For many families, finding the right school is one of the most important factors when choosing where to live.
Wokingham Borough has long been recognised as one of the most desirable places for families in Berkshire, offering a strong selection of primary, secondary and independent schools alongside attractive neighbourhoods, excellent transport links and plenty of green open space.
At Michael Hardy, we regularly help families relocating from across Berkshire, London and the South East who are looking to balance their property search with access to good local schools. Whether you’re moving to Wokingham town centre, Crowthorne, Finchampstead or Arborfield, this guide provides an overview of the education options available and the factors to consider when searching for your next home.
Why Families Choose Wokingham
Wokingham consistently attracts families thanks to its combination of highly regarded schools, strong community spirit and excellent connectivity.
The area offers:
- A wide range of primary and secondary schools
- Several highly regarded independent schools
- Easy access to Reading, Bracknell and London
- Extensive parks, countryside and family amenities
- A variety of housing options, from character properties to modern developments
Many buyers tell us that school catchment areas are among their primary reasons for moving to the area, particularly those relocating from London and surrounding counties.
Understanding School Catchment Areas
One of the most common questions we receive from buyers is whether a property falls within the catchment area of a particular school.
While living within a catchment area can improve the likelihood of securing a school place, admission is never guaranteed. School admissions are influenced by a range of factors including:
- Distance from the school
- Sibling attendance
- Catchment boundaries
- Faith-based criteria (where applicable)
- Individual admissions policies
Catchment areas can change from year to year, so it is always important to consult the latest admissions information before making any decisions.
For this reason, many families begin their property search well in advance of school application deadlines.
Primary Schools in Wokingham
Wokingham benefits from an excellent selection of primary schools serving both established residential areas and newer developments.
Evendons Primary School
Located to the south of Wokingham town centre, Evendons Primary School has become a popular choice for families thanks to its modern facilities, strong academic focus and emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning.
St Teresa’s Catholic Academy
A well-established Catholic primary school serving families from Wokingham and surrounding areas, St Teresa’s remains a popular option for those seeking faith-based education.
Walter Infant School and Nursery
Situated close to the town centre, the Walter schools have served local families for generations and remain firmly embedded within the community, and the team at Michael Hardy is proud to regularly contribute to their fundraising efforts.
Floreat Montague Park Primary School
Serving the growing Montague Park development, Floreat Montague Park is a modern primary school has become an important educational hub for families moving into one of Wokingham’s largest new residential communities.
Windmill Primary School and Wheatfield Primary School
Both Windmill Primary and Wheatfield Primary schools support the expanding population in and around Wokingham’s newer neighbourhoods and offer modern learning environments designed for growing communities.
Secondary Schools in Wokingham
The town’s secondary schools are a significant draw for families considering a move to the area.
The Holt School
One of the most well-known schools in Berkshire, The Holt School is a girls’ secondary school with sixth form provision. The school enjoys a strong local reputation and attracts applications from across the borough.
Properties within easy reach of The Holt are often particularly popular with families planning for secondary education.
St Crispin’s School
Located close to Wokingham town centre, St Crispin’s School serves a broad catchment area and offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
The Emmbrook School
A mixed comprehensive school serving Wokingham and nearby communities, The Emmbrook School remains a popular choice for families living in the northern and eastern parts of the town.
The Forest School
Situated in nearby Winnersh, The Forest School is a boys’ secondary school with a mixed sixth form and serves families across Wokingham Borough.
Schools in Crowthorne
Crowthorne is one of Berkshire’s most sought-after villages for families, thanks in part to its excellent educational provision and village atmosphere.
Primary Schools in Crowthorne
Popular primary schools serving the village include:
Crowthorne CofE Primary School
These schools are well positioned to serve both established residential neighbourhoods and newer family housing developments.
Edgbarrow School
Edgbarrow School is one of the area’s most respected secondary schools and serves families across Crowthorne, Sandhurst and neighbouring communities.
The school offers sixth form provision and is frequently cited by buyers as a key factor in their decision to move to the area.
Wellington College
Few schools carry the international reputation of Wellington College. Set within extensive grounds in Crowthorne, the school offers both boarding and day places and is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading independent schools.
Its presence contributes significantly to the area’s appeal among professional families relocating from London and overseas.
Schools in Finchampstead
Finchampstead offers a unique blend of countryside surroundings, family housing and access to excellent schools.
Finchampstead CofE Primary School
A popular village primary school with strong links to the local community and church.
