Reading School
Reading, Berkshire, South East · RG1 5LW
One of the few state grammar schools to offer boarding, Reading School is a selective boys' school drawing high-achieving pupils to its place in Reading, Berkshire. Entry comes at 11, and the school is notably large for its kind, with around 1,129 boys on roll against a capacity of 1,094 - so it currently sits slightly over its intended size. Roughly one in five pupils speaks English as an additional language, a sign of the breadth of families it attracts. Ofsted judged the school Outstanding across every category at its most recent inspection, including the sixth form.
1,129
Pupils
Outstanding
Ofsted
150
Places (PAN)
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Boys
- Type
- state grammar school
- Pupils
- 1,129
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 17.6
- Location
- Reading, Berkshire, South East
- Website
- http://www.reading-school.co.uk/
Entrance & admissions
- Consortium
- Reading School (FSCE)
- Exam board
- Bespoke
- Subjects tested
- English, Maths
- Places (PAN)
- 150
- Entry age
- 11
Key dates· 2027 entry
Application deadlineNext
31 October 2026
Offers date
1 March 2027
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Latest results
Attainment 8
83
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
100%
National average 47%
Teaching & academics
Academic results here are exceptional: the average Attainment 8 score is 83, far above the national figure of 46.9, and every pupil achieves a grade 5 or above in English and Maths, compared with 47% nationally. Ofsted rated the quality of education Outstanding. With a pupil-to-teacher ratio of about 17.6, this is a school built around stretching able pupils to a very high standard.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 3.81%
- EHC plans
- 0.71%
- English as additional language
- 19.4%
- Free school meals
- 4.5%
Ethos & heritage
- Boarding
- Yes
Inspection reports
- Ofsted overall
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Outstanding
- Last inspected
- 21 November 2023
The last word
A consistently high-performing boys' grammar with the rare option of boarding, suited to families seeking academic challenge for a son who thrives in a selective setting. Competition for its 150 places, assessed in English and Maths, is fierce.
The Passmate verdict
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Reading School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Reading School located?
Reading School is located at Erleigh Road, Reading, RG1 5LW.
What type of school is Reading School?
Reading School is a state grammar school in South East.
What subjects does Reading School test in the 11+?
Reading School tests English and Maths at 11+.
Which exam board does Reading School use for the 11+?
Reading School's 11+ uses Bespoke.
How do I apply to Reading School?
For 2027 entry, the application deadline is 31 October 2026.
When are Reading School 11+ offers released?
For 2027 entry, Reading School releases offers on 1 March 2027.
Which consortium does Reading School belong to?
Reading School is part of the Reading School (FSCE) consortium.
How many places does Reading School offer?
Reading School has a published admission number of 150 places.
How many pupils attend Reading School?
Reading School has approximately 1,129 pupils on roll.
What is Reading School's Ofsted rating?
Reading School was rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted at its inspection on 21 November 2023.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.