HEAD’S WELCOME
Leighton Park offers an exceptional values-led education for 11–18-year-old girls and boys, located in Reading.
We were awarded Senior School of the Year in the national Independent Schools Association Awards 2023-24 and were also in the top 5 Independent Schools in the country in the TES Schools Awards.
We combine the best academic progress in Berkshire with national award-winning personal development and sector-leading pastoral care. Our students are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their greatest potential.
We are a School that inspires Achievement, with Values, Character and Community. Academic excellence is the consequence of our approach but our focus rests on inspiring our students to imagine a better world. We then support them to develop the character, confidence and skills to be changemakers.
Achievement - We inspire a love of learning, deep thinking scholarship and an inner drive for realising talent
Values - Inspired by our Quaker values of Simplicity, Truth, Respect, Integrity, Peace, Equality and Sustainability, we foster a sense of responsibility, a commitment to helping others and a determination to make a difference
Character - We develop a confident sense of self, underpinned by resilience, perseverance and selfreflection
Community - We nurture a community of kindness, valuing the potential of each individual and seeking to understand and celebrate difference.
We offer a variety of events to help you decide if Leighton Park School is the right choice for your family. Find out more at www.leightonpark.com/ visit-leighton-park/
Matthew L S Judd Head of Leighton Park
LEIGHTON PARK AT A GLANCE
1 2 11 30 45 60 65 570 1890 1993 2023-24
TOP PERFORMING SIXTH FORM IN BERKSHIRE FOR STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND ONE OF ONLY 8 SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND TO HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IN THE TOP 100
RECENT NATIONAL SCHOOL AWARDS - SENIOR SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2023-24 AND EXCELLENCE IN PUPIL PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 2022-23
AVERAGE TUTOR GROUP SIZE
SPORTS PLAYED WITH FOOTBALL, NETBALL AND HOCKEY OUR KEY SPORTS
DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES
PERCENT OF STUDENTS TAKE INDIVIDUAL MUSIC LESSONS WITH ONE OF OUR 27 INSTRUMENTAL TEACHERS
ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL PARKLAND
STUDENTS, 80% BRITISH AND 20% INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL FOUNDED BY THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
SCHOOL WENT FULLY CO-ED
WON THE NATIONAL SENIOR SCHOOL OF THE YEAR AWARD
INCLUDED IN OUR FEES
1 3 5 6 90
RESIDENTIAL TRIP IN EACH OF YEARS 7 & 8
DELICIOUS MEALS A DAY PLUS SNACKS
OPTIONAL HOURS OF FREE, STRUCTURED WRAP AROUND CARE EACH DAY. OUR FLEXIBLE SCHOOL DAY MEANS YOU CAN SHAPE IT TO MEET YOUR FAMILY NEEDS
ACADEMIC REPORTING POINTS EACH YEAR TO HELP YOU KEEP TRACK OF PROGRESS
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. GET READY TO BE INSPIRED BECAUSE WE’VE GOT SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
WHAT OUR FAMILIES THINK
YEAR 7 PARENTS GAVE LEIGHTON PARK THE FOLLOWING SCORE WHEN ASKED IF THEY WOULD RECOMMEND THE SCHOOL TO THEIR FRIENDS:
9.6 OUT OF 10
IN OUR MAY 2024 PARENT SURVEY
“We already had high expectations from the open days and build up to starting at school, but you have consistently exceeded them. Thank you for giving our daughter such a wonderful first year at LP.”
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“My son had a difficult time at his previous school and Leighton Park has made a huge difference to his general well-being, academic progress and friendships. My son is now beginning to shine and believe in what he is capable of. The LP approach has been a godsend for my family.”
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“The process of welcoming the new Fryers (Year 7 & 8) was exceptionally well managed. This has definitely contributed to my daughter feeling welcomed and happy at school.”
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“My children have been brilliantly supported throughout their time at LP. Staff and tutors have gone out of their way to contact parents with any issues and provided great support to ensure my children’s success and happiness.”
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“The co-curricular provision is amazing. I have one child who loves sport and does all the music clubs she can fit in. Kids don’t get pigeonholed as sporty or musical or academic. They’re encouraged in all of their interests and everything they do is valued - I love that.”
