The Holt School: Outstanding State Girls' School with Science and Languages Specialism

On a 13-acre site where a listed 17th-century building meets modern teaching blocks, The Holt School has been educating ambitious young women since 1931. The school's motto, Be Kind, Aim High, Work Hard, captures an ethos that has earned Outstanding in all categories from Ofsted. Ranked 386th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), this non-selective state girls' school in Wokingham consistently delivers results that rival many selective alternatives. With 1,454 students aged 11 to 18, the school combines the traditions of its eight historic Houses with specialist status in languages and science, creating an environment where academic ambition meets genuine community spirit.

The Holt occupies a distinctive campus that tells the story of nearly a century of girls' education in Berkshire. At the heart of the school stands the old building, part of which dates back to 1684 and was once owned by the Heelas family. This historic core has been thoughtfully extended over the decades with modern teaching blocks and sports facilities, creating a blend of heritage and contemporary learning spaces across the 13-acre grounds.

Co-Headteachers Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce lead with a shared commitment to the school's three core values. The 2023 Ofsted inspection noted that the motto of Be Kind, Aim High, Work Hard embodies pupils' exceedingly high aspirations and outcomes. Leaders set very high aspirations for all pupils, then do all they can to help pupils achieve and exceed them.

The House system forms the backbone of school life. Eight houses, Broderers, Clothworkers, Goldsmiths, Haberdashers, Lacemakers, Spinners, Tanners and Weavers, create smaller communities within the larger school. Each house name reflects the textile and craft heritage of the area, and competitions between them are fiercely contested. House competitions are deeply competitive and highly valued by students. This structure ensures that every student belongs to something beyond their tutor group and year, fostering vertical connections across age groups.

The atmosphere is purposeful without being pressured. Students speak confidently about their learning, supported by staff who know them as individuals. Despite the size of the school, the inspection found that students feel genuinely comfortable here, with behaviour that is calm and consistent.

GCSE Performance

The Holt School ranks 386th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 10% of secondary schools in England. Locally, this represents the 2nd highest performing school in Wokingham.

In 2024, 51.7% of grades achieved were 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A), with 32.6% at the highest grades of 9-8. The Attainment 8 score of 64.6 significantly exceeds the England average of 45.9, indicating strong overall attainment across the curriculum.

Progress 8 tells an equally compelling story. With a score of +0.96, students at The Holt make nearly a full grade more progress per subject than expected based on their starting points. This is well above average and indicates that the school adds significant value regardless of the ability level at which students arrive.

The English Baccalaureate average point score of 5.96 exceeds the England average of 4.08, reflecting strong performance across the core academic subjects of English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities. The school's specialist status in languages and science is evident in these results.

A-Level Performance

At A-level, The Holt School ranks 459th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% of sixth forms in England and 1st in Wokingham. This represents above England average performance.

In 2024, 35% of A-level grades achieved were A*-A, with 66% at A*-B. The 12% achieving A* demonstrates that the most able students are stretched to achieve the highest grades. These figures exceed the England averages of 23.6% at A*-A and 47.2% at A*-B.

The combined GCSE and A-level performance places The Holt School at 425th in England overall, confirming consistent strength across both key stages.

Teaching at The Holt is characterised by expert subject knowledge and high expectations. The school's specialist status in languages and science has created particular depth in these curriculum areas, with facilities and staffing to match the designation.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Students are expected to engage fully with their subjects, and teaching follows clear structures that build knowledge systematically. Staff have expert subject knowledge and explain concepts clearly, enabling students to develop deep understanding rather than surface-level familiarity.

Class sizes allow for meaningful interaction while maintaining efficiency. The student-teacher ratio of approximately 18:1 is typical for a school of this size and type, though sixth form groups tend to be smaller.

Specialist facilities support the curriculum across subjects. The language laboratories and science facilities reflect the school's designations, while creative arts spaces enable practical work in art, design, and performing arts. The school holds both Artsmark and Sportsmark Awards, indicating breadth beyond its primary specialisms.

