Kindly help-Secondary in Reading & environ

[Adeso]

I am reaching out to gather insights from parents regarding secondary schools in the Reading area, as I am considering a move based on the educational options available.

I've done some research, including reading Ofsted reports and visiting a few schools. However, I believe that firsthand experiences from parents can provide invaluable perspectives that statistics alone may not capture.

Currently, I am exploring the following schools:
Bohunt School Wokingham
Forest School
King's Prospect Academy
Maiden Erleigh
Bulmershe School

I am considering moving to areas like Earley, Lower Earley, Wokingham, Bracknell, or Arborfield, and I will be very open to researching about any other school not on my list.

Thank you in advance.

@Adeso I don't know about Kings Prospect Academy (never heard of it) but the others are in Wokingham BC, not Reading.

Forest and Bohunt are in the same catchment area (Wokingham) but Bohunt takes it's students predominantly from the south of the borough - Finchampstead, Barkham, Arborfield Green, Arborfield Cross, Swallowfield etc.and Forest is in Winnersh so Winnersh, Wokingham, Sindlesham, Hurst areas. Check the last admitted distances.

Forest used to be a boys school and (I think) is now co-ed. It had a "Requires improvement" Ofsted but I think the most recent Ofsted is better. Forest isn't oversubscribed. Bohunt is, so you'll need to look at last admitted distances. Bohunt currently doesn't have a sixth form but is due to have one from 2026/7 - if it doesn't get delayed again. Bohunt is very new and shiny - good facilities and part of a very driven Academy trust based in Hampshire. They are very hot on rules and regulations, very keen on correct uniform and, from what I've heard from affected parents, not great at dealing with students with SEN. Although I understand that the new head has appointed an assistant head with responsibility for SEN to try and make this area better.

Maiden Earley and Bulmershe are in the Earley catchment area of Wokingham BC. Maiden Earley is the more sought after and very bright children in the top stream do well here. More average children can get a bit lost in their steaming system. Again you'd need to check the last admitted distance and catchment area for Maiden Earley in particular.

A lot of money was pumped into Bulmershe and also Emmbrook school (in Wokingham) and they have both really improved over the past few years to make them first choice schools. St Crispins in Wokingham is also a first choice school and one you should consider if you are looking at Wokingham town centre properties.

Hope this helps.

Kings Academy Prospect is in West Reading. It doesn’t have the best reputation although much improved from where it was.

Do you mean Kings Academy Binfield? That’s more the area you seem to be looking at.

where did you go in the end, @Adeso ?