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“When we chose Leighton Park, we didn’t know what to expect. We have been delighted with everything and love the many different opportunities my son has and all of the support that he has received. We definitely made the right decision choosing Leighton Park. Thank you.”
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“The teachers are fantastic, the co-curriculars are amazing, the vibe is upbeat. Teachers legitimately care and the student body is just wonderful.”
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
2024 Finalist - Most Inclusive School in Muddy Awards
2024 Highly Commended - Giving Something Back in Muddy Awards
2024 Feminista Action Gold Award for combatting sexism in our society
2024 First senior school in the UK to Partner with HerGameToo, campaigning against sexism in sport
2023-24 Won Senior School of the Year in the Independent Schools Association Awards (ISA)
2023-24 Finalist – Independent Senior School of the Year in the TES Schools Awards
2023 Co-curricular football partnership with Chelsea Football Club
2022-23 National Leader for Pupil Personal Development, winning the ISA Award for Excellence
2022-2025 Recognised for exceptional pastoral care, achieving the Wellbeing Award for Schools, accredited by the National Children’s Bureau
2022 Excellent in all areas, the top grade, in our latest Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report
2021 Won the national ISA Award for Outstanding Local Community Involvement.
“The depth, breadth, volume and variety of knowledge, skills and understanding seen in pupils’ learning is outstanding. Pupils are confident and secure in their knowledge which they attribute to the excellent support and guidance of their teachers and school resources.”
ISI Report
“Throughout the school, pupils are open and receptive to different cultures. They show an acute sense of respect for each other and, underpinned by its Quaker values, recognise the school’s important role in creativing a positive, encouraging and welcoming environment where they can develop and flourish as true individuals.”
ISI Report
“At Leighton Park School, the culture of creativity, activity and service has given rise to mutually beneficial student-led partnerships which aim to tackle the challenges of today’s world. Personal development remains at the heart of the school’s ethos as reflection is built into different parts of the day, allowing young people proper opportunity to contemplate progress against their individual targets. It is an honour to name Leighton Park the ISA Senior School of the Year.”
Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer at ISA
“I am really pleased that we have partnered with our first Senior School, Leighton Park. It is fantastic to see Callum leading the charge to making football a game for all at Leighton Park and when he told me his plans, I was so excited. It took me back to being a teenager again!”
Emily Drakeley, Co-Founder and Director of Her Game Too
We inspire you to imagine a better world, equipping you with the character, confidence and skills to be a changemaker. We do this through our changemaker curriculum, embracing achievement with values, character and community.
ACHIEVEMENT
WHY IT MATTERS
We’re all about inspiring a love of learning, deep thinking, and helping you find your inner drive to reach your full potential. We mix the critical analysis skills from STEM with the creative habits of mind from the Arts, so you can tackle complex problems and come up with clever solutions. Get ready to learn, think big, and make amazing things happen!
HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT
• Our approaches to learning programme provides you with valuable critical thinking skills and boosts academic confidence, culminating in the Fryer Project Qualification
• Our project based-learning will nurture your skills through offcurriculum experiences like our Enquiry Week, Sustainability Week and Activities Duo
• You will study subjects like Engineering, Music Tech and Design Technology as part of our enhanced STEAM Curriculum, with Engineering, Dance, Food Tech and Global Perspectives offered as part of 27 GCSE options
• You can further polish your critical thinking and problemsolving skills through our super-curricular options, including Aspiring High, Model United Nations, STEAM Club, Drone Club and Design and Build
• We are an International Baccalaureate World School – so you’ll have the option to choose between A Levels or the IB Diploma Programme in Sixth Form. The IB Diploma is the gold standard in interdisciplinary learning. If you choose A Levels, you’ll be encouraged to do an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
IMPACT
Our Sixth Form students achieve the best academic progress in Berkshire and 14th out of all boarding schools in the UK. We are one of only eight schools in the country to have always been in the top 100.
While we support students to follow whichever field most fascinates them, between 50-65% of our students go on to leading STEAMrelated degrees each year, like Engineering, Medicine, Design and Architecture.