Academic enrichment extends beyond the timetabled curriculum. Students are encouraged to pursue deeper study in areas of interest, with staff providing guidance and support for those aiming for competitive university courses or challenging career paths.

University Destinations

In the most recent cohort data, 43 students progressed to Russell Group universities, with a further 61 securing places at other universities. This represents a strong progression rate to higher education, with the majority continuing to degree-level study.

The school's Oxbridge pipeline, while modest, demonstrates that high-achieving students can access the most competitive institutions. In the measurement period, 11 students applied to Oxford and Cambridge, with one securing a place at Cambridge. The success rate reflects the challenging nature of Oxbridge admissions rather than any limitation in preparation; the school provides dedicated support for those aiming for the most selective universities.

The 2024 leavers showed diverse destinations: 71% progressed to university, 18% entered employment directly, 2% began apprenticeships, and 2% continued in further education. A notable cohort took gap years to gain experience before university, reflecting thoughtful planning rather than uncertainty.

The sixth form destination data shows 4 students beginning apprenticeships and 4 entering full-time employment, indicating that the school supports multiple pathways according to individual aspirations rather than pushing everyone toward a single route.

Support for Applications

University preparation is embedded into the sixth form experience. Students receive guidance on personal statements, interview preparation, and subject-specific applications from staff with detailed knowledge of admissions processes. Those applying for medicine, law, and other competitive courses receive targeted support.

Year 7 Entry

The Holt School is oversubscribed, with 651 applications for 236 places in the most recent admissions round. This represents approximately 2.76 applications per place, making entry competitive.

Admissions are coordinated through Wokingham Borough Council. Parents residing in Wokingham submit applications via the Council's Citizen Portal between September and 31 October for entry the following September. Parents living in other local authorities apply through their home authority, which forwards applications to Wokingham.

The admissions criteria prioritise, in order: looked-after children and previously looked-after children; children with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming the school; children with a sibling at the school at the time of admission; children living within the designated catchment area; and remaining places by distance from the school.

There is no entrance examination; this is a non-selective state school. The designated catchment area is published by Wokingham Borough Council and can be checked using their designated areas map tool. Living within the catchment significantly improves chances of admission given the level of oversubscription.

Sixth Form Entry

The sixth form welcomes external applicants, including boys. This makes The Holt Sixth Form co-educational, distinct from the single-sex main school. Entry requirements are based on GCSE performance, with specific grade thresholds for different A-level subjects.

The sixth form benefits from its own identity and facilities, including a Costa Coffee shop on campus and a more relaxed dress code with no uniform requirement. Proximity to Wokingham Station makes the sixth form accessible to students from a wider area than the main school catchment.

Open Events

Open Mornings for Year 7 admissions 2026 are scheduled for 22nd, 24th, 26th, 29th September and 1st and 3rd October 2025, running from 9:30am to 11:00am. The format includes a presentation by the Co-Headteachers followed by a tour led by prefects, who take visitors into lessons and answer questions.

Booking is required via the school's ticketing system. The school notes that no parking is available on site or at St Paul's Parish Rooms car park, so visitors should plan transport accordingly.

Pastoral support operates through the House system, with each student belonging to one of eight houses throughout their time at the school. This creates continuity of care and allows staff to track individual students' wellbeing over multiple years.

Behaviour at The Holt is excellent. The inspection found exceptionally high standards and positive behaviour, with students demonstrating mutual respect and consideration. The school's approach combines clear expectations with genuine care, creating an environment where students feel safe to focus on their learning.

Highly effective and expertly trained staff provide support for students facing challenges. The school addresses wellbeing proactively rather than reactively, with systems in place to identify concerns early. Students seem genuinely comfortable here, able to express themselves and seek help when needed.

The transition from primary school is carefully managed. Year 6 students joining in September benefit from structured transition activities that help them adjust to the larger school environment and establish relationships with staff and peers before the pressures of secondary curriculum begin.

