Waverley
PreparatoryPrimary Schools in Arborfield Green - A Guide For Parents
If you are looking for primary schools in Arborfield Green, Arborfield and the surrounding Wokingham area there are a number of options for families to consider.
Choosing the right school is an important decision, and parents will naturally want to consider academic achievement, class sizes, pastoral care, extracurricular opportunities, location and the type of education that will suit their child.
This short guide provides an overview of primary-school options in and around Arborfield, including local state schools and independent education nearby, to help families make an informed decision.
Primary Schools in Arborfield Green
Arborfield and Arborfield Green are growing communities within the Wokingham area, with local primary-school provision serving families across the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Two primary schools located in Arborfield itself are The Coombes Church of England Primary School and Farley Hill Primary School. The Coombes is located on School Road in Arborfield Cross, while Farley Hill Primary School is on Baston Road in Arborfield Green.
However, for families moving into the area or looking at different school options, it is worth considering not only the nearest school, but also the type of education, school environment and opportunities that each school provides.
What to Consider When Choosing a Primary School
The closest school may not be the best fit for every child. When comparing primary schools in Arborfield, parents may want to consider:
- Academic outcomes and progress
- Class sizes and individual attention
- Pastoral care and wellbeing
- Sport and extracurricular activities
- Music, art and performing arts
- The school's approach to different abilities
- Preparation for secondary school
- Wraparound (Breakfast and After School Club) and holiday care
- Location and journey to school
- The overall atmosphere and character of the school
A visit can be particularly valuable. Seeing children in their classrooms, meeting teachers and experiencing the atmosphere of a school can tell you much more than a league table alone.
An Independent Primary School Near Arborfield Green
For families who would like to consider independent primary schools near Arborfield Green, Waverley Prep School provides an alternative to local state primary education and is located the closest.
Waverley is located in Finchampstead, Wokingham, close to Arborfield and Arborfield Green. The school provides a co-educational independent education from Nursery through to Year 6, with the Prep School educating and caring for children from 3 months to 11 years.
Waverley's single-form entry (one class per year group) and small classes (average of 21 pupils) create a close-knit environment where teachers know their pupils well and can provide individual support and challenge. Read more about Waverley here.
Rather than being located in Arborfield itself, Waverley is a very nearby option for families for an independent education. It takes less than 10 minutes to drive from Arborfield to Waverley. In the summer, many of our families living in Arborfield cycle to Waverley using the California Greenway route which is a virtually traffic-free route through California Country Park.
What is Different About Independent Primary Education?
Independent and state primary schools offer different approaches and experiences. When considering an independent primary school, parents may wish to look at:
Class sizes and individual attention: Smaller classes can give teachers more opportunity to understand each child and adapt learning to their needs.
Curriculum and enrichment: Independent schools may offer a particularly broad range of specialist teaching, sports, music, arts and extracurricular activities.
School community: The size and structure of a school can influence how closely pupils, teachers and families interact.
Secondary-school preparation and aspirations: Prep schools typically have a particular focus on preparing children for the transition to senior school at 11.
For Waverley families, the combination of small classes, personalised learning and a broad curriculum is an important part of the school's ethos. Find out more here.
Read more about independent vs state education here.
Academic Achievement At Waverley
For parents considering an independent school near Arborfield, academic outcomes are naturally an important consideration. Waverley is currently recognised among the UK's high-performing prep schools, with strong Year 6 results and a history of national recognition.
In 2026, 95% of Waverley's Year 6 pupils achieved Achieved or Greater Depth across reading, writing and mathematics, compared with a national average of 62%. Waverley is also ranked 15th in the UK based on the Department for Education's ranking using Year 6 SATs results. Read more about Waverley's recent SATS results here.
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Sport, Music and Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
A primary education should provide opportunities for children to discover what they enjoy and where their talents lie. Waverley offers a broad programme of sport, music, art, performing arts, clubs and enrichment activities alongside the academic curriculum.
Sport is a particular strength with all children from Year 2 onwards participating in weekly matches against other schools. In 2026, Waverley pupils became National Athletics Champions, demonstrating the opportunities available to children to develop their sporting ability and compete at a high level. Read more about Waverley sport here.
The emphasis however is not simply on producing elite performers. Children are encouraged to participate, try new activities and develop confidence, teamwork and resilience.
Preparing for Secondary School
Another important consideration for parents choosing a primary school is how well it prepares children for the next stage of their education.
Waverley's Prep School provides a strong foundation for senior school, with pupils progressing to a wide range of independent, grammar and state schools.
In 2026, 93% of Waverley's Year 6 leavers secured their first-choice senior school, while 97% achieved a pass for selective senior schools. Almost half – 47% – received at least one senior-school scholarship offer across academics, sport, music and the performing arts.
The school's approach is to help each child find the senior school that is right for them, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach with the closest, local secondary school. Learn more about the secondary school destinations of recent Waverley leavers here.
Visit Waverley Prep School
If you live in Arborfield or Arborfield Green, or are moving to the Arborfield area, and are considering your primary-school options, we would be delighted to welcome you to Waverley.
A 1-2-1 tour gives you the opportunity to see our classrooms, meet our teachers and experience the atmosphere of the school for yourself.
