State schools near Pangbourne

[Pizzatrip]

Hi all,

We’ve found a house that we’re keen to put an offer on in Pangbourne, West Berkshire.

The only thing putting me off is that it’s in the catchment for Theale Green, which I’ve heard mixed reviews for.

The past 2 years data shows that we’d get into Langtree or Denefield which both look better. Langtree especially so.

Denefield is physically the closest, but there doesn’t seem any way of getting there easily. Either walking 40 mins along an A road or a 50 min public transport journey.

Langtree would therefore be preferable, but I’m concerned with the VAT rise that the chance of getting in out of catchment may lessen as demand on the school may increase in the next few years. My daughter is currently in Y3.

I’d love anyone’s thoughts on the three schools mentioned. Also if anyone knows if I’ve missed some kind of transport option for Denefield?

Hi
I have two DCs who have been to Langtree in recent years and my youngest is there now. It is a great school with very good results. It is quite small only 4 form entry but they occasionally add an extra form if they need to.. it doesn't have a 6th form not sure if you are aware of that. Langtree kids mainly go to Henley college or The Downs.
I don't know much about Theale Green other than it doesn't have a great reputation and struggles to fill places.
Not sure about transport options as we are within catchment and a free school bus is provided.
It would be a slog walking up the hill from Pangbourne to Denefield not sure that it would be feasible.
The area is really family friendly and safe with lovely countryside around. Pangbourne is a bit blighted by traffic though.
If it were me though I wouldn't move to an area out of catchment for the schools you want. How about Woodcote or Whitchurch Hill?

It is an area where a lot go to private school so it could be affected by the VAT whi knows? I also saw rumours that the secondary in Sonning Common might close which might have an impact on Langtree

Thanks for the info both.. we’re keen on Pangbourne as like the village life, so I’m concerned Whitchurch Hill or Woodcote would be a bit quiet. Goring would obviously be lovely and in catchment, but the prices are that bit higher again.

I didn’t realise that Langtree didn’t have a sixth form - that complicates things even more! That’s quite a slog to Henley or The Downs.

It's a shame Langtree doesn't have a 6th Form. Henley is a long way I agree. My older dc are at The Downs 6th form I think there are some kids from Pangbourne there and I believe there are school buses. The nearest 6th form to Pangbourne would be Denefield

There is a school bus from Goring to the Downs. I believe one may run to Pangbourne too. Worth checking

There are children who walk or bike up to Denefield from Pangbourne (not many) or parents drop them and there are buses from Pangbourne to The Downs (private coach) or Langtree (service bus). Once every 5 years Langtree take 150, instead of 120 and that is the current year 7.

The three schools have different strengths and weaknesses. You can select a preference for the school that most fits your child in year 6, things like logistics will be important things like no transport back from Langtree or Theale Green could be an issue if they are likely to want to do after school clubs or not be an issue as you have a network to share with. You also have the option of selective grammar in Reading (Kendrick)

God I hadn’t thought about transport back from after school clubs! I guess we could pick them up actually.. wouldn’t be able to pick them up regularly from usual pick up time though.

It’s such a shame there’s no way to get to Denefield but along that busy road.. can’t imagine making a 12 year old walk or cycle that, especially in summer.

What would you say the strengths and weaknesses of the schools are? Results wise Theale Green doesn’t look THAT much worse than Denefield, but has a bad reputation. Do you know why?

Theale Green has had a mixed past, as has Denefield, it has recently improved in terms of reputation and now more catchment children are going and numbers have increased to full year groups.

Leadership has a lot to do with a school success. It can change a school very quickly in a negative way and take years to build back.

Results aren't everything, look at the ethos to learning, how do they teach, does that suit your child. What broader opportunities are there for development and how do they suit your child. Some schools are more insistent on studying a language and humanity at GCSE, others not.

Some children from Pangbourne have been travelling up the hill to the primary schools there rather than Pangbourne so parents are used to the journey or doing a school run anyway for younger siblings, plus friendship groups that have formed.

There is no easy answer and in 4 years a lot can change. Pangbourne is a lovely village and great transport links with the train and close to the M4 (although can be very busy traffic). The local schools are all reasonably good at primary and secondary, the whole West Berkshire area is spoiled with good schools.