SchoolScoresThe Willink School
Community school · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form
School Lane, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3XJ
0118 983 2030 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted report card from the inspection that started on 6 May 2026 , published 12 July 2026.
In short: 7 expected, and safeguarding met.
Since November 2025 Ofsted grades each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. How report cards work.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| SafeguardingWhether pupils are kept safe. Met or not met. | Met |
| InclusionHow well the school supports disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Curriculum and teachingWhat pupils are taught and how well they are taught it. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| AchievementHow well pupils learn and the results they get. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Attendance and behaviourWhether pupils come to school and how they behave. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Personal development and wellbeingPupils' wider development, character and wellbeing. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Post-16 provisionSixth form or other study after 16. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Leadership and governanceHow well leaders and governors run the school. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
213 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024.
Reading (West Berkshire) comparisons use the 3 of its 4 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other one has 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 (West Berkshire) | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 75% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 90% | 82% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 71% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 91% | 86% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 59% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 82% | 78% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 88 parents whose child had been bullied 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 66% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 55% | 54% | 49% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 152 parents who had raised a concern 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 65% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 76% | 70% | 75% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 82% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 91%said yes | 81% | 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 (West Berkshire) figures pool parents at the Reading (West Berkshire) 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
203 pupils in this year group.
57% — 9 points above the West Berkshire average, and 12 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | West Berkshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 57% | 48% | 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. | 51.9 | 48 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 5.0 | 4.3 | 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.
201 pupils in this year group.
95% — about the same as the West Berkshire average, and 3 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | West Berkshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 95% | 95% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 56% | 54% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 12% | 6% | 13% |
| Further education college | 22% | 25% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 1% | 4% | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 97% | 95% |
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
110 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | West Berkshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 29% | 27% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 48% | 52% | 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. | 35.3 | 35.0 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
24 subjects, 296 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 41 | 20% | 41% | 40% |
| Psychology | 24 | 4% | 13% | 19% |
| Business Studies:Single | 21 | 0% | 19% | 16% |
| Biology | 19 | 5% | 11% | 27% |
| Economics | 19 | 5% | 42% | 26% |
| Physics | 17 | 24% | 76% | 31% |
| History | 16 | 0% | 6% | 23% |
| Sociology | 15 | 7% | 7% | 20% |
| English Literature | 12 | 8% | 25% | 23% |
| Chemistry | 11 | 27% | 36% | 30% |
| Art and Design | 10 | 0% | 20% | 34% |
| Geography | 10 | 0% | 50% | 23% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 10 | 10% | 20% | 14% |
| Film Studies | 9 | 0% | 22% | 17% |
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 9 | 11% | 11% | 17% |
| Government and Politics | 8 | 25% | 50% | 26% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 8 | 63% | 88% | 59% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 7 | 14% | 43% | 24% |
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 7 | 14% | 29% | 15% |
| English Language | 7 | 0% | 0% | 13% |
| Spanish | 7 | 0% | 14% | 34% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Drama and Theatre Studies, Music, French.
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.
105 students in this year group.
85% — 2 points below the West Berkshire average, and 6 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | West Berkshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 85% | 87% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 4% | 7% | 7% |
| Work | 35% | 34% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 91% | 85% |
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.
91 students in this year group.
75% — 15 points above the West Berkshire average, and 15 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | West Berkshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 75% | 60% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 34% | 21% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 79% | 75% |
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 West Berkshire. 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 about one first-choice application for every place.
| Places offered | 201 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 214 |
| Of those, offered a place | 196 (92%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 345 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.1 · 2025: 1.1 · 2026: 1.1
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
| Pupils | This school | West Berkshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 14% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 13.8% | 18.1%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 1st highest of 4 state secondary schools in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 67% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.7% | 3.5%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 64% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 15.7% | 16.4%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 24% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 5.3% | 10.1%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 2nd lowest of 4 state secondary schools in Reading (West Berkshire). Lower than 53% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 8.1% | 8.6%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 2nd lowest of 4 state secondary schools in Reading (West Berkshire). Lower than 64% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 20.7% | 21.9%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 1st lowest of 4 state secondary schools in Reading (West Berkshire). Lower than 51% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 14.4 | 21.4 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 1st lowest of 4 state secondary schools in Reading (West Berkshire). Lower than 60% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 5.5% | 6.6% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded2 pupils | 0.16% | 0.32% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 30% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 15.9 | 16.3 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 31% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.0 | 11.4 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 1st highest of 4 state secondary schools in Reading (West Berkshire). Higher than 51% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 13.4% | 10.6%* | 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.
Nearby secondary schools
- Theale Green School 2.9 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 5 expected, 2 needs attention · 31% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is The Willink School's Ofsted rating?
The Willink School was inspected under Ofsted's report card format in 6 May 2026. Report cards grade each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. Its grades were 7 expected, and safeguarding was met.
How did The Willink School 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 The Willink School?
91% of the 213 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024 said they would recommend The Willink School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is The Willink School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 214 families put The Willink School as their first choice for 201 places: about one first-choice application for every place. 196 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 110048.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 4 September 2023 to 2 September 2024.
- 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.