Reading Blue Coat CCF cadets took part in Exercise Eagle Landing, the third and final Field Training Exercise of the academic year, focusing on Year 9 to Year 12 cadets.
Senior school
Reading Blue Coat School
Reading Blue Coat School is an independent day school for boys and girls aged 11 to 18, set on the banks of the River Thames in Sonning, Berkshire.
Day fees
£26,100
Entry
School Exam + InterviewSelective
Next deadline
Fri 30 Oct 202613+ registration closes
Updatedsource
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Pete Thomas
Headteacher, since 2015
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
850
Location
Sonning-on-Thames, Wokingham
Day or boarding
Day
Age range
11 to 18
Religious ethos
Church of England
Founded
1646
Entry points
11+
Scholarships
Drama, Academic, Music +2
A-level A*–A
60%
2025
GCSE 9–7
61%
2025
Overview
About Reading Blue Coat School
##
Reading Blue Coat School, located in Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire, England, was established in 1646 by Richard Aldworth, a London merchant and Governor of Christ's Hospital. Originally named Aldworth's Hospital, the school aimed to provide education for twenty poor male children. ()
The school relocated to its current 46-acre campus beside the River Thames in 1947. The Richard Aldworth Building, opened in 2012, houses 23 classrooms, an Art department with views over the school's pitches and the River Thames, and a Common Room for Middle School pupils. ()
Academically, Reading Blue Coat offers a curriculum that emphasizes challenge and curiosity. In 2024-25, 83% of GCSE results were at grade 7 or higher, with 61% at the top grades 8 or 9. At A Level, 84% of entries achieved A*-B grades. ()
Extracurricular activities include a rowing club, the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra, and a Combined Cadet Force with Army, Navy, and RAF sections. The school also offers the Duke of Edinburgh Award. ()
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed senior school for ages 11–18.
Best for
- Families seeking a senior school for ages 11–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
- Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
Watch-outs
- SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
- Location detail is sparse in our profile — verify postcode and tube/rail link before counting on commute time.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
September 2027 entryRegistration tbcCloses 30 Oct 2026Reply by 5 Mar 2027
- Oct3Open dayPassedOpen Morning
- Oct30Registration closesNext
- Nov1Assessment
- Jan11Offers
- Mar5Acceptance deadline
Not yet published: registration opens, bursary deadline, interview.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£26,100per year · Day · 2026-27
Inc. VAT £26,100VAT TBC7 years: £207,395
vs London avg (£24,000)9% above
Ask Houseroom
Questions about Reading Blue Coat School?
Ask the school
Quick answers about Reading Blue Coat School
Answered only from Reading Blue Coat School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
60%
A-level A*–A
61%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
4%
to Oxbridge (2025)
| 2025 | 2024 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 142 | — | — |
| Oxbridge | 6 | 6 | 1 |
| Russell Group | — | 8 | 7 |
| US Ivy | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Medicine | — | — | 2 |
Top universities (2025)
OxfordCambridgeBathBristolDurhamExeterKing’s College LondonImperial College London
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
May 2026
Ten students from Reading Blue Coat School completed their Ocean Diver qualification in Lanzarote after prior training at school.
April 2026
Reading Blue Coat School’s Lower School performed a production of Peter Pan & Wendy at the Kenton Theatre, Henley, while the School’s new Performing Arts Centre was under construction.
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Sir Roger Bannister (athlete)Sir John Madejski (businessman)Tom McQueen (footballer)David Hempleman-Adams (adventurer)Mark Haddon (author)
Recommended next step
Registration closes 30 Oct 2026 (11+)
Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.
Fit for your child
Is Reading Blue Coat School right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childRegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 20 Feb 2024
Met
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn7 Sept 2026 → 11 Dec 2026
Spring6 Jan 2027 → 25 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–22 Feb 2027
Summer15 Apr 2027 → 9 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–7 Jun 2027
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Reading Blue Coat School best for?+
Reading Blue Coat School suits: Families seeking a senior school for ages 11–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry; Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
How much are the fees at Reading Blue Coat School?+
Day fees at Reading Blue Coat School are £8,700 a term in 2026-27 (£26,100 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Reading Blue Coat School?+
The next visit at Reading Blue Coat School is on 13 October 2026. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
We don't hold full admissions details for Reading Blue Coat School. Ask the school directly.
Does Reading Blue Coat School support SEND?+
We don't hold SEND details for Reading Blue Coat School. Ask admissions early if your child has additional needs.
What ages does Reading Blue Coat School take?+
Reading Blue Coat School takes pupils from age 11 to 18.
Is Reading Blue Coat School a day or boarding school?+
Reading Blue Coat School is a day school.
Is Reading Blue Coat School co-educational or single-sex?+
Reading Blue Coat School is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Reading Blue Coat School?+
Reading Blue Coat School is in Wokingham, RG4 6SU.
How do I contact admissions at Reading Blue Coat School?+
Contact Reading Blue Coat School by email at admissions@rbcs.org.uk or phone on 01189441005.
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