St Bartholomew's School Review 2026: Historic Excellence in Newbury

Founded in 1466 by Henry Wormestall, St Bartholomew's School (known locally as St Bart's) is one of the oldest schools in the country, yet its outlook is resolutely modern. The school's motto, Ad Lucem (Towards the Light), has guided students for centuries, but today it sits alongside the contemporary 'BARTS' values: Brave, Ambitious, Respectful, Trustworthy, and Safe. With a stunning £38 million campus opened in 2010, the school combines state-of-the-art facilities with a heritage that rivals many independent institutions. Ranked 718th in England and 3rd in Newbury for secondary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), it offers an academic education that is highly sought after by local families.

Walk through the light-filled atrium of the main building and you notice how the architecture supports the school's community structure. The design is centred around the House system, with four distinct areas for Curnock, Davis, Evers, and Patterson houses. These are named after former students who fell in the First World War, a poignant reminder of the school's deep roots in the community.

Dr David Fitter, the Headteacher, leads a school that feels orderly and purposeful. The 2010 redevelopment created a campus that allows for both specialised study and social integration. The atmosphere is one of focused energy; students move quickly between lessons in a building designed to minimise congestion.

The 'BARTS' values are not merely decorative. They form the basis of the school's behaviour policy and reward system, creating a cohesive culture across a large student body of nearly 2,000. Students earn points for their houses by demonstrating these values, fostering a healthy competition that culminates in the annual House Championship.

Academic performance is consistently strong. In 2024, more than 83% of GCSE grades were at grade 4 or higher, with over 35% at grade 7 or above. The school's Attainment 8 score of 55.3 reflects this high achievement across the curriculum.

Ranked 718th in England and 3rd in Newbury for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), St Bartholomew's consistently outperforms national averages. The school sits in the 'national strong' band, placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in the country.

At A-level, the picture is equally impressive. In 2024, 30% of grades were A*-A, and 79% were grade C or above. Ranked 738th in England and 4th in Newbury for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the Sixth Form maintains the school's reputation for academic rigour.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious, retaining a strong focus on the English Baccalaureate subjects while supporting the arts and technical education. Teaching is structured and disciplinary expertise is evident. Science is a particular strength, supported by high-quality laboratories that resemble university facilities.

The Sixth Form offers a wide range of A-level subjects, attracting students from other local schools. The sheer size of the school allows for a curriculum breadth that smaller institutions cannot match, with niche subjects running alongside the core academic staples.

The school has a strong tradition of university progression. In 2024, six students met their offers for Oxford or Cambridge universities, continuing a steady stream of Oxbridge success.

Data for the 2024 cohort shows that 57% of leavers progressed to university, while 27% moved directly into employment and 6% began apprenticeships. The school's careers programme is robust, supporting students who choose alternative pathways with equal dedication.

Entry to St Bartholomew's is competitive. The school is consistently oversubscribed, with a subscription proportion of 2.25 applications for every place. In the most recent intake, there were 577 applications for 257 offers.

The school has a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 270 for Year 7. Applications are coordinated by West Berkshire Council, with a deadline of 31 October for entry the following September.

Places are allocated primarily on catchment and distance criteria. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families living in the designated catchment area have priority, but the popularity of the school means even catchment places can be tight in high-birth-rate years.

The House system is the engine of pastoral care here. Every student belongs to one of the four houses (Curnock, Davis, Evers, Patterson), creating smaller communities within the large school. This structure ensures that despite the school's size, no child is invisible.

House offices are hubs of support, staffed by non-teaching Student Welfare Officers who are available throughout the day. This separates academic monitoring from emotional support, ensuring students always have someone to turn to who is not their subject teacher.

The extracurricular offer is extensive, leveraging the staff's diverse interests. Unusually for a state school, there is a thriving Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and a popular Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme which sees high participation rates.

Creativity flourishes in specific clubs such as the Manga Club and Origami Club. For those with environmental interests, the Moth Club and 'Friends of the Honey Bee' Club offer unique opportunities to engage with the natural world. The school also runs serious academic societies, including a Debating Society and Geoguessers club, ensuring that enrichment supports the curriculum.

The school day begins at 8:30am with registration. Lessons conclude at 3:10pm from Monday to Thursday, with an earlier finish of 2:50pm on Fridays. This allows for a slightly longer weekend and facilitates staff training.

Located on Andover Road, the school is well-served by local transport links. However, traffic in Newbury can be heavy at peak times, and families should plan travel routes carefully.

Size and scale. With nearly 2,000 students, this is a large institution. While the House system mitigates this, quieter children will need to find their niche to avoid feeling overwhelmed in the busy corridors.

Oversubscription. With more than two applicants for every place, securing entry is the primary challenge. Families outside the immediate catchment area face significant uncertainty.

Academic pace. The school's results place it in the 'national strong' band. The pace of learning is brisk, and there is a clear expectation of homework and independent study from Year 7 onwards.

St Bartholomew's combines the heritage and values of a traditional grammar school with the inclusivity and facilities of a modern academy. It offers a 'best of both worlds' education: the pastoral warmth of a house system and the curriculum power of a large comprehensive. Best suited to ambitious local families who want high academic standards without the fees or the 11-plus stress. The main challenge is securing a place in this heavily oversubscribed school.