State schools around Henley - secondary and primary

[Seren1tynow]

Hi, we're looking to move out of a grammar area where the comprehensives have not been a positive experience for my 14yo (would likely have passed 11+ but didn't live in the area when it was taken so is stuck in comps, for good or for ill).

I know Bucks is a grammar system so we'll avoid that side as it would be the same problem, but how are the state schools in Henley/Wargrave/Sonning side of Reading? Same question for village primaries as younger sibling is still in juniors.

Are the waiting lists crazy? We're planning to move in the next few months but timing it all is tricky so they don't end up with no school places or 'needs improvement' school places. I know I sound like a raging snob about comps, I'm honestly not hence not considering private, but we've experienced two bouts of bad bullying and really want to get this right especially at such a crucial age for the older one.

In case relevant, budget is 1.25 max for 4 bed and we need a good train commute to W London. Thinking Twyford will work and happy to drive.

Any insights welcome!

Wargrave has 2 great primaries and is a really lovely village. Piggott’s is a good secondary. Commute is straightforward, some drive to Maidenhead but that might change once Crossrail beds in.

Henley is an annoying train spur line and I hate the traffic and parking (“wrong side of the Thames”), plus I’m not sure your budget will go that far.

Thank you! This is good to know. We don't want to live in Henley itself (for the traffic and because we wouldn't get much for our budget) but like the idea of it being our nearest nice town. If that makes sense! Hoping to find something in a village where we can drive to Twyford or Maidenhead as you say, but where there's a good choice of schools for both the kids. Just want to sense check that I'm not expecting the earth!