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Oakbank School serves a diverse catchment south of Reading, occupying a purpose built site in Ryeish Green that has historically been a focal point for the local community. Originally established as a free school, it was designed to offer a smaller, more personalised secondary alternative for families in the Wokingham and Reading areas. The school currently caters to approximately 560 students aged 11 to 16.
The school is currently in a state of significant transition. Following an unannounced inspection in November 2024, the school was rated Inadequate and placed into Special Measures. Since then, the school has moved from the Anthem Schools Trust to the Greenshaw Learning Trust (as of September 2025). This change in governance marks a fresh chapter, with new leadership and trust level resources deployed to stabilise the learning environment and address critical gaps in student progress and safeguarding culture.
The atmosphere at Oakbank is defined by its compact scale. Unlike many sprawling urban secondaries, its capacity of 560 allows for a setting where students are generally known by name. The campus features a mix of period character from the former Ryeish Green School buildings alongside modern, purpose built facilities that provide specialised spaces for science and the arts.
Mr Jonathan Heap currently leads the school as Interim Headteacher, arriving as part of the trust transfer to Greenshaw Learning Trust. His immediate focus has been on establishing a "warm strict" culture, where high expectations for behaviour are balanced with strong pastoral support. The shift in leadership has brought a renewed sense of urgency to the site, with a visible emphasis on tightening school routines and improving the consistency of student experiences across the year groups.
Academic results at Oakbank currently reflect the challenges that led to its recent inspection outcome. In the latest validated GCSE data, students achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 41.8, which is slightly below the England average of 46.2. This performance places the school in the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile) for raw attainment.
However, the Progress 8 score of -0.38 indicates that students currently make less progress between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 than their peers nationally. The school ranks 2,669th in England (FindMySchool ranking) and 27th locally in Reading. Leadership has identified the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) as a key area for development, as 11.4% of students currently achieve a grade 5 or above in this suite of subjects, compared to a higher local authority average.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
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% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum at Oakbank is undergoing a rigorous redesign under the Greenshaw Learning Trust. The goal is to ensure a knowledge rich approach that helps students close gaps identified in previous assessments. Specialist teaching is provided across the core curriculum, with particular investment in mathematics and the sciences to improve attainment in these high stakes subjects.
Teachers are receiving intensive training on trust wide pedagogical models, focusing on clear explanations and frequent retrieval practice. The intention is to move the quality of education from its current state toward the trust's standard of excellence. Parents can expect a curriculum that is increasingly structured, with a focus on core academic subjects supplemented by a selection of vocational options at Key Stage 4.
Pastoral care is central to the school's recovery plan. The school has overhauled its behaviour and attitudes framework to ensure that corridors and classrooms remain calm and productive. A year based pastoral system is in place, where heads of year and form tutors provide the primary layer of support for students.
Safeguarding has been a critical focus of recent trust interventions. The school has moved to digitise its reporting systems and provide bespoke training for all staff, ensuring that the wellbeing of every student is monitored effectively. For students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the SENCO and a team of teaching assistants work to adapt learning materials, though improving the consistency of this support remains a high priority for the new leadership.
Extracurricular life at Oakbank aims to provide students with a sense of belonging and achievement beyond the exam hall. The school utilises its modern sports hall and astroturf for a variety of clubs, including football, netball, and fitness sessions.
The STEM curriculum is a notable pillar, with students previously participating in regional science competitions. The school is working to better integrate these enrichment opportunities into the daily schedule, helping students see the link between their science and mathematics lessons and future career pathways in the Thames Valley technology corridor.
Creative arts, including drama and art, are offered to provide a creative outlet and build confidence. Annual events and performances are being revitalised as part of the trust's commitment to improving the school's cultural life and community engagement.
Oakbank School is a state funded academy, and admissions are coordinated through Wokingham Borough Council. The school has a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 112 for Year 7 entry. For the most recent cycle, the school was undersubscribed, with 54 applications for its Year 7 places, meaning that local families who name the school as a preference have a very high likelihood of securing a place.
The deadline for on time applications for September 2026 entry is 31 October 2025, with offers released on 02 March 2026. Parents are encouraged to use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their distance from the school gates, though with the school currently under capacity, proximity is less of a barrier to entry than at other local providers.
As Oakbank is a state funded academy under the Greenshaw Learning Trust, there are no tuition fees for students. The school is funded by the Department for Education and serves the public sector.
Financial support is available for eligible families through the Pupil Premium grant, which helps cover the cost of uniform, school trips, and essential equipment. Families whose children qualify for Free School Meals can also access additional support through the trust's hardship funds. For more specific details on uniform grants or trip subsidies, parents should contact the school office directly.
Applications
54
Total received
Places Offered
58
The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. Located on Hyde End Lane in Ryeish Green, the school is accessible via local bus routes and dedicated school transport for eligible students. Parents are reminded that parking on Hyde End Lane is restricted to ensure student safety during drop off and pick up times. Breakfast club options are being reviewed as part of the trust's new operational model.
Oakbank School is at a crossroads. It offers the intimacy of a smaller community school but is currently dealing with the fallout of several difficult years. The arrival of the Greenshaw Learning Trust brings a proven track record of school improvement, making this an interesting option for families who believe in the school's long term potential. Best suited to local families who want a smaller setting and are prepared to support the school through its current period of rebuilding.
Oakbank is currently rated Inadequate by Ofsted and is in Special Measures. However, as of September 2025, it has joined the Greenshaw Learning Trust, a highly regarded multi academy trust with a strong history of turning around schools. Academic results currently sit in the middle 35% of schools in England.
The current Interim Headteacher is Mr Jonathan Heap, who took over leadership as part of the school's transfer to the Greenshaw Learning Trust in late 2025.
There are no fees. Oakbank is a state funded academy, which means it is free to attend for all students.
No, Oakbank is a secondary school for students aged 11 to 16. Students typically transition to local providers such as Reading College or sixth forms at nearby secondary schools for their A-level or vocational studies.
Applications are managed by Wokingham Borough Council. The national deadline for Year 7 applications is 31 October each year. Because the school is currently undersubscribed, most local applicants secure a place.
Get in touch with the school directly
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