Extracurricular Programme

Outside formal lessons, a wide range of opportunities enable students to develop skills and confidence while meeting peers from other year groups. Clubs such as chess, coding, and cooking are heavily oversubscribed, indicating genuine enthusiasm rather than forced participation. The range reflects both academic extension and practical interests.

Extracurricular sports activities engage and enthuse a significant proportion of students. The school holds Sportsmark recognition, and competitive fixtures feature prominently in the calendar. The sports facilities across the 13-acre site provide space for multiple activities to run simultaneously.

Performing Arts

The annual performing arts productions characterise the dedication of students and staff, bringing together students from across year groups in ambitious collaborative projects. The school's Artsmark Award reflects quality in creative arts provision, and drama features both in the curriculum and as a popular sixth form A-level option.

Music provision enables students to perform in ensembles and concerts throughout the year. The House competition calendar includes performing arts events alongside academic and sporting challenges, giving students multiple opportunities to represent their House.

Service and Leadership

Students actively contribute to charitable causes, raising funds for local and global initiatives. This service ethos aligns with the Be Kind element of the school motto and provides leadership opportunities for students at all levels.

Prefects play a visible role in school life, leading tours for prospective parents, supporting younger students, and representing the school at events. The House system creates leadership roles within each House, meaning students can develop responsibility before reaching the sixth form.

STEM

The school's specialist designation in science creates particular depth in STEM provision. Facilities support practical work across biology, chemistry, and physics, while the coding club reflects growing interest in computer science. Students interested in medicine, engineering, and related careers find strong foundations for their aspirations.

This is a state-funded academy with no tuition fees. The school converted to academy status in 2011, operating as The Holt School Academy Trust.

Families should budget for uniform, equipment, and voluntary contributions to trips and activities. The school provides information about support available for families facing financial hardship, ensuring that cost does not prevent students from participating in the full school experience.

The school operates a 50-period timetable over two weeks, designated as A and B weeks. The site is located on Holt Lane, Wokingham, RG41 1EE.

Transport connections include proximity to Wokingham Station, making the school accessible by rail. The school advises that no parking is available on site for open events, indicating limited visitor parking generally. Many students travel by bus or are dropped by car, and the school is within walking or cycling distance for those living in central Wokingham.

The sixth form benefits from additional facilities including a Costa Coffee shop and dedicated social spaces. The relaxed dress code for sixth formers creates a more university-style environment as students prepare for the next phase of education.

Oversubscription. With 2.76 applications per place, securing a Year 7 place requires living within or very close to the designated catchment area. Families should verify their eligibility carefully before relying on a place at The Holt. The school advises checking the designated areas map on Wokingham Borough Council's website.

Girls' school environment. The main school (Years 7-11) is single-sex, educating girls only. Families must consider whether a girls' school environment is the right fit for their daughter. Research suggests some girls thrive in single-sex settings, while others prefer co-education. The sixth form is co-educational, admitting boys as external applicants.

Large school size. With 1,454 students on roll, The Holt is a large secondary school. The House system mitigates this by creating smaller communities, but students who might feel overwhelmed in larger environments should visit to assess whether the atmosphere suits them.

Specialist status implications. The languages and science specialism creates particular strengths in these curriculum areas. Students with strong interests in these fields will find depth and opportunity. Those whose passions lie elsewhere will still access a broad curriculum, but the specialisms shape the school's character.

The Holt School delivers an outstanding education in a supportive, ambitious environment that consistently exceeds expectations. Results in the top 10% in England for GCSE and top 25% for A-level, combined with Outstanding in every Ofsted category, demonstrate a school that achieves academic excellence without sacrificing wellbeing or breadth.

Best suited to families within the Wokingham catchment seeking a girls' school with strong academic outcomes, genuine community spirit, and specialist strength in languages and science. The House system and pastoral structures ensure that every student is known and supported within the larger school context.

The main challenge is securing a place. With nearly three applications per place, proximity to the school is essential for admission. For families who live within the catchment, The Holt offers exceptional value: a state school delivering independent school-calibre outcomes.