Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
107%
Capacity
1,545
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Reading community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,545 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (107% of 1,440 places).
Ofsted has rated Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre "Good", the school is led by headteacher Laura Mathews, it falls under Reading local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.25 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 53.5. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 943rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 9 in Reading.
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre is a popular choice with families — it received 402 applications for 245 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 182 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre include Sports Hall, Library, Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Science Labs, Dining Hall, Theatre, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Netball, Athletics, Hockey and 3 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Model UN, Choir, Coding and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 10.3%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Reading, Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre 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 | None |
| Address | Surley Row, Reading, Reading, RG4 8LR |
| Headteacher | Laura Mathews |
| Local Authority | Reading |
| Number of Pupils | 1,545 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 10.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,545 / 1,440 (107% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
27 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (27 Mar 2024): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 2 Jun 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.25)
943rd of 3,141
Nationally
148th of 461
In South East
3rd of 9
In Reading
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
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
37.8
'22/23
28.9
'23/24
32.3
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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed245
402
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
182 families put this school as their 1st choice (45% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
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
Surley Row, Reading
Reading, RG4 8LR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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