The WREN School Review 2026: Community Ambition in West Reading

The WREN School, whose name stands for West Reading Education Network, represents a significant chapter in local community action. Founded by a group of parents and residents who campaigned for a new secondary provider in the Tilehurst area, the school opened in 2015 and moved into its purpose-built campus on Bath Road in 2018. It serves a diverse mixed-gender cohort of students from age 11 through to 19, including a growing sixth form provision.

The school is part of the Excalibur Academies Trust, having joined the multi-academy group to benefit from wider educational resources and leadership support. While recent years have presented challenges, including an Ofsted rating of Requires Improvement in early 2024, the school remains a popular local choice. Its identity is deeply rooted in its founding ethos of being a school for the community, by the community, with a focus on inclusivity and student wellbeing.

The physical environment of The WREN School is a striking contrast between the historic facades of Bath Road and the modern, angular architecture of the main school building. Inside, the design emphasizes light and space, with wide communal areas intended to foster a sense of openness. The atmosphere during the school day is generally energetic, reflecting a large student population that currently sits at its capacity of 1176.

Mr John Salberg has served as Principal since August 2020, bringing a focus on stabilizing the school's trajectory and refining the curriculum. Under his leadership, there has been a visible push toward higher expectations for student conduct and academic engagement. The school motto, Ex Ardua ad Astra (Through Difficulty to the Stars), is a fitting tribute to its hard-fought origins and its current mission to elevate student aspirations.

The culture at The WREN is one of inclusivity. There is a genuine effort to ensure that students from all backgrounds feel represented and supported. This is evidenced by the active student council and the emphasis on social responsibility. However, the school is still in a phase of embedding these values into a consistent daily reality for every student, as leadership works to move beyond the findings of its previous inspection.

In the secondary phase, The WREN School demonstrates a solid performance that aligns with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). The school ranks 2433rd in England for GCSE outcomes and 25th within the Reading local authority according to proprietary FindMySchool rankings based on official data.

The average Attainment 8 score in the most recent published cycle was 43, which sits just below the England average. The Progress 8 score of -0.13 suggests that students make progress slightly below the rate of their peers nationally from their starting points. Currently, 12.9% of pupils achieve Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), reflecting a curriculum that is still evolving in its focus on traditional academic subjects.

At A-level, the school ranks 2299th in England and 25th in Reading for outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). The results show that 25% of students achieved A* to B grades, which is below the England average of 47.2%. While these figures highlight that the sixth form is still maturing, the school has shown a commitment to offering a broad range of vocational and academic pathways to suit its diverse student body.

The curriculum at The WREN is designed to be broad and balanced, ensuring that students are exposed to a wide range of disciplines before specializing. In Key Stage 3, there is a strong emphasis on core skills in English, mathematics, and science, supplemented by a rotating "discovery" curriculum that includes humanities and the arts.

External observations confirm that teachers are working to improve the consistency of lesson delivery. There is a particular focus on "The WREN Way," a set of teaching standards aimed at ensuring every lesson has clear objectives and provides sufficient challenge for more able learners. Specialist facilities for technology and the sciences are a clear strength, with modern laboratories and workshops that allow for practical, hands-on learning.

In the sixth form, the school offers a mix of A-levels and BTEC Level 3 qualifications. This dual-track approach is intended to provide leavers with the flexibility to pursue either university places or higher-level apprenticeships. The school has worked to lower class sizes in the sixth form to provide more personalized tuition, though this varies by subject popularity.

Where Students Go Next

For the 2024 leavers cohort, the school reported a varied range of destinations. 35% of students progressed to university, while 10% continued into further education and 5% secured apprenticeships. Notably, 27% of the cohort entered direct employment, a figure higher than the England average, reflecting the school's focus on employability skills.

The school's university pipeline includes a mix of local and regional institutions. While there were no reported Oxbridge acceptances in the most recent data set, students have successfully secured places at Russell Group universities such as the University of Reading, Southampton, and Cardiff in previous cycles. The school provides a dedicated UCAS coordinator to support students through the application process.