Nine Mile Ride Primary School
Serving families across Finchampstead and California Cross, Nine Mile Ride Primary School is known for its welcoming environment and community focus.
Bohunt School Wokingham
Located between Finchampstead and Arborfield Green, Bohunt School has become one of the area’s most significant educational developments in recent years.
The school’s modern facilities, broad curriculum and growing reputation have made it a popular choice for families moving into both Finchampstead and Arborfield.
Demand for family homes within easy reach of Bohunt School has increased considerably since the school’s opening, particularly among buyers seeking modern housing developments.
Schools in Arborfield
Arborfield has experienced significant growth in recent years, largely driven by the creation of Arborfield Green, one of Berkshire’s largest new residential communities.
The Coombes CofE Primary School
A well-established village primary school serving Arborfield and surrounding communities.
Farley Hill Primary School
Located nearby, Farley Hill Primary School offers a village-school environment within easy reach of Arborfield Green.
Secondary School Options
Families living in Arborfield benefit from access to several nearby secondary schools, including:
- Bohunt School Wokingham
- Oakbank School
- The Emmbrook School
- St Crispin’s School
- The Forest School
This variety of options continues to make Arborfield a popular choice for growing families.
Independent Schools Near Wokingham
Families seeking independent education are particularly well served across the Wokingham area.
Wellington College
One of the UK’s leading independent schools for pupils aged 13 to 18.
Holme Grange School
Located near Wokingham, Holme Grange provides independent education from nursery through to senior school age and is highly regarded among local families.
Luckley House School
Set within attractive grounds on the outskirts of Wokingham, Luckley House offers independent education in a nurturing environment.
Crosfields School
Located in nearby Shinfield, Crosfields School provides independent education for children from early years through to senior school entry.
Waverley Preparatory School
Situated in Finchampstead, Waverley Preparatory School offers independent education for younger children and remains a popular choice among local families.
Comparing Secondary Schools in the Area
| School | Location | Type | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Holt School | Wokingham | Girls’ Secondary | 11-18 |
| St Crispin’s School | Wokingham | Mixed Secondary | 11-18 |
| The Emmbrook School | Wokingham | Mixed Secondary | 11-18 |
| The Forest School | Winnersh | Boys’ Secondary | 11-18 |
| Bohunt School Wokingham | Arborfield | Mixed Secondary | 11-18 |
| Edgbarrow School | Crowthorne | Mixed Secondary | 11-18 |
| Oakbank School | Ryeish Green | Mixed Secondary | 11-16 |
Finding a Home Near Your Preferred School
School catchment areas continue to influence buyer decisions across Wokingham Borough, particularly in locations close to The Holt School, Bohunt School Wokingham, Edgbarrow School and other popular local schools.
At Michael Hardy, we understand that finding the right home often goes hand in hand with finding the right school. Our team can help you identify suitable neighbourhoods and properties across Wokingham, Crowthorne, Finchampstead and Arborfield while providing local insight into the communities they serve.
Families Considering The Holt School
Areas often considered include:
- Woosehill
- Wokingham town centre
- Emmbrook
- Ashridge
Families Considering Bohunt School
Popular areas include:
- Arborfield Green
- Finchampstead
- Barkham
Families Considering Edgbarrow School
Popular locations include:
- Crowthorne
- Little Sandhurst
- Owlsmoor
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Wokingham?
Wokingham offers a wide range of highly regarded schools. Popular choices among local families include The Holt School, St Crispin’s School, The Emmbrook School, Bohunt School Wokingham and Edgbarrow School.
Do school catchment areas affect house prices?
Properties located close to popular schools often experience strong demand from buyers, particularly family homes within established residential neighbourhoods.
How can I check a school’s catchment area?
You should always consult the latest admissions information provided by the school and local authority, as catchment boundaries can change.
Is Wokingham a good place to raise a family?
Wokingham is widely regarded as one of Berkshire’s most family-friendly locations, offering excellent schools, green spaces, transport links and a strong sense of community. It regularly wins awards including Rightmove’s Happiest Places to Live list in 2024!
Looking for a Family Home in Wokingham?
Whether you’re searching for a property close to a particular school, planning a move into a new school catchment area or relocating to Berkshire for the first time and looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood, our experienced local team would be delighted to help.
Browse our latest properties for sale in Wokingham, Crowthorne, Finchampstead and Arborfield, or contact Michael Hardy on 0118 977 6776 (Wokingham) or 01344 779999 (Crowthorne) for personalised advice on finding the right home for your family’s next chapter.