River Academy

About River Academy

River Academy, a mixed state secondary in Reading, does not have a Progress 8 score published, which makes a direct comparison with the local authority average of 0.12 impossible on that key headline metric. However, its Attainment 8 score of 51.9 provides a useful alternative benchmark. This figure is notably above the national average of around 46.5, suggesting that pupils at this small school are leaving with stronger overall GCSE results than many of their peers across England. The school’s Basics 9-4 pass rate in English and maths stands at 80%, a solid figure that indicates a strong core academic foundation for the vast majority of its 186 pupils. Yet the picture is not uniform: the Basics 9-5 rate drops to 60%, showing a significant gap between the standard pass and the higher threshold. Furthermore, no pupils entered the EBacc suite of subjects, which is a striking departure from the national push for a broad academic curriculum and something parents should consider carefully.

Academically, River Academy presents a mixed profile. The Attainment 8 score of 51.9 is respectable, but the absence of any EBacc entries means the school is not offering the full range of academic subjects that many secondary schools now prioritise. The EBacc average point score of 4.31 is based on a zero entry rate, so it reflects only the core subjects taken by all pupils. This suggests the school may be focusing its curriculum more narrowly, possibly to support its cohort. With only 186 pupils against a capacity of 169, the school is slightly over capacity, indicating it is popular locally despite its small size. There is no official sixth form, so pupils will need to move on after Year 11. The school’s results, while solid, do not place it among Reading’s top performers; the nearest outstanding school, Kendrick School, is just 2.2 km away and achieves a Progress 8 score of 1.07, far above the LA average.

River Academy is housed in a facility-rich environment for a school of its size, with a swimming pool, sports hall, playing fields, and dedicated music rooms. The clubs list is varied, including Eco Club, Model UN, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which suggests a commitment to broadening pupils’ experiences beyond the classroom. The school also offers a nursery provision, which may appeal to families with younger children. With a headteacher, Andrew Hartley, leading a small community, parents might find a more personalised atmosphere than at larger comprehensives. However, the lack of EBacc entry and the absence of a sixth form mean this school is best suited to families who value a strong core GCSE performance and a wide range of extracurricular activities, but who are prepared to look elsewhere for a broader academic curriculum or post-16 education. Its oversubscribed status suggests it meets a clear local need.

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