For those not pursuing higher education, the school's links with local Reading businesses provide a platform for employment. The "World of Work" sessions and careers fairs held on-site help students navigate the transition from the classroom to the professional environment.

The WREN School is consistently oversubscribed, particularly at the Year 7 entry point. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 368 applications for 137 offers, resulting in a subscription proportion of 2.69. This means there are nearly three applications for every available place.

Admissions are coordinated by Reading Borough Council. As a non-selective state academy, the school does not have an entrance exam. After looked-after children and those with specific educational or social needs, priority is given to siblings and then to those living closest to the school.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates. Historically, the school has a wide reach across West Reading and Tilehurst, but its popularity means that those outside the immediate vicinity may find it difficult to secure a place on the first round of offers.

Pastoral care is organized through a vertical house system, which is designed to create a "school within a school" feel. This structure allows younger students to interact with and be mentored by older peers, fostering a sense of community. Each student is assigned a tutor who acts as the primary point of contact for families.

The school has invested in a dedicated wellbeing hub, providing a space where students can seek emotional support or simply take a break from the busy school environment. There are trained mental health first aiders among the staff, and the school works closely with external agencies to support students with more complex needs.

Behaviour management has been a significant focus for the current leadership. The school employs a clear "Ready, Respectful, Safe" policy. While the 2024 inspection noted that behaviour and attitudes were Good, leadership is working to move the Quality of Education grade from its current Requires Improvement rating. More recent internal monitoring suggests that the culture is stabilizing, with fewer disruptions in lessons and a calmer atmosphere in social spaces.

Extracurricular life at The WREN is centered around its "Enrichment" programme, which takes place after the formal school day ends. The school makes full use of its modern sports hall and outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA) to host a range of clubs including basketball, football, and netball.

STEM Excellence

The school has a burgeoning reputation for its commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The WREN participates in the Formula 24 Greenpower racing challenge, where students design, build, and race electric cars. Additionally, the Lego Robotics Club is a popular choice for younger students, helping to develop coding and engineering skills in a collaborative setting.

In the creative arts, the school produces an annual drama production and hosts regular music showcases. The purpose-built performance space features professional-grade lighting and sound equipment. Other notable clubs include the Debating Society and the Eco-Council, which focuses on sustainability projects within the school grounds.

The school day typically begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:10pm, with enrichment activities often running until 4:15pm. Wraparound care is available from 8:00am to 6:00pm, providing a supportive environment for working families.

Located on Bath Road, the school is well-served by local transport. The number 33 and 17 buses provide regular links to Reading town centre and Tilehurst station. There is limited on-site parking for visitors, and the school encourages students to walk or cycle where possible, providing secure bike storage on campus.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, The WREN School does not charge tuition fees. However, the school is committed to supporting students from all economic backgrounds. Families eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) can access additional financial support for uniform, school trips, and curriculum materials through the Pupil Premium fund.

For sixth form students, the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is available to help with the costs of travel, books, and equipment. Application details for this support are provided upon enrolment.

• Requires Improvement status: The school was rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in February 2024. While the Excalibur Academies Trust and the current Principal have implemented an extensive improvement plan, families should review the latest monitoring reports to track progress in teaching quality.
• High demand for places: With a subscription proportion of 2.69, the school is significantly oversubscribed. Families living outside the immediate Tilehurst and West Reading area should have a clear backup option, as securing a place is statistically challenging.
• Developing sixth form: The post-16 provision is smaller than at some neighboring colleges. While this allows for a tight-knit community, it may result in a more limited range of A-level subject combinations compared to larger providers.
• Large student body: With over 1,100 students on a relatively compact site, the school can feel very busy during transition times and lunch breaks. This high-energy environment suits many, but students who prefer a quieter, smaller setting may find it overwhelming.

The WREN School is a testament to what local determination can achieve. It provides a modern, inclusive, and ambitious environment for students in West Reading. While it is currently on a journey of academic improvement following its 2024 inspection, the leadership is focused and the facilities are among the best in the area.

Best suited to local families who value a community-focused school with strong modern facilities and a diverse student body. It is particularly good for students interested in STEM and those who thrive in a large, vibrant educational setting. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist as they navigate the Reading admissions process.