Oakbank School

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 should be read with caution while the school works through its recent inspection and governance transition. No refreshed GCSE score table is presented here, so families should ask the school for the latest subject results, intervention plans, and evidence of progress under the new trust.

The direction of academic improvement is therefore more important than a single older headline figure. Leadership has identified curriculum consistency, progress and the English Baccalaureate pathway as areas families should probe directly when they visit or speak to staff.

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.

STEM: Future Ready

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. For Year 7 entry in September 2027, applications open on 11 September 2026, close on 31 October 2026, and offers are released on 1 March 2027.

The deadline for on-time applications for September 2027 entry is 31 October 2026, with offers released on 1 March 2027 and the acceptance deadline on 15 March 2027. Parents are encouraged to use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their distance from the school gates and compare local options.

Fees & Financial Aid

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.

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.

• Special Measures Status: The school is currently in Special Measures following the 2024 Inadequate rating. While the transfer to Greenshaw Learning Trust is a positive step, improvements will take time to reflect in outcomes and reputation.
• Academic Progress: No refreshed GCSE score table is presented here, so families should ask how progress is being measured and what evidence the new trust can show from current cohorts.
• Governance Transition: The move from Anthem to Greenshaw in September 2025 means many policies and staff members are in a state of change. Families should seek up-to-date information from the school website regarding specific staff roles.
• Admissions Timetable: For September 2027 Year 7 entry, Wokingham's timetable opens applications on 11 September 2026, closes them on 31 October 2026, and releases offers on 1 March 2027.

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.