10 Reasons to Choose Waverley Prep School - Wokingham's Leading Independent School

Waverley Prep and Pre-Prep in Wokingham, Berkshire, offers an exceptional education for boys and girls from 3 months to 11 years. From our Nursery through to Year 6, we provide a nurturing and inspiring environment where every child is known, valued, celebrated and encouraged to achieve their very best. .

1. Our Ranking

Ranked 15th in the UK by The Times and 'Best in Berkshire’ for the last 14 years based on Waverley's academic results out of over 20,000 Prep and State Primary Schools. Read more here about our rankings.

2. An impressive range of Secondary School offers

Pupils from Waverley achieve places at a range of local and nationally renowned Secondary Schools, including Wellington College, Reading Blue Coat, Bradfield College, Reading Boys Grammar, Kendrick Girls Grammar in Reading, and many more. We pride ourselves that our most recent Year 6 of 2026 achieved a pass rate of 97% for selective secondary schools (grammar 11+ and independent) and 93% of our Year 6 leavers of 2026 were offered a places at their first choice secondary school. Read more.

Many pupils also achieve scholarships to their preferred school for a range of academic, art, music and sports talents. Almost half (47%) of our 2026 Year 6 pupils were awarded at least one secondary school scholarship for their talents in academics, sports, drama, music and performing arts. Read more.

3. Impressive 2026 SATS results. 100% of pupils met the accepted Maths standard compared to 73% national average

Furthermore, 95% of our pupils obtained a combined (Reading, Writing and Maths) score of 'Achieved and Greater Depth' compared to a national average of 62%. Read more.

4. A personalised education for every child

Our curriculum includes all children receiving 50 minutes per day of high-quality phonics and reading tuition in groups of 4 pupils per teacher via our Read Write Inc system. Children at Waverley excel academically but also flourish in sports, art, music and drama. Our children develop a life-long love of learning, supported by dedicated teachers who know every child as an individual.

5. Top Marks in our ISI Inspection and an 'Outstanding' Nursery

Waverley is consistently inspected as an excellent school. Our Prep School was rated 'Double Excellent' in all areas of our inspection (February 2022) by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and then achieved 100% compliance and 'Top Marks' in our most recent ISI inspection in February 2024. These are the highest possible gradings achievable. Our Nursery was inspected as 'Outstanding' in our 2024 inspection. Read more.

6. Sporting prowess - National Athletics Champions 2026

Waverley Prep School is a family-friendly, nurturing environment where children excel academically but also flourish in sports, art, music and drama due to our broad curriculum. We are thrilled to be the current UK champions having won Gold in the headline event at the ISA (Independent Schools Association) National Athletics Championships at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Read more.

We pride ourselves in spotting sporting talent and encourage pupils to join a dedicated club if appropriate. Recent leavers include a sports scholar who has achieved a place at an Ivy League University in the USA.

7. A parent-friendly fee structure

Our fee structure charges core school fees and Breakfast/After School Club separately. This means that you only pay for the wrap-around care that you use. Our fees can also be paid monthly, termly, annually or multi-years in advance.

8. Small class sizes in a warm, nurturing environment with a family feel

We have an average class size of 21 pupils and our school is single-form entry (one class per year group). All staff know every pupil by first name and all pupils from all years know each other and play together. Our warm and welcoming community ensures that children are happy, confident and excited to come to school each day.

9. An education combining traditional and modern teaching methods

We also place a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and sports. We punch well above our weight in sports for a small school and have recently reached the national ISA (Independent Schools Association) finals in both football and athletics.

10. Average 76% pass rate for 11+ (Grammar school)

Of those pupils who took the 11+ exam, we have celebrated an average pass rate of 76% for 2024-2026. This includes both Reading Boys Grammar, Kendrick Girls Grammar in Reading, as well as other grammar schools including Slough, High Wycombe and Chelmsford. Read more.

And finally...! Wrap-around care 51 weeks per year, from 07:30hrs - 18:00hrs every weekday

Provided through Waverley's own Breakfast Club, After-School Club and Holiday Club - managed by Waverley staff for consistency and depth of care. Hassle-free and stress-free for working parents with ad hoc sessions always available.

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