“I like the school’s encouragement to persevere with your goals and be ambitious.
I think that the school’s value of respect particularly allows students to show initiative, be motivated and compassionate without fear of judgement.”
Evie Belle, Lower Sixth
STUDENT DESTINATIONS
Ahmer
A*, A*, A*, A AT A LEVEL, WITH AN A* FOR EPQ MEDICINE, IMPERIAL
“Sixth form at LP is a truly unique experience. In the classroom, teachers push you to your academic limits and provide support to develop you beyond them, fuelling a life long passion for your subjects and helping you achieve to the best of your ability. We are encouraged to think ‘outside the box’, beyond the syllabus and research topics of interest. Not only does LP develop you academically but also as a person.”
Annie
A*, A*, A*, A* AT A LEVEL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
“I appreciated having access to nature around the park at LP, as it helped me stay focused and calm during exams, as well as helping my mental health. I also valued the teachers’ inclusivity, as they encouraged me to go into STEAM subjects and organized activities to help me feel more comfortable with studying engineering at uni.”
William
40 POINTS ON IB MATHS, UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
“Leighton Park was an unique and invaluable experience for me. I met incredibly interesting, talented and socially-conscious individuals both in the staff and student bodies who genuinely inspired me to give my all during my time there and made my time at LP unforgettable.”
Rio
43 POINTS ON IB MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
“Leighton Park offers something very special, from its acceptance and community to the wide range of opportunities for everyone. LP offers a great deal of support, and I am immensely thankful for it. I truly believe the way it has pushed me has allowed me to thrive.”
Millie
42 POINTS ON IB ENGLISH AND FRENCH, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
“Leighton Park is a rarity, and gave me a confidence in goodness… I am endlessly grateful for the friends I’ve met in the past five years.”
Nikki
A*, A*, A AT A LEVEL MUSIC, ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC
“What I really think makes Leighton Park different is that every single student’s individual experience can be tailored for what they love and what they are interested in. Whatever you are passionate about, Leighton Park will have something for you. Everyone on the Park was so friendly and welcoming when I first joined.”
Ella
A*, A*, A* AT A LEVEL ARCHITECTURE, UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
“LP was extremely welcoming and friendly from my first day. Class sizes are such that you feel very supported by teachers and you get to know your class really well. I particularly loved my geography field trips! Most of all you get to be yourself at LP and you are encouraged to develop your own individual abilities and interests.”
See more student case studies:
VALUES WHY IT MATTERS
We foster your sense of responsibility, your commitment to helping others and your determination to make a difference. We take inspiration from the history of successful forward-thinking Quaker companies like Cadbury and Rowntree, as well as Quaker-founded campaigning organisations, such as Amnesty International, Greenpeace and Oxfam. Did you know that Quakers won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947? Join us and be part of a community that inspires change, with a proud heritage of making the world a better place.
HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT
• Inspired by our Quaker roots, our values-led education offers you the time and space to think about who you are, what you want to achieve and develop a strong sense of purpose. Our school day is built around moments of mindfulness – bringing a sense of calm to our vibrant learning community and nurturing kindness
• Ethical Changemakers: our national award-winning programme to develop kind and compassionate leaders offers you the horizon-expanding and life-affirming opportunity to help others. From Literacy Ambassadors and Maths Mentors to Sports Leaders and Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
• Creativity, Action, Service is our national award-winning personal development programme, equipping you with transferable skills and a strong sense of self
• Take a stand on one of the defining issues of our time as we work with partners to implement positive actions to address climate change and biodiversity loss
• You’ll benefit from student-led super-curricular options, including AMICUS, our student-run charity, Amnesty International and our Junior and Senior Eco Clubs who have achieved the coveted Green Flag Award for schools.
IMPACT
Highly Commended Giving Something Back, Muddy Awards 2024
Winner – Green Senior School Award, City Kids Awards 2023
Finalist – Award for Environmental Achievement, Independent Schools of the Year 2023
Winner - Outstanding Community Involvement, National ISA Award 2022 and 2021
“This is my main love for this school: how we are given relentless opportunities to grow and develop as humans. This is accomplished through: the wide range of extra-curriculars available which offer something for everyone, are interesting and fun, and have variety I have never seen before; the constant support we have from the incredible teachers with the peers around us and the opportunities presented through our subjects we take - opportunities to be involved in experiences that challenge our perceptions and limits we may set on ourselves.”
