SchoolScoresHighdown School and Sixth Form Centre
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form
Part of GLF SCHOOLS
Surley Row, Emmer Green, Reading, RG4 8LR
0118 901 5800 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 30 April 2015.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form | Requires improvement |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 27 March 2024: Ofsted found the school was still Good.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
224 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 1 January 2024 and 6 January 2025.
Reading comparisons use the 7 of its 11 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 4 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Reading | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 5th highest of 7 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Reading. Higher than 46% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 82% | 83% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school 5th highest of 7 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Reading. Higher than 38% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 82% | 85% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 5th highest of 7 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Reading. Higher than 34% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 71% | 76% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 84 parents whose child had been bullied 3rd highest of 6 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Reading. Higher than 39% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 46% | 46% | 50% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 181 parents who had raised a concern 2nd highest of 6 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Reading. Higher than 54% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 72% | 68% | 76% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 5th highest of 7 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Reading. Higher than 41% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 76%said yes | 78% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Reading figures pool parents at the Reading schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
248 pupils in this year group.
57% — 6 points above the Reading average, and 12 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Reading | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 57% | 51% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 50.4 | 50.2 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
234 pupils in this year group.
98% — 5 points above the Reading average, and 6 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Reading | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 98% | 93% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 53% | 51% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 21% | 9% | 13% |
| Further education college | 18% | 26% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 2% | 2% | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 2% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 95% | 98% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
141 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Reading | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C+ | B- | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 22% | 40% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 51% | 60% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 34.4 | 37.7 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
26 subjects, 405 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 51 | 20% | 35% | 40% |
| Biology | 40 | 5% | 15% | 27% |
| Sociology | 38 | 3% | 11% | 20% |
| Physics | 34 | 9% | 24% | 31% |
| Geography | 31 | 0% | 13% | 23% |
| Psychology | 30 | 7% | 23% | 19% |
| Economics | 24 | 4% | 13% | 26% |
| Chemistry | 22 | 9% | 27% | 30% |
| Government and Politics | 17 | 12% | 35% | 26% |
| History | 17 | 6% | 35% | 23% |
| English Language and Literature | 15 | 0% | 7% | 16% |
| Business Studies:Single | 14 | 0% | 0% | 16% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 13 | 8% | 31% | 24% |
| English Literature | 11 | 18% | 18% | 23% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 10 | 30% | 50% | 59% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 8 | 0% | 38% | 38% |
| Art and Design (Photography) | 7 | 14% | 14% | 26% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Art and Design (Textiles), Chinese, French, Music Technology, Japanese, Music, Italian, Russian, Spanish.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
150 students in this year group.
87% — about the same as the Reading average, and 8 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Reading | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 87% | 86% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 4% | 7% |
| Work | 36% | 22% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 90% | 87% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
148 students in this year group.
79% — 4 points above the Reading average, and 19 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Reading | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 79% | 75% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 28% | 40% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 72% | 79% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Reading. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 243 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 191 |
| Of those, offered a place | 183 (96%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 479 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.9 · 2025: 0.7 · 2026: 0.8
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
Pupils, staff and SEND
Specialist SEND provision: this school has resourced provision with 8 places for visual impairment. These places are usually allocated through the council's SEND team.
| Pupils | This school | Reading | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 9th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Reading. Higher than 8% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 11.1% | 23.2%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 8th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Reading. Higher than 19% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 1.7% | 2.6%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 7th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Reading. Higher than 33% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 11.6% | 12.1%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 11th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Reading. Higher than 60% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 16.1% | 32.9%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 7th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Reading. Lower than 51% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 8.3% | 8.1%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 5th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Reading. Lower than 62% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 21.0% | 21.9%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 4th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Reading. Lower than 62% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 10.6 | 22.9 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 5th lowest of 11 state secondary schools in Reading. Lower than 64% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 5.0% | 7.6% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded1 pupil | 0.06% | 0.16% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 7th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Reading. Higher than 36% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 16.2 | 16.2 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 4th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Reading. Higher than 64% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 12.4 | 12.0 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 7th highest of 11 state secondary schools in Reading. Higher than 34% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 10.8% | 13.3%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
SEND provision: Get Information about Schools (DfE).
Nearby secondary schools
- Queen Anne's School 0.8 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 46% A*/A at A level
- River Academy 1.3 miles · Ofsted: No graded inspection
- The Deenway Montessori School 2.1 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2024)
- Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading 2.1 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Kendrick School 2.2 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2022) · 100% grade 5+ English and maths
- Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge 2.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 45% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Abbey School Reading 2.4 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 50% A*/A at A level
- Reading School 2.5 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2023) · 100% grade 5+ English and maths
- Reading Blue Coat School 2.6 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 53% A*/A at A level
- The WREN School 2.6 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 6 expected, 1 needs attention · 41% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre's Ofsted rating?
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 30 April 2015. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 27 March 2024, Ofsted found the school was still Good.
How did Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 57% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 12 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre?
76% of the 224 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 1 January 2024 and 6 January 2025 said they would recommend Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 191 families put Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre as their first choice for 243 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 183 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 136307.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 1 January 2024 to 6 January 2025.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.