The WREN School
83%
Capacity
979
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About The WREN School
The WREN School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Reading community, welcoming children from age 11 to 19. The school has 979 pupils on roll and is well-filled (83% of 1,176 places).
Ofsted has rated The WREN School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher John Salberg, it falls under Reading local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.13 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 43.0. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of D+. Additionally, ranked 1858th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 9 in Reading.
The WREN School is a popular choice with families — it received 368 applications for 137 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 101 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 The WREN School include Gymnasium, Library, ICT Suite, Science Labs, Sixth Form Centre, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Playing Fields.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Swimming, Basketball, Dance and 5 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, DofE, Drama, Book Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 28.4%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Reading, The WREN 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 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | 61-63 Bath Road, Reading, Reading, RG30 2BB |
| Headteacher | John Salberg |
| Local Authority | Reading |
| Number of Pupils | 979 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 28.4% |
| School Capacity | 979 / 1,176 (83% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
23 Jan 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 28 Feb 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.13)
1858th of 3,141
Nationally
283rd of 461
In South East
7th 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
22.4
'22/23
22.7
'23/24
21.8
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed137
368
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
101 families put this school as their 1st choice (27% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The WREN 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
61-63 Bath Road, Reading
Reading, RG30 2BB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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