Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre: A Historic Setting for Modern Learning

Set within 33 acres of parkland in Emmer Green, Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre combines the grandeur of a Grade II listed mansion with the bustle of a modern academy. Serving the communities of Caversham and North Reading, the school is consistently oversubscribed, drawing families for its balanced approach and solid academic reputation. Rated Good by Ofsted in its March 2024 inspection, it acts as a comprehensive hub where historical character meets 21st-century aspiration.

The approach to Highdown is undeniably impressive. The main building, Highdown House, dates back to the 18th century and provides a distinctive backdrop to the school day. However, this is not a museum; the site has expanded significantly to accommodate over 1,400 students, creating a campus feel that blends period architecture with functional modern blocks.

Ms Laura Mathews, appointed Headteacher in January 2025, leads the school with a focus on high expectations and inclusivity. The ethos, summarised as "We are Highdown," centres on three core values: Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience. These are not merely administrative buzzwords but are woven into the behaviour policy and daily interactions. The atmosphere is purposeful yet relaxed, with students moving confidently between the specialist wings and the central courtyard.

Highdown performs strongly at GCSE, consistently exceeding national benchmarks. In 2024, the school ranked 1,084th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 17th among schools in Reading. This performance places it in the national strong band, outperforming 75% of schools in England.

The metrics back this up; a Progress 8 score of +0.25 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points. Nearly a third of all grades (30.1%) were strong passes (9-7), significantly higher than the typical comprehensive profile.

At A-level, performance is solid, sitting in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). The school ranked 1,251st in England, with 47% of grades awarded at A*-B. While slightly less dominant than the GCSE results, these outcomes enable the majority of students to access their first-choice universities.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to keep options open for as long as possible. Students follow a three-year Key Stage 3 before specialising in Year 10. The school champions the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), with a high uptake in languages and humanities.

Teaching is structured and disciplined, with a clear focus on retrieval practice and knowledge retention. Specialist facilities, particularly in science and the creative arts, support practical learning. The "Highdown Hive" and "The Star Centre" offer dedicated support for students with additional needs, ensuring that the ambitious curriculum remains accessible to all.

The Sixth Form is a vibrant transition point. In 2024, 45% of leavers progressed to university, with others securing apprenticeships (3%) or entering employment (35%).

Academic ambition is evident at the top end. In the most recent cycle, 10 students applied to Oxbridge, with one securing a place at Cambridge. The school provides structured support for early applicants, including mock interviews and personal statement workshops.

Admission to Highdown is coordinated by Reading Borough Council (Brighter Futures for Children) and is fiercely competitive. The school is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, there were 402 applications for 245 places, a ratio of 1.6 applications per seat.

Places are allocated primarily on catchment area and distance. The designated catchment area covers Emmer Green and Caversham, and families living outside this zone face significant hurdles unless they have sibling links. Parents should use the Reading Borough Council admissions map to confirm their catchment status, as boundaries are strictly enforced.

Pastoral care is organised through a vertical House system, which breaks the large school population into manageable communities: Caversham, Grove, Mapledurham, and Rosehill. Each house has a distinct identity and competes fiercely in the annual House Cup for sports, arts, and conduct points.

Student wellbeing is supported by a dedicated team of Student Managers who are non-teaching staff, meaning they are available throughout the day to address concerns. "The Gallery" provides a quiet space and breakfast service, ensuring students start the day ready to learn.

The extracurricular programme is a clear strength, leveraging the school's extensive grounds. Sport is central to Highdown life, with competitive fixtures in football, rugby, netball, and athletics. The "Highdown Sport and Leisure" facilities, including a pool and gym, are a major asset.

The Arts

Creativity flourishes in the purpose-built performing arts block. The annual school production is a major calendar event, involving over 100 students in cast and crew roles. Music tuition is available for a wide range of instruments, feeding into the school orchestra and jazz band.

Clubs & Societies

Department-led clubs offer depth beyond the syllabus. The Mandarin Excellence Programme is a standout feature, offering intensive language study. Other distinctive options include the Reptile Club, Medical Society, and the environmentally focused Eco-Committee, which has driven initiatives to improve sustainability across the site.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:05pm. Highdown is well-connected by local bus services from Reading town centre and Caversham. For parents driving, the drop-off zone can be congested; the school encourages walking or cycling where possible to alleviate traffic on Surley Row.

Strict Catchment. With 1.6 applications per place, the catchment area is tight. Families moving into the area should not assume a place is guaranteed, even if living relatively close.

Site Topography. The campus is spread out and hilly. Students move between buildings for lessons, which keeps them active but can be physically demanding.

Large Cohort. With nearly 1,500 students, the environment is busy. While the House system provides a smaller community feel, it suits students who are comfortable in a large, bustling comprehensive environment.

Highdown School offers a compelling package; a historic setting, a modern curriculum, and results that consistently exceed national averages. It strikes a successful balance between academic rigour and pastoral care. Best suited to students in the Caversham area who want a large, vibrant school with strong local roots and a clear pathway to university. The main challenge is securing a place.