Classpot

The WREN School

Reading, RG30 2BBSecondaryAges 11–19MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Requires Improvement
Jan 2024
Progress 8
-0.13
Below average
−20+2
Competition
0.7×
Not oversubscribed
101 1st-choice / 137 places
Ranking
#1,858
of 3,141 nationally

About The WREN School

The WREN School’s headline Progress 8 score of -0.13 sits below the Reading local authority average of 0.12, meaning its pupils achieve slightly less academic progress than the typical student in the area. This places the school seventh out of nine secondary schools in Reading, putting it in the bottom half of the local league table. For context, the top-performing local schools like Kendrick School and Reading School post Progress 8 scores well above 0.8, so the gap is significant. However, the school’s Progress 8 banding is still classified as ‘Average’ nationally, and its Attainment 8 score of 43 is a solid baseline. The school also serves a notably disadvantaged intake, with 28.4% of pupils eligible for free school meals, which is higher than many local peers. This context matters when interpreting the headline figure, as schools with higher deprivation often face steeper challenges in achieving top-tier progress scores.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 19 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
Address61-63 Bath Road, Reading, Reading, RG30 2BB
HeadteacherJohn Salberg
Local AuthorityReading
Number of Pupils979
Free School Meals (FSM)28.4%
School Capacity979 / 1,176 (83% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

23 Jan 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Requires improvement

Source: Ofsted, 28 Feb 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

8
GymnasiumLibraryICT SuiteScience LabsSixth Form CentreDining HallSports HallPlaying Fields

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

19

Sports

NetballSwimmingBasketballDanceCricketBadmintonMartial ArtsRoundersRowing

Clubs & Activities

Young EnterpriseDuke of EdinburghDramaBook ClubChoirGardeningArt ClubNewspaperOrchestraDebate

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The WREN School

The WREN School has been rated "Requires Improvement" by Ofsted. This means the school is not yet good, but inspectors believe it can improve with the right support and changes.