Reading Blue Coat School

About the school

Reading Blue Coat is a leading independent day school of 785 pupils; 705 boys aged 11 – 18 and a further 80 girls in the co-educational sixth form.

The School was founded in 1646 by Richard Aldworth, a Master of The Skinners’ Company and a Governor of Christ’s Hospital. The School was established near St Mary’s Minster Church in Reading and was originally known by its historic name of Aldworth’s Hospital. In 1947, Reading Blue Coat School moved to the magnificent estate of Holme Park in the Berkshire village of Sonning, where it remains today.

The ethos of the School derives from its Christian foundation and traditions, fostering care and concern within the community and enabling all pupils to develop their full potential. The School aims to provide a stimulating and friendly atmosphere in which each pupil can realise his or her full intellectual, physical and creative potential. Pupils are encouraged to be self-reliant and adaptable, and the School intends that they will learn the basis of good citizenship, founded on honesty, fairness and understanding of the needs of others. The curriculum provides a balanced blend of academic and non-academic activities that combine to meet these objectives.

The most recent full ISI Inspection was in November 2019 from which we achieved the highest rating possible in all categories of the inspection.

The School employs in excess of 170 salaried staff, of whom about 50% are academic. Reflecting the character of our co-educational sixth form, nearly half of our academic staff are female.

Reading Blue Coat is located four miles from the centre of Reading, in the Thames-side village of Sonning. It is also three miles from Twyford, which will be located on Crossrail, with fast train service across London. Set in 46 acres of land for pupils to enjoy, the facilities are very well maintained and the School continues to invest in the site to add to an impressive infrastructure of buildings.

Nearing construction is the new Learning Innovation Centre. An impressive Grounds, Maintenance and Activities Centre opened in early 2020. Planning permission has been obtained for a new Performing Arts Centre.