Rhys, Lower Sixth’
“Leighton Park has offered real synergies to Blessed Hugh’s culture of continuous improvement. Whether through the groundbreaking Green Business Breakfast, media masterclasses, maths mentoring or the signature Women in Leadership programme, this partnership has directly benefitted young people as well as staff, underpinned by deep mutual respect and a real commitment to the town of Reading.”
“Leighton Park is such a welcoming and loving community, people are so kind and friendly to each other, and help each other whenever needed. That’s a huge success no matter as a school or a community. Leighton Park is absolutely worth the title of Senior School of the Year. I am enjoying my life so much at Leighton Park.”
Kaya, Year 11
Dr Simon Uttley, Headteacher, Blessed Hugh Faringdon
CHARACTER
WHY IT MATTERS
We help you develop a confident sense of self, built on resilience, perseverance, and self-reflection. We’ll empower you to be bold, courageous, original, happy and kind. With a strong sense of your place in the world, you’ll be community-minded and have the drive to stand up for what you believe in. Take on the world with confidence and compassion and live adventurously!
HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT
• Personalised Tutor System: you’ll benefit from small tutor groups, with daily touchpoints and bi-weekly updates to parents
• Curiosity-led learning and character development: Our cocurricular programme boasts over 90 options to turbo-charge your curiosity and thirst for knowledge; enabling you to discover and develop your unique talents
• Our music wellbeing project helps you express your emotions and stay in control, fostering a sense of calm and building your resilience when times get tough. Get ready to feel more balanced and stronger with the power of music
• For neurodiverse students, our Individual Learning Centre is here to support you. We’ll help you harness your unique learning strengths and celebrate your differences
• Our Sixth Form Oakleaf Diploma Programme equips you with the ‘soft skills’ so essential for success in a fast-changing-world and nurtures your commitment to life-long-learning and ‘letting your life speak’.
IMPACT
Award for Excellence for Pupil Personal Development ISA Awards 2022-23
Feminsta Action Gold Award 2024
“I
genuinely love Leighton Park, the school has given me so many incredible opportunities which have helped me find out who I truly am. I wouldn’t want to spend my teenage years anywhere else.”
Tanvi, Lower Sixth
“I really like that LP provides a lot of opportunities (both academic and extracurricular) for students that help them to go out of their comfort zone and learn something new. These opportunities help me to discover who I am.”
Saarvi, Lower Sixth’
COMMUNITY
WHY IT MATTERS
We nurture a community of kindness, where we value everyone’s potential and celebrate our differences. Together, we’re happier and more successful, fuelling your motivation, your achievement and your ability to succeed as yourself. We are only as strong as we are united and as weak as we are divided. Let’s build something incredible together!
HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT
• You’ll benefit from a strong sense of belonging, forged through our vertical House System, with community and charity events, as well as competitions to cater to everyone
• Year Group Commons give you your own safe pastoral spaces within the School and a dedicated pastoral team to support you
• Our “music for all” approach brings our community together to celebrate talent. Enjoy the perks of our flagship partnership with Yamaha and join the 60% of students who study an instrument with one of our 27 amazing instrumental teachers. Not into playing music? No problem! Why not try mixing someone else’s in one of our editing suites. There’s something for everyone!
• Our inclusive Sport and Wellness programme provides over 30 sports. Our focus sports are Football, Hockey and Netball, where you’ll benefit from investment in top coaches and partnerships with elite clubs and organisations like Chelsea FC and #HerGameToo
• Girls on Board and LP Bros pastoral programmes and Female Lead Society provide you with the skills to manage social relationships during adolescence, empowering you to take the lead in your life and future career
• Mutual respect: you’ll be able to call our subject-specialist teachers by their first names - fostering strong, supportive relationships.
