers can provide a genuinely personalised education that enables every child to develop their confidence, independence and academic potential. Read more.
3. A happy, nurturing environment
A great primary school should be a place where children feel happy, safe, valued and confident. When children feel secure and supported, they are more likely to enjoy learning, build positive relationships and have the confidence to try new things.
When visiting a primary school, look at how teachers interact with pupils and whether children appear engaged, confident and happy. Consider the school's approach to pastoral care, friendships, wellbeing and developing children's resilience and independence.
At Waverley, we believe that children achieve their best when they are happy and confident. Our teachers know every child as an individual and create a supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves, learn from mistakes and celebrate their achievements. We want children to leave Waverley not only with excellent academic foundations, but also with the confidence and character to thrive in their next school. Read more.
How Waverley monitors, reviews and reporting a pupil's progress
4. Sport and Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Primary education should extend well beyond the classroom. Sport, music, performing arts, art, clubs and other activities give children opportunities to discover their interests, develop new skills and build confidence.
When choosing a primary school in Wokingham, consider the breadth as well as the quality of its extracurricular opportunities. Are children encouraged to try something new? Can they develop a particular talent? Are there opportunities to participate as well as compete?
At Waverley, pupils benefit from an extensive programme of sport and extracurricular activities alongside the academic curriculum. Sport plays a particularly important role in school life, with opportunities to participate in a wide range of team and individual sports. Children play weekly sports matches against other schools from Year 3 onwards, with some sports fixtures also in Year 2. For the more sports-talented, we participate in regional and national competitions. In 2026, Waverley pupils became National Athletics Champions, reflecting the high level of sporting opportunity and achievement within the school. Read more.
Music, performing arts, art, clubs and enrichment activities also enable children to explore their individual interests and discover talents beyond the classroom. Children regularly participate in school assemblies, summer and Christmas productions, choral and poetry events, Art competitions and ISA (Independent Schools Association) competitions.
Music and the Arts at Waverley
5. Secondary School Preparation
A strong primary education should prepare children not only for their next school, but for the opportunities and challenges that follow.
When comparing primary schools in Wokingham, parents may want to consider how effectively each school prepares pupils for secondary education. This includes academic foundations, confidence, independence, organisation, resilience and the ability to adapt to a new environment.
At Waverley, preparation for secondary school is a gradual process that begins well before Year 6. Pupils are encouraged to become increasingly independent learners, take responsibility for their work and develop the confidence to embrace new challenges.
Our Year 6 pupils progress to a wide range of independent, grammar and state senior schools. In 2026, 93% secured their first-choice senior school, 97% achieved a pass for selective senior schools and 47% received at least one senior-school scholarship offer across academics, sport, music and the performing arts.
Our aim is not simply to prepare children for an entrance examination, but to give every pupil the academic foundations, confidence and independence to flourish at their next school. Read more about Waverley's secondary school destinations here.
Full list of Waverley Leavers' Secondary School Destinations
6. Independent vs State - Deciding Factors
Choosing between an independent and state primary school is a personal decision, and there is no single option that is right for every family. Parents should consider the needs and personality of their child, as well as the educational environment in which they are most likely to thrive.
When comparing schools, it can be helpful to consider factors such as class sizes, individual attention, curriculum breadth, extracurricular opportunities, pastoral care, facilities, wraparound provision and the school's approach to preparing children for secondary education.
Independent schools may offer smaller classes, additional specialist teaching and a wider range of extracurricular opportunities, although provision varies considerably between individual schools. State schools can also provide an excellent education and often have strong links with their local communities.
At Waverley, our single-form entry and small classes allow teachers to know every pupil well and provide a genuinely personalised education. We combine strong academic outcomes with opportunities across sport, music, performing arts and the wider curriculum, within a warm and nurturing environment.
Ultimately, the most important question is not simply whether a school is independent or state, but whether it is the right school for your individual child. We encourage parents to visit schools, meet the teachers, talk to pupils and experience the atmosphere before making their decision.
Why Families Choose Waverley
Families choose Waverley for its combination of academic excellence, small classes and a genuinely personalised education. Our pupils are well known and supported by teachers who understand their individual strengths and needs.
With a happy, nurturing environment, outstanding opportunities in sport, music and the performing arts, and excellent senior-school destinations, Waverley provides a broad education that helps every child grow in confidence, discover their strengths and achieve their potential.
Discover More About Waverley
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