Reading’s Elite Schools: a Brilliant Place for Families 

11th September 2025

Reading’s schools are starting another strong year, continuing a tradition of both academic success and supportive learning environments. With many businesses chooses to relocate here, the schools are proving time and time again that when it comes down to it, they don’t just tick the box; they knock it out of the park. 

A Proven Track Record of Success 

Image: Reading School

Education in Reading is a standout feature of the town, with many state and independent schools achieving results that rival the very best in the country. Take Reading School for example, a 900-year-old boys’ grammar school which saw almost 90% of students achieving A* to B grades at A-level in 2025. Alongside it, Kendrick School for girls continues to shine, with both institutions ranked in the top 100 UK schools (Daily Mail). Reading School was also named the Southeast State Secondary School of the Year in The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide for both 2024 and 2025. 

But it’s not just about the grammars. Across the town, secondary schools have been celebrating strong GCSE and A-level results, showing that Reading is serious about education at every level. 

Strong Options for All Ages

For younger families, Reading’s 36 primary schools (plus infant and junior schools) mean there’s no shortage of choice. From nurturing environments like Civitas Academy and St John’s Primary to Ofsted top-ranked schools such as Redlands, The Heights, and All Saints, parents can feel confident their little ones are off to a flying start. 

Outstanding Independent Schools
 

Image: The Abbey

If you’re looking at private education, Reading has some gems here too. The Abbey, recently named Independent Girls’ School of the Year, is a favourite for parents wanting academic rigour paired with strong pastoral care. Queen Anne’s, Reading Blue Coat, and Leighton Park add to the mix, offering a combination of heritage, extracurricular breadth, and forward-thinking values. 

A Hub for Lifelong Learning

And it doesn’t stop at school age. The University of Reading and Henley Business School bring a global reputation for higher education, which means families with older kids don’t need to look far for world-class opportunities. 

Of course, strong schools don’t just mean good grades — they create communities, attract top teaching talent, and even encourage businesses to set up shop in Reading because they know families will want to be here. It’s one of the big reasons so many professionals choose Reading. Excellent schools are part of the package deal.