Cranford is a leading co-educational independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-18 years. It has an excellent reputation for providing pupils with a balanced, all-round education within a warmly nurturing environment.
Set in over 14 acres of rural South Oxfordshire in the heart of Moulsford village, the small class sizes, close community and committed staff ensure each pupil is ably supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.
The school was rated as ‘Excellent’ in all categories in its ISI Inspection of November 2022. “Pupils are highly motivated, have extremely positive attitudes to learning and are determined to make the most of the opportunities available to them at the school.” ISI Inspection.
A thriving new co-educational Sixth Form with modern facilities, offers more than 20 A-level option choices together with an extensive co-curricular programme.
At Cranford, the aim is to encourage pupils to achieve their full potential, becoming motivated, confident and happy individuals, recognising the importance of respect and support for others, but ready to seize life’s opportunities.
Academic attainment at Cranford is outstanding. Our GCSE results typically see over 60% of all grades achieved at 9-7 (A*-A). The school consistently achieves a value-added score of +1.3 showing that pupils at Cranford can expect to achieve over a grade higher per subject than they would elsewhere. At A-level 70% of all grades awarded were A*-B, 42% with 95% of all graduates attaining places at their chosen university.
Cranford proudly has a strong reputation for excellent pastoral care. As a small school, great emphasis is placed on really knowing every pupil and developing a bespoke approach to ensure that all pupils grow into well-rounded individuals who achieve their fullest potential. Pupils benefit from small class sizes and a strong pastoral system that gives them the confidence to flourish academically, creatively, spiritually and socially. A vibrant House System encourages both a sense of community and leadership.
The school has extensive recreational and games fields supporting over 30 sports fixtures weekly. The core competitive sports are football, hockey, netball, tennis and cricket with specialist academies offered in hockey, netball and football. Pupils experience a wide range of sport delivered by specialist PE staff which ensures, all abilities and interests are catered for. Sport also plays an important role in encouraging and appreciation of a healthy lifestyle.
A rich provision of over 100 co-curricular and extra-curricular clubs and activities are offered throughout the year designed to offer pupils ways to expand their learning, build confidence and explore their sense of curiosity. Pupils from Reception to Sixth Form benefit from the vast array of extra-curricular clubs offered each week ranging from Design Technology, Trampolining, Street Dance, Brass Band, Sailing and much more.
Performing Arts at Cranford is a hive of activity which helps pupils build confidence, inspire and nurture collective creativity all while making great friendships. Drama has a place for all and participation is encouraged and supported within all areas within school productions. Dramatic musical, theatre and dance productions are an important aspect of school life and all are encouraged to take part.
Performance sits at the heart of the Music Department which embraces all styles of music. With specialist teaching from as early as Reception, pupils benefit from a bespoke music curriculum designed around Performing, Composing and Listening. Ensembles and choirs offer pupils the opportunity to expand their musicality in a fun and stimulating environment. Pupils develop their social and communication skills by playing and singing with their peers, while live performance opportunities allow their confidence and self-esteem to grow. Musical ensembles pride themselves on being inclusive and allow all pupils to enjoy music making together.
The expeditions and trips provision brings out the adventurous side in most pupils with exciting opportunities to develop self-confidence, build friendships and independence. Pupils are provided with opportunities to take part in both day and residential activities participating in adventure sports ranging from kayaking to abseiling, climbing, orienteering, mountain biking, hiking, shelter building and much more besides. Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme are offered, in addition to far-flung expeditions with World Challenge. Opportunities for overseas travel are also offered from city breaks to Venice, Madrid and Edinburgh, ski and sports trips and choir tours. An extensive network of school transport operates over a wide area throughout both Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Message from the Head:
“I am proud of the breadth of opportunities on offer at Cranford, the generosity of spirit and mutual respect the pupils have for each other and uniquely inclusive nature of all our activities. A Cranford education really does prepare all our pupils for modern life and an exciting future.” Dr James Raymond – Headmaster
Entrance Procedure:
Scholarship and Assessment Day (Year 7 and Sixth Form) Interviews with the Headmaster and Taster Days
School Motto: Per Salicem Ad Alta
Headteacher: Dr James Raymond
Type of School: Independent Day School
Number of Pupils: 525
Religion: C of E
Open Day Dates: Opportunities to visit the school are offered throughout the year from Pre-School to Sixth Form. https://www.cranfordschool.co.uk/admissions/openevents
