Schools in Reading

Berkshire's largest town and the commercial engine of the Thames Valley, Reading grew from a medieval market settlement on the confluence of the Rivers Thames and Kennet into one of England's most significant tech and business centres, its recorded origins stretching back to Reading Abbey, which Henry I founded in 1121. Around 175,000 people call it home.

Elizabeth line and Great Western Main Line services from the town's expanded station connect Reading to central London and the wider rail network, anchoring its role as a regional hub across the county. Within Reading, Whitley draws families competing for primary places in the town's southern catchments, while nearby Crowthorne is widely regarded as one of Berkshire's most school-competitive corners, particularly for families weighing independent schooling alongside strong state provision. Sonning, Theale, and Shinfield complete the ring of sought-after addresses encircling the town.

  • 113

    Primary

    schools

  • 27

    Secondary

    schools

  • 7

    All-through

    schools

  • 14

    Special

    schools

  • 3

    Other

    schools

of which33sixth forms·2grammar·52faith·7nurseries171 total

Area Performance

Reading schools rank in the top 42% of England

Across 161 primary, secondary and sixth-form schools, state and independent. The average Find My School Inspection Score is 7.48/10, +0.04 vs England.

Find My School Inspection Band

18% Elite

Distribution across all Reading schools

EliteExcellentGoodDevelopingRebuilding

Reading vs England distribution

National Rank

Top 42%

Across all ranked Reading schools

Top 45%Primaryavg #6,789 of 14,978
Top 33%Secondaryavg #1,275 of 3,862
Top 40%Sixth formavg #1,019 of 2,555

Local directory

School profiles in Reading

Browse 147 local profile links across primary schools and secondary schools. Each profile brings together admissions context, performance data, inspection history and school details in one place.

Primary schools

120 local matches

Rankings

Secondary schools

34 local matches

Rankings
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