The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2015).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 50.4 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2015
- The school is at capacity (107% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
50.4
6.6 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
57%
15.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
39%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.16
Band 2Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
96%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
93%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 234 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 15 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
20% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 121 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,545
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 10.3%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Reading
- Trust
- GLF SCHOOLS
- Head
- Ms Laura Mathews (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
October 2018 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
April 2015 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
April 2014 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
July 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
May 2013 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Curriculum and development visit
June 2011 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Location
Surley Row, Emmer Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8LR
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmEmmer Green Primary School
Primary · 480m away
The Hill Primary School
Primary · 923m away
Caversham Primary School
Primary · 924m away
Chiltern Nursery Nurse Training School
Miscellaneous · 1.1km away
Caversham Preparatory School
Independent · 1.1km away
Queen Anne's School
Independent · 1.3km away
The Heights Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Aurora Rowan School
Independent · 1.7km away
Questions parents ask
Is Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre a selective school?
No. Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre's Ofsted rating?
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre was rated Good at its most recent inspection in March 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre?
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre currently has 1,545 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre take?
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre?
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre is in Reading, RG4 8LR, in the Reading local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre have a sixth form?
Yes, Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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