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
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.
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.
Useful links
- Governance (governance)
- A Message from the Chair of Governors April 202429 Apr 2024Read More (governance)
- Absence Reporting (sen)
- Reporting an absence (sen)
- SEND (sen)
- Calendar (calendar)
Nearby alternatives
- Kendrick School (76.5)
- Maiden Erlegh School (75.7)
- Reading School (73.6)
- Kendrick School (70.2)
- Reading School (70.2)
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
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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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