Dolphin School
School summary
A small independent school near Reading in Wokingham, Dolphin School educates a mixed intake from age 3 through to 13, with just 181 pupils on roll. That intimate scale shapes much of its character, allowing children to be known well as they move from the early years towards senior school entry. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent for both the quality of pupils' education and their personal development. Parents should note, however, that the same inspection found the school did not meet all of its regulatory compliance requirements, an area worth raising directly with the school.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 4 December 2025
Teaching & academics
The ISI's top rating of excellent for the quality of pupils' education points to strong teaching and learning across the 3-13 age range. A notably high proportion of pupils receive SEN support, around 27 per cent, suggesting a school accustomed to identifying and responding to individual learning needs. The non-selective, broad age span means children are prepared steadily for the next stage of their education.
Head · Mr Adam Hurst
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 26.67%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £15,966 - £21,870
Means-tested bursaries from year 5
Schools nearby
Shiplake College
Henley-on-Thames, South East
Reading Blue Coat School
Berkshire, South East
Reddam House Berkshire
Wokingham, South East
Ludgrove
Wokingham, South East
Beech Lodge School
Hurley, South East
Leighton Park School
Reading, South East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A small, nurturing prep school with excellent ISI ratings for education and personal development, suited to families who value being well known. The compliance shortfall flagged at inspection is one to ask about before applying.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Dolphin School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.