Reading School Review – School Rankings, Fees, And More
Reading School, one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious grammar schools, has long been recognised for its academic standards and rich history. Located in the heart of Berkshire, this selective boys’ school continues to foster a strong culture of achievement, with an impressive track record in both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
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Key Features of Reading School
- Local authority: Reading
- Type: State school
- Pupils: 1,130; sixth formers: 377
- Gender: Boys
- Religion: None
- Fees: Boarding £15,066 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Reading School Results 2025
Latest Results
- A Level Results (2025): 72.4% A*/A
- GCSE Results (2025): 88.9% 9-7
Past Results
- A Level Results (2024): 72.3% A*/A
- GCSE Results (2024): 85.7% 9-7
Teaching and Learning at Reading School
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8)
In the initial years, students engage with a broad range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Humanities (Geography, History, Theology & Philosophy), and multiple languages such as French, German, Spanish, Latin, and Mandarin. This diverse curriculum lays a strong foundation for future academic pursuits. Additionally, students participate in weekly Floreat sessions focusing on character and leadership, fortnightly PSHE lessons, and weekly Elective sessions encompassing areas like Design & Technology, STEM, Cooking, and Bushcraft.
Key Stage 4 (Years 9–11)
As students progress, they select four optional subjects to complement a robust core curriculum, thereby exceeding the standard EBacc requirements. New subjects introduced at this stage include Photography, Economics, Electronics, and Ancient History. The Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) is undertaken in Year 9, fostering independent research skills. Furthermore, students begin to assume leadership roles within the school community, enhancing their personal growth and sense of responsibility.
Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13)
In the Sixth Form, the focus shifts towards scholarship and intellectual exploration. Students engage in in-depth studies of their chosen subjects, supported by subject specialists who encourage critical thinking and vibrant academic discussions. The curriculum is enriched with continued SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural) education and a Games programme, ensuring students develop holistically. Leadership opportunities are further expanded, preparing students to become active, responsible, and engaged members of society.
Boarding Experience in Reading School
Reading School admits just 12 boarders per year, creating a tight-knit community that adds a unique character to the school. Boarding students, though a small group, play a significant role, excelling in leadership roles, sports, and music. All boarders are weekly, travelling home on Friday afternoons and returning on Sunday evening or Monday morning, with many coming from places as far as Blackburn and Cardiff.
The boarding houses are located at the heart of the school, with boys living in two upstairs houses across two buildings. Meals are provided in the refectory, but cooking is a popular activity, with junior and senior kitchens in each house and regular cooking competitions. The houses are well-equipped, with computer rooms and cosy lounges featuring pool tables, table football, and TVs.
Boarders follow a structured routine, with 90 minutes of supervised study time each evening for juniors. Older students, from Year 10 up, have their own individual rooms, while younger boys typically share three to a room. Boarding students also have access to their own clubs and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.
Extracurricular Activities in Reading School
Reading School offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities that cater to a wide variety of interests. Every Year 7 student learns a musical instrument as part of the curriculum, with many continuing lessons outside school. Music is a strong focus, with events like the annual house music competition held at the Hexagon, drawing large audiences. Overseas music tours, such as a recent trip to Barcelona, are also part of the programme.
Drama, while not as prominent as music, is still of high quality, with a major performance planned for the school’s anniversary. Art, however, has less student interest, similar to trends in other boys’ schools.
The school encourages participation in various activities, with an electives programme requiring Years 7-10 to take part in co-curricular activities daily. Options include ultimate frisbee, robotics, Model UN, Young Enterprise, and music tech, among others. Chess and public speaking are taken seriously, with several clubs and societies led by students.
In sports, Reading School offers a broad selection, including cricket, rugby, football, hockey, squash, badminton, and lacrosse. Although facilities are modest, the school performs well in several sports, notably cricket and badminton, with national and county titles in recent years. Climbing, rowing, and canoeing are growing in popularity, with the rowing team benefitting from a former Olympic rower as head coach.
Admissions Process: Entering Reading School
Reading School Testimonials and Reviews
This is a really good school and also a good place to work. I was posted by my Agency to work in their kitchen (canteen) as a Food Services Assistant and I had the most pleasurable working experience of my agency work life. The chefs and staff are so polite and kind. Very respectful and and just all round courteous.
Honorable mention to Josh( hope i got the name right but tall mixed-race dude), one of the staff in the kitchen. Really affable dude. Great food, excellent standards of cooking while maintaining decency and cleanliness. I’d easily give them a 6 but there’s only 5 stars
Usually comes in the top 10 schools in the country, approx two dozen students get into Oxbridge each year, loved every second of my 5 years here so far, not come across any bullying. You have to do really well on your 11+ to get in, but when you do it has a fantastic combination of stimulating teaching and student care.
We love the school. Excellent direction in academics and encourages innovation.
Epic school, not racist as some comments say, great teaching, great results
Frequently Asked Questions about Reading Schools
Sports is usually not the main reason people go for Reading. However, their facilities are abundant and available regardless of the students’ personal interests.
There are only 12 boarding spots open each year, forming a very tight-knit community in the boarding house.
Yes, many parents invest in personal tutors to prepare their children for entry.
Yes, the school claims to be highly inclusive and have students with different special needs.
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