Culturally Diverse State Primary School in Cookham

[MelOnTheMove]

Hello!
I'm Mel. My family and i are looking to move to Maidenhead in about a year, but planning in advance. We are a black family, and i was just wondering what Cookham is like with regards to diversity neighbourhood-wise, and especially with the State primary schools. Are people friendly? and can anyone recommend a good State primary school we can look into, in Cookham or elsewhere in Maidenhead?

Hi
I’m relatively local so know a bit that might help.
Have you visited Maidenhead and spent any time in the different areas? I’d do that if it’s unfamiliar. Where are you relocating from?
Cookham is not culturally diverse at all. Having said that, it is friendly, and lots of families stay long-term. All the primary schools are very well regarded so suggest you visit to help you decide. Catchment areas are not large, but normally about a mile, give or take. Culturally diverse areas would include central Maidenhead, Reading etc, not the outlying villages.

@Missingthesnow2 Thank you so much for your reply. Yes I'm planning to come out this year. Still doing my research and I'm now looking closely at Richmond, and Maidenhead.

I wouldn't touch Cookham. If you ever watched League of Gentlemen, I think they based it on Cookham.
Maidenhead central is more diverse. But expensive and very over populated
Schools are pretty good across the board primary wise but secondary aren't good.

I would choose Richmond over Cookham and Maidenhead without hesitation (know them all). Richmond is by far the most diverse and also so much to do and more transport options. Maidenhead is actually not great, and expensive. The shopping and centre are actually pretty miserable and there is very little to do for young people. Cookham is pretty but definitely not diverse. Very much a slightly sprawling village so you would still go to Marlow (very touristy with far too many cafes now) and Maidenhead for shopping etc. I think it would be a bit of a nightmare to be either in Maidenhead or Cookham with older children. London all the way.

If you want diverse without being in a city centre type set up, go for outskirts of between Reading and Wokingham. I live between the two, good schools, great travel links, lots of green spaces. Houses are expensive but that's the South East. Shopping on the doorstep. Very diverse and welcoming to all.

Thanks so much for the helpful information! @Grimbelina @ReformedWaywardTeen

Cookham’s a nightmare for older children? I’ve heard it all.

I agree with Missingthesnow2’s take.

I lived in Maidenhead for ten years, and visited Cookham often, I'm struggling to think what was around for teens?
The Magnet is gone, and the whole leisure stuff surrounding it.
Not many shops left (like most high streets).

I’m not sure this is quite what most people would think of as a “nightmare”.

Cookham is not diverse. Expensive and predominantly white. Maidenhead itself is more diverse, but still not anywhere near levels in London. We are a mixed race family and have opted for private. There are some fab states schools in Maidenhead but catchment areas are tiny. The private school my children are in is far more diverse (1/3 non-white) than are catchment school, which is predominantly white.

I feel I need to stand up for Maidenhead though!. We have made great friends here (‘moved from London). There are lots of community clubs and activities. The magnet leisure centre has gone, but Braywick has been built which is great. The town centre is rapidly improving and has lots of independent eateries. It’s a very safe place to live. Elizabeth line to London, but within 10 mins you are in the countryside.

Braywick Leisure Centre is really good indeed.

Thank you @KingFisherSalmon and @LongTimeListener1 for your takes on this.

I'm definitely looking more towards Richmond.

@Missingthesnow2 sorry i didn't answer your question. We'll be relocating from Kenya.