Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre

Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre, located in Reading, is a mixed foundation school catering to students aged 11 to 18. Established in 1971, it has a current enrolment of approximately 1,560 students and offers a comprehensive education within its historic 28-acre grounds, which include three grade II listed buildings. The school gained academy status in 2010 and has consistently received positive evaluations from Ofsted, being rated as 'good' in its last inspections.

The curriculum at Highdown is designed to challenge students academically, with a strong emphasis on high-quality teaching across a range of subjects, including languages and mathematics. Recent performance statistics indicate that 80% of students achieved passing grades in English and Maths at GCSE, with over 20% of A-Level results graded at A or A*. In addition to academic pursuits, the school promotes personal development through a variety of extracurricular activities, fostering skills such as leadership and resilience.

Highdown prides itself on its inclusive and supportive environment, where students are encouraged to develop core values of aspiration, respect, and excellence. The school’s strong pastoral care system, along with its vibrant community links, ensures that students feel a sense of belonging and are well-prepared for their future roles as global citizens.