Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School
113%
Capacity
1,045
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School
Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Reading community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,045 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (113% of 922 places).
Ofsted has rated Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Simon Uttley, it falls under Reading local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.02 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1554th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 9 in Reading.
Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School is a popular choice with families — it received 424 applications for 179 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 160 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School include Library, Sixth Form Centre, Science Labs, Theatre, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Music Rooms, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Tennis, Swimming, Netball and 3 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Science Club, Debate, DofE and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 19.0%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Reading, Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School is one of the options available in the South East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Fawley Road, Reading, Reading, RG30 3EP |
| Headteacher | Simon Uttley |
| Local Authority | Reading |
| Number of Pupils | 1,045 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 19.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,045 / 922 (113% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Sept 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (14 Sept 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 13 Dec 2012. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.02)
1554th of 3,141
Nationally
242nd of 461
In South East
6th of 9
In Reading
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
36.2
'22/23
28.3
'23/24
28.5
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed179
424
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
160 families put this school as their 1st choice (38% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Fawley Road, Reading
Reading, RG30 3EP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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