Maiden Erlegh Trust - Spotlight on Cranbury College - Empowering Every Learner
Welcome to the latest in Maiden Erlegh Trust's School Spotlight series! This time, they were shining the light on us. This is what they said:
Cranbury College, is a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and Alternative Provision (AP) school at the heart of Reading and our community. Cranbury College is dedicated to transforming education for young people who need an educational reset and different approach to help their learning.
Cranbury College is part of the Maiden Erlegh Trust (MET), a family of schools committed to excellence in primary, secondary, specialist, and alternative provision. It provides individualised pathways that help students re-engage with education, develop confidence, and achieve meaningful qualifications.
Why Cranbury College Stands Out
A Place Where Every Student Matters
Cranbury College creates an environment where kindness, inclusion, and high aspirations define everything they do. As Ofsted recently noted:
“Cranbury College is a place where kindness, inclusion and support pervades. This is an environment where pupils come first, and adults make decisions in pupils’ best interests.”
A Personalised Approach to Learning
The school offers tailored educational programmes to meet each student’s unique needs. Whether it’s GCSEs, BTECs, or vocational qualifications, every young person is given the opportunity to succeed.
Building Confidence & Independence
Through a strong Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) curriculum, Cranbury College helps students develop life skills, resilience, and self-belief—preparing them for future success.
Reading Support That Makes a Difference
The school ensures that all students become confident and fluent readers, giving them essential tools for lifelong learning. Ofsted recognised the impact of Cranbury’s reading support, highlighting how pupils who need extra help receive “prompt and effective support,” to quickly become fluent readers.
An Expert & Compassionate Team
Cranbury College’s dedicated staff go above and beyond to support their students, providing individualised care, academic guidance, and emotional support to help every child thrive.
Celebrating Ofsted Success in 2025
Cranbury College has recently maintained its standards (achieving “GOOD” in all judgement areas) following a Section 8 Ofsted inspection (January 2025).
The Ofsted report praised:
✅ High Aspirations – “There are no limits to what the school believes its pupils can accomplish.”
✅ Outstanding Pastoral Support – A culture of kindness and inclusion ensures students feel safe, valued, and motivated.
✅ Personalised Curriculum – Flexible learning pathways help students reconnect with education and achieve success.
Looking Ahead – The Future of Cranbury College
Cranbury College remains committed to innovation, collaboration, and student success. As part of MET, it continues to develop new opportunities, ensuring every young person receives the education and support they deserve.
Maiden Erlegh Trust CEO Jon Peck, sums it up best:
“Cranbury College’s success is a shining example of what can be achieved when kindness, collaboration, inclusion, and high aspirations are at the heart of education.”
Discover More
📖 Read the full Ofsted report here
Cranbury College isn’t just a school — it’s a community of support and opportunity, helping students overcome challenges and build bright futures. 🌟