READING SCHOOL in Berkshire, Reading

Education Centre Information: Reading School:

Establishment Type:Foundation School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Reading
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 31/01/2011
Boarders: Children's Home (Boarding School)
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Total Pupils: 890
Number of boys: 890
Admissions: Selective
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Boys
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Background:

Reading School is one of oldest scholastic foundations in England. It was granted a foundation charter in 1125, at which date its functions were closely linked to the medieval Abbey. After the dissolution of Reading Abbey, the school was placed under royal protection by King Henry VIII, before Queen Elizabeth I's charter of 1560 transferred responsibility from the Crown to the Borough of Reading. A new block of 11 classrooms was added in April 2001. About 10 per cent of pupils are boarders. The curriculum includes classics and French from year 7. Pupils worship daily in the Waterhouse Chapel. The school has several acres of playing fields as well as a boathouse. From year nine, boys may choose sports from options including tennis, squash, badminton, cross-country running, athletics, swimming, basketball, and rowing. Several musical and dramatic concerts are staged each year, including inter-house music and elocution competitions. The house system provides vertical structure for pastoral care while also forming the basis for competition in a wide variety of activities. Specialist humanities college status; outreach work in literacy and post-school IT and geography work with local year five and six primary pupils. Sportsmark Gold (2001, 2005); DfES achievement award (2001, 2002, 2003). 'An education for the modern world in an ancient setting'.