Hartland High School

About Hartland High School

Hartland High School sits in a challenging position within Reading’s secondary landscape. The local authority average Progress 8 score is 0.12, meaning pupils across Reading typically achieve slightly above the national average. Hartland’s own Progress 8 score is not provided in the data, but its most recent Ofsted inspection in October 2023 rated the school Inadequate overall — a stark contrast to the LA’s two Outstanding schools, including Reading School just 2.6 km away. The school’s 41.2% of pupils eligible for free school meals is well above the national average, and its 739 pupils fill just under 78% of its 950 capacity, suggesting some local families are choosing elsewhere. While the school has a sixth form and a broad range of facilities including science labs, art studios, and an astro turf pitch, the headline inspection rating is the most immediate signal for parents weighing up their options.

Academically, the picture is mixed. The 2023 Ofsted report judged quality of education as Inadequate and behaviour and attitudes as Inadequate — both grade 4 ratings. Personal development was rated Requires improvement (grade 3). However, leadership and management and sixth form provision both received Good (grade 2) ratings, suggesting pockets of strength. The previous inspection in January 2020 had rated the school Requires improvement across all categories, so the overall effectiveness has declined since then. Without published Progress 8 or Attainment 8 figures in this data, it’s impossible to benchmark precisely against the LA average of 0.12, but the Ofsted trajectory is concerning. The school’s sixth form, though rated Good, serves a relatively small cohort within the 11-18 age range, and the lack of nursery provision means it focuses entirely on secondary and post-16 education.

For families considering Hartland, the practical context is important. The school is oversubscribed for 2025/26 entry, with 117 applications for 89 places — a ratio of 1.31 to 1 — and 60 first-preference offers were made. This suggests a committed local cohort despite the inspection rating. The school offers a wide range of SEND provisions, covering specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social and emotional mental health needs, autistic spectrum disorder, and physical disabilities. Facilities are comprehensive, including a library, ICT suite, sports hall, and music rooms, plus clubs ranging from chess to Model UN. Hartland may suit families who value a broad curriculum and strong SEND support, but who are prepared to engage closely with school leadership as it works to address the Inadequate rating. The nearest Outstanding alternative, Reading School, is a selective boys’ grammar 2.6 km away, so for non-selective families in central Reading, Hartland remains a key local option.

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