UTC Reading

About UTC Reading

UTC Reading is a state-funded secondary school for pupils aged 14 to 19, and it currently operates well below its capacity. With 286 pupils on roll against a total capacity of 600, the school has significant room to grow. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 20.5%, which is notably higher than the national average for secondary schools. Despite this, demand signals from admissions data are not available in the public record, so it is unclear whether the school is oversubscribed or actively recruiting. The school is mixed-gender and non-denominational, with no religious character. It serves the Reading borough in the South East region and is led by headteacher Jennie Thomson. The most recent Ofsted inspection, conducted in February 2025, awarded a Good rating across all areas including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision. This marks a significant turnaround from the previous inspection in February 2023, when the school was rated Inadequate overall.

Academically, UTC Reading’s performance presents a mixed picture. At Key Stage 4, the school’s Progress 8 score is -0.8, meaning pupils achieve nearly a grade less per subject than similar students nationally. This places the school 9th out of 11 schools in the Reading local authority and in the bottom 50% nationally. The local authority average Progress 8 score is 0.12, so UTC Reading is well below that benchmark. Attainment 8 sits at 40.7, and 59.4% of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in English and maths. No pupils entered the EBacc, and the EBacc average point score is 3.16. At A-level, the picture is more encouraging: the school’s value-added score is -0.12, which is rated as Average, and pupils achieved an average of 26.71 points per entry, equivalent to a C- grade. The best three A-levels averaged 26.13 points, also a C-. Of the 75 pupils in the sixth form, 9.7% achieved AAB or higher in at least two facilitating subjects.

The school offers a range of facilities including a gymnasium, playing fields, ICT suite, art studios, music rooms, theatre, and a sixth form centre. Sports on offer include rowing, football, dance, badminton, basketball, tennis, hockey, cross country, and athletics. Clubs range from art and coding to Model UN, book club, DofE, chess, drama, newspaper, and debate. For pupils with special educational needs, the school provides support for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, social emotional and mental health needs, speech language and communication needs, hearing impairment, physical disability, and autistic spectrum disorder. Parent views, based on 10 responses collected between September 2024 and September 2025, are largely positive: 80% would recommend the school, and 90% agree or strongly agree their child is happy. However, concerns are raised about how concerns are dealt with, with 20% strongly disagreeing that they are handled properly. This school will suit families looking for a small, specialist technical college with a strong sixth form and a clear focus on STEM and vocational pathways, particularly those who value a supportive environment for pupils with SEND.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About UTC Reading

Helpful Guides for Parents