Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre

URN: 136307 • Reading RG4 8LR

Overview

Name
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
URN
136307
Type
Academy converter
Phase
Secondary
Status
Open
Gender
Mixed
Religious
None
Admissions
Non-selective
Trust
GLF SCHOOLS
Private
No
Ofsted rating
Good
Ranking score
63.1 / 100
School thumbnail

Leadership & Contact

Headteacher
Laura Mathews (since 2025) , Headteacher
Telephone
01189015800
Website
Visit
Address
Surley Row, Reading RG4 8LR

Summary

Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre, located in Reading, is a mixed secondary academy that has been serving students since its establishment as a comprehensive school in 1971. With a current enrolment of approximately 1,560 pupils aged 11 to 18, the school occupies a 28-acre site that includes three grade II listed buildings. Highdown achieved academy status in 2010 and has been rated as a good school by Ofsted, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and personal development.

The school prides itself on providing high-quality teaching across a diverse curriculum, including subjects such as Mandarin and Further Maths. Recent academic results show that 80% of students passed English and Maths at GCSE, with over 20% of A-Level grades at A or A*. Highdown also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, fostering skills and resilience among students while promoting a sense of belonging through its mentor groups and house system.

Highdown's ethos is rooted in aspiration, respect, and excellence, with a commitment to nurturing confident global citizens. The school emphasizes strong community links and exceptional pastoral care, ensuring that every student is supported in their educational journey.

Key details

LA
Reading
Age range
11 - 18
Boarders
No boarders
Sixth form
Has a sixth form
Trust
GLF SCHOOLS
Capacity
1440
Pupils
1545
Boys
845
Girls
700
FSM %
10.30
Open date
2010-11-01
Close date
Last Ofsted
2024-03-27
Next inspection
Data snapshot
2025-07-14
County
Berkshire

Trends

DatePupilsBoysGirlsCapacityFSM%
2025-07-14 1545 845 700 1440 10.30
2024-09-11 1562 839 723 1440 9.60
2023-09-11 1571 804 767 1440 8.00
2022-09-11 1571 804 767 1440 8.00
2021-09-11 1492 761 731 1440 6.70
2020-09-11 1417 709 708 1440 6.50

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