Reading Grammar Schools Rank Among Nation's Best

Both Reading grammar schools have been named among the top 50 in the country by The Telegraph.

Grammar schools are state-funded but selective: pupils usually need to pass the 11+ to be considered. There are 163 across England, and two are in Reading.

The Telegraph scored schools out of 40 using A level results, university progression, Ebacc attainment and average class size.

Reading School (boys) is ranked 31st with 38/40. Pupils typically average an A at A level, 82% go to top universities, and 96% of those taking Ebacc got a 5. The school has 1,129 pupils, an average class size of 26 and a persistent absence rate of 22.3%.

Kendrick School (girls) is 43rd with 38/40. Girls typically average B+ at A level, 72% go to the top third of universities, and 93% of Ebacc takers scored 5. The school has 934 pupils, average class size 22 and persistent absence 20%.

The rankings were published on Thursday, October 15.

Research has questioned whether selection itself improves outcomes, noting grammar schools admit pupils who are already performing strongly before secondary school. New state grammar schools have been banned since 1998, keeping the number at 163.

Mr Butcher writes: "If your child passes the 11+ they could be considered for grammar school entry, but there are other factors at play for admissions, which are generally heavily oversubscribed. The most obvious issue is geography. Many grammar schools cast the net fairly wide, which may help parents living in grammar school 'deserts'. However, many parents will find themselves outside any grammar school net, making access very difficult. Local authorities are generally very transparent about these limitations, so always check with the council the school is located in for more information."

There has been debate about Reading School's ethnic makeup: a January snapshot showed 13% of pupils were White British and about 47% were Asian Indian. Kendrick's January 2025 data showed 64% from a South Asian or any other Asian background and 16% White British or any other White background.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter