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Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
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Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
- Secondary
- Reading RG4 8LR
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Ofsted report
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| Effectiveness of leadership and management | Good |
| Quality of teaching, learning and assessment | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| 16 to 19 study programmes | Good |
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This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Steady improvement in GCSE results, particularly in English and Maths
Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils behave well, respect staff, and appreciate their efforts
Academic Progress: Pupils achieve well with broad curriculum
Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils are polite and respectful
Qualifications and Training: Teachers have subject knowledge and clarity of expectations
Current Educational Practices: Active coaching and support from external experts
Strengths and Challenges: Positive impact on teaching via 'coaching for excellence'
Qualifications and Training: High levels of expertise and ongoing training
Current Educational Practices: Constantly improving provision
Strengths and Challenges: Some variability in teaching depth
Communication: Parents expressed confidence in school's development and child's progress
Parent Satisfaction: 'This is a school that supports children to achieve their full potential'
Opportunities for Involvement: Strong engagement with trustees
Communication: Regular staff-parent interaction
Parent Satisfaction: Generally positive feedback
Opportunities for Involvement: Parents can respond to questionnaires and participate in school activities
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Leaders act quickly to address weaknesses and improve systems
Actions for Quality Improvement: Focus on raising achievement of disadvantaged pupils with targeted plans
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Swift and effective actions
Actions for Quality Improvement: Supports ambitious aspirations
Managing Bullying and Safety: Safeguarding arrangements are fit for purpose, pupils feel safe
Promoting Welfare and Safety: Strong culture of mutual respect, inclusive and nurturing ethos
Managing Bullying and Safety: Effective safeguarding measures
Promoting Welfare and Safety: Positive culture of care
Extracurricular Offerings: Includes the 'Mandarin Excellence Programme', various clubs
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Homework supports learning; positive balance
Extracurricular Offerings: Impressive range of activities
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Encourages full participation
Outdoor Facilities: Bikeability programme promotes safe cycling to school
Career Counselling Services: Strong advice and guidance for university applications
Preparation for Sixth Form: Dedicated sixth-form area with study room and computer access
Career Counselling Services: Strong post-school support
Preparation for Sixth Form: Effective progress in sixth form
Managing and Supporting SEND: Star Centre provides effective support for vulnerable pupils
Managing and Supporting SEND: Effective support for SEND pupils
Subjects Offered: Broad curriculum choices, including performing arts and computing
Historical Ofsted reports
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About Us
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre is a Secondary, Co-Ed school located in Berkshire, South East.
It has 1562 students from age 11-18 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 17 : 1.
At this school, 57% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
92.40% of pupils completing their main study programme.
This school rated Good by recent Ofsted inspection.
Type of SEN provision
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Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
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From the Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
The Highdown School is a really unique setting.
As the headteacher, I am incredibly proud of everything we accomplish here and of our unwavering commitment to getting better every day.
Both faculty and students strive for excellence in whatever they do.
Honesty, responsibility, respect, tolerance, and courtesy are our basic principles, which serve as the foundation for our dedication and resiliency.
Our guiding principle is straightforward: outstanding education, backed by devoted pastoral care, gives our young people great results and life prospects.
Our curriculum is extensive and well-rounded, and it offers a strong foundation for life in our sixth form.
It takes five or more likely seven years to become used to life at Highdown.
In order to keep our students engaged, motivated, and committed to studying throughout their lives, we offer learning opportunities.
Our extracurricular programme is excellent.
Every kid will be able to appreciate something outside of the classroom.
The people of Highdown are understanding and content.
Our dedication to employee development is unmatched.
The best education for our kids is provided by a motivated team, and Highdown supports everyone's commitment to lifelong learning.
Visit Highdown whether you're a prospective parent, a student, or a coworker.
Read more
As the headteacher, I am incredibly proud of everything we accomplish here and of our unwavering commitment to getting better every day.
Both faculty and students strive for excellence in whatever they do.
Honesty, responsibility, respect, tolerance, and courtesy are our basic principles, which serve as the foundation for our dedication and resiliency.
Our guiding principle is straightforward: outstanding education, backed by devoted pastoral care, gives our young people great results and life prospects.
Our curriculum is extensive and well-rounded, and it offers a strong foundation for life in our sixth form.
It takes five or more likely seven years to become used to life at Highdown.
In order to keep our students engaged, motivated, and committed to studying throughout their lives, we offer learning opportunities.
Our extracurricular programme is excellent.
Every kid will be able to appreciate something outside of the classroom.
The people of Highdown are understanding and content.
Our dedication to employee development is unmatched.
The best education for our kids is provided by a motivated team, and Highdown supports everyone's commitment to lifelong learning.
Visit Highdown whether you're a prospective parent, a student, or a coworker.
Gallery
Compare with similar schools
| Phase of Education | Secondary | Secondary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Academies | Academies | Academies |
| 夜来香研究所 grade |
B-
|
B-
|
A-
|
| Ofset report | Good | Good | Outstanding |
| Age range | 11-18 | 11-18 | 11-18 |
| Gender | Co-Ed | Co-Ed | Boys |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 17.6 | - | 16.6 |
| Proficient Math | - | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | 57% | 98% | 99% |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | 8.10% | 35.00% | 71.90% |
| Day Fees | - | - | - |
Secondary Exam Result
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.07 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 53.4 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 57% | 28.32% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 80% | 37.26% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 38% | 26.16% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 19% | 15% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 27% | 17.58% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.80 | 3.21 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 93% | 91.08% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 211 | 110 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 86% | 85.5% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 17% | 22.58% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 53% | 45.67% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 16% | 6.67% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 10.92% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 3% | 1.75% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 3.67% | 3.59% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.18 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 51.9 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 55% | 29.63% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 73% | 38.21% | 45.33% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 40% | 23.74% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 26% | 16.42% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 35% | 18.84% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.72 | 3.17 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 96% | 94% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 212 | 113 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 92% | 91.55% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 16% | 21.09% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 62% | 52.55% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 12% | 9.09% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | 2% | 8.82% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 2% | 1.09% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 1.64% | 2.13% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.02 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 49.6 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 47% | 24.56% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 68% 5 | 31.39% | 43.41% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 27% | 18.28% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 21% 2 | 14.5% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 23% 3 | 16.06% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.33 | 2.85 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 97% | 83% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 209 | 108 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 88% | 79.38% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 16% | 14.63% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 53% | 47.63% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | 18% | 5% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 12.25% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 4% | 1.5% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 5% | 2.25% | 2.75% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.16 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 46.5 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 47% 12 | 24.56% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 63% 11 | 30.72% | 42.62% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 33% | 21.78% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 23% 7 | 14.83% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 26% 5 | 16.72% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.2 | 2.9 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 96% | 72.25% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 213 | 107 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | 90% | 68.5% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 18% | 11.63% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | 55% | 47.63% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 3% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 0.5% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 5% | 1.25% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 0.63% | 2.05% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | 0.13 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 51.8 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 59% | 29.5% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 74% | 35.22% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 42% | 22.44% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 30% | 17.44% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 31% | 17.94% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 97% | 83.14% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 211 | 123 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | 92% | 39.14% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 26% | 16.43% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | 55% | 58.14% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 1.57% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | - | 1.71% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 5% | 2.57% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 1.57% | 2.45% |
A level exam result
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 28.89 | 30.19 | 30.01 |
| Average grade | C | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 29.1 | 30.34 | 29.57 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 8.10% | 22.03% | 13.67% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 102 | 109 | 201 |
| Students staying in education | 63% | 62.33% | 58.58% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 6% | 5.5% | 6.08% |
| Students entering employment | 16% | 23% | 21.16% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 7% | 4.83% | 9.05% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 37.81 | 35.6 | 33.41 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 38.6 | 32.66 | 32.47 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 21.0% | 25.67% | 17.7% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 106 | 100 | 248 |
| Students staying in education | 61% | 64% | 60.67% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 6% | 4% | 5% |
| Students entering employment | 21% | 15.33% | 17.73% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 6% | 10.5% | 10.69% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 36.33 1 | 35.85 | 29.39 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 35.05 1 | 32.96 | 28.64 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | B- | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 20.4% | 20.46% | 13.07% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 123 | 113 | 232 |
| Students staying in education | 53% | 63.67% | 57.31% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 11% | 7.17% | 7.77% |
| Students entering employment | 23% | 17% | 20.99% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 7% | 8% | 8.8% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 35.52 5 | 36.48 | 29.03 |
| Average grade | B- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 34.98 | 35.9 | 28.82 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C+ | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 15.7% | 29.05% | 13.37% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | - | 0 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 17 | 8.83% | 31.5% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 4% | 8.83% | 5.54% |
| Students entering employment | 24% | 12.33% | 15.81% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 2.67% | 4.22% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 30.88 | 29.29 | 26.73 |
| Average grade | C | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 34.61 | 29.8 | 27.73 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C+ | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 11.8% | 18.43% | 12.64% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | - | 0 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | 22 | 14% | 36.26% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | - | 7.5% | 6.37% |
| Students entering employment | 27% | 18.83% | 20.03% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 12% | 3.5% | 4.23% |
How Do We Calculate Rankings?
Our school rankings are meticulously determined through a rigorous process:
This meticulous process ensures our rankings provide accurate and meaningful insights for your school choices.
Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 28th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 23rd Dec 2024 - 3rd Jan 2025 |
| Spring Half Term Holidays | 17th Feb 2025 - 21st Feb 2025 |
| Spring Holidays | 7th Apr 2025 - 21st Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 24th Jul 2025 - 29th Aug 2025 |
Terms Dates 2024/25
| Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 3rd Sep 2024 - 27th Oct 2024 |
| Autumn Term-2 | 2nd Nov 2024 - 22nd Dec 2024 |
| Spring Term | 4th Jan 2025 - 16th Feb 2025 |
| Spring Term-2 | 22nd Feb 2025 - 6th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Term | 22nd Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 23rd Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
17 : 1
Student teacher ratio at Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre
Local authority ratio 18 : 1
