Choosing the right state secondary school for your child is a challenging process for parents. You will need to take time to learn about previous academic results and Ofsted reports, the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and location. To help you start the journey of finding the best place for your children, we have picked some of the best state secondary schools in Berkshire.
Kendrick School
Kendrick is a selective girls’ grammar in Reading that was given academy status in 2010. It boasts an impressive record of ranking number one nationally for GCSE results in state schools over a number of years.
It has previously gained the prestigious title of School of the Year from the Sunday Times in respect to its consistent high achievement in all areas. Ofsted has said this is of a high quality where pupils achieve high standards and the quality of teaching is outstanding.
There are great local transport links for buses and a number of local train services coming from areas including Bracknell, Maidenhead and Crowthorne.
Reading School
This is a selective boys’ grammar dating back to 1125. It has an outstanding record with 100% of students achieving 5 A*-C and 91.9% of those achieving 5 A*-A in 2013 and likewise high results in previous years.
With a key focus on maintaining their ‘world class’ aspirations and international partnerships, there is a vast curriculum spanning five European languages, computer science and engineering, electronics, drama, and traditional core subjects.
In July 2011, the Sutton Trust ranked the school as the third best state with 16.7% of pupils accepted to Oxbridge and 81.5% accepted to the top 30 universities in the UK.
Ranelagh School
Founded in 1709, Ranelagh is a co-educational located in Bracknell which has achieved an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report.
The school is steeped in tradition and history, yet they maintain a key focus on innovative learning. The headmistress insists they will never become complacent, to ensure their enviable history of achievement and excellence continues.
It produces high achievers as was evident in the fantastic recent GCSE results where 89% achieved A and A*. The majestic red bricks of the buildings, high quality local amenities and transport links have made this a popular choice.
Trinity School
Located in Newbury, Trinity is a co-educational with academy status that sets out to deliver exciting and challenging lessons to students to help them succeed. The school opened in 1999 and was the result of two existing schools being combined, hence the name.
The school is counted amongst the top 10% of schools in England for adding value to students’ achievements at GCSE and for improving results year on year.
There are a range of extracurricular activities to help students further develop, and there is an emphasis on involving parents in their children’s education.
Charters School
Located in Sunningdale, Charters School first opened its doors in 1958 and its development over the years has resulted in the school being awarded specialist sports and science college status. The school is also extremely proud of achieving ‘Outstanding’ in its latest Ofsted report.
The school believes in setting the highest possible standards in everything they do and strives to operate according to their motto: ‘Unity, Respect, Excellence’. This is reflected in the broad curriculum and extracurricular activities it offers.
In 2013, 82% of students gained 5 or more A*-C grades at GCSE, including English and Mathematics, the best performance amongst the Borough’s schools. The value-added score produced by Ofsted has consistently been the best in the Borough and amongst the top value-added scores nationally.
Garth Hill College
Located in Bracknell, Garth Hill College was established in 1956 and is on the same site as the college Wick Hill Centre which is linked with the school.
The school takes the viewpoint that learning should be an inspirational and enjoyable experience where everyone is given the chance to achieve their full potential. This is reflected in the wide encompassing curriculum and teaching.
There are many extracurricular activities for students to enjoy, while the immediate location of the highly thought of sixth form is also ideal for a child’s development.
If your research on schools is for a planned move to Berkshire and you are looking for expert advice on the local property market, please get in touch with one of our local branches. We have estate agents in Ascot, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Newbury, Reading, Slough, Sunningdale, Thatcham, Windsor and Wokingham.
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