IMPACT
Finalist Most Inclusive School
Muddy Stilettos 2024
First senior school in the UK to partner with Her Game Too
“I love the community we established at Leighton Park, where I can comfortably be myself. Leighton Park also enabled me to become more outgoing and confident when approaching my peers, something I have struggled with my whole life.”
Lilia, Lower Sixth
“I really love the sense of community that radiates in LP. The staff are ready to give whatever it takes to help students achieve their best potential- by offering extra oneto-one time whenever needed. I find that admirable.”
Manaswith, Lower Sixth
“I genuinely believe that this is the most welcoming and accepting school that I have ever been at.”
Joseph, Year 9
CREATIVITY AT LEIGHTON PARK
The creative arts are important for developing creativity and confidence, as well as bringing the community together to celebrate talent and appreciate difference.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
At Leighton Park, you’ll have tons of opportunities to play and perform music from day one. Whether you’re into playing instruments or singing, we’ve got you covered with 27 instrumental teachers and vocal coaches. Plus, you can get hands-on experience behind the scenes in our state-of-theart digital recording studio and editing suites.
Our students have rocked the national stage, winning first and second place in the Independent School Association (ISA) Composition Awards. We’re also national champions in the Bands competition and for A Cappella four years in a row. Come and discover where your musical talents can take you!
YAMAHA MUSIC EDUCATION PARTNER
We’re proud to be a Flagship Yamaha Music Education Partner, the only school in Europe to hold this prestigious status. This means we have incredible instruments and industry-standard recording software for you to use, exclusive teaching materials and specialist training for our staff. Plus, you’ll get to join workshops with professional Yamaha musicians. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn from the best and take your musical skills to the next level.
STEINBERG CERTIFIED TRAINING CENTRE
We are a Steinberg Certified Training Centre, a recognition of excellence in our use of Music Technology across the department.
SONTRONICS EDUCATION PARTNER
We partner with Sontronics, a leading British microphone specialist founded by mic designer Trevor Coley. This means you will get to use the same microphones as Ed Sheeran and Adele.
ESTHER - VIOLIN
Since joining Leighton Park Esther has developed her skill for the violin, started practicing piano, drums and singing as well as composing her own music. With aspirations to study music at university level, Esther’s passion and potential promise an exceptional future in the world of music. Esther has an offer to study Music at the University of Oxford.
NATALIA - VOICE
Natalia is a wonderfully talented singer, who has been singing since she was six - going on to be a member of the National Children’s Choir. Natalia is part of our Chamber Choir, which won the national Independent Schools Association
A Cappella Award in 2024 and 2023. Natalia has won a Choral Scholarship at the University of Cambridge, where she plans to study Linguistics.
Sound for Soul
Sound for Soul is our innovative music and wellbeing initiative. Our Music Department and sector-leading Pastoral Care Team are collaborating to ensure that all our students benefit from the profound impact music has on student wellbeing and mental health. Let the power of music boost your spirits!
ART
The department has nine specialist art studios, including ceramics, textiles, graphic art, print making, photography and several painting studios. Sixth Form A Level and IB Diploma students benefit from their own studio space in the Sixth Form Art Centre. The School offers Textiles Design as well as Art at GCSE level, with five art hobbies offered every week. Come and join us – let your creativity shine!
DANCE
Leighton Park has a thriving offering in Dance. As well as academic qualifications at GCSE and A Level, we have our own Dance Company, called LooP. We also offer National Association of Teachers of Dance qualifications. Our dance studio is amazing, complete with bars, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and an excellent sound system. It is the perfect place to practice and have fun with friends.
TV AND FILM
Our digital media studio is fully equipped with Apple computers, a 4K projector and an incredible sound system, a green screen for doing special effects and cupboards full of industry-standard cameras, lighting and microphones. This year our students received 17 offers related to Film and Filmmaking, as well as eight offers related to Computer Game Design. Harness your love of creating and tech to tell your story.
DRAMA
The School has two professional-standard drama studios and a 500-seat performance space. There are several large productions throughout the year, ranging from plays and adaptations to full scale musicals. We offer Lamda and Trinity qualifications. One of our recent leavers, Phil Dunster, plays main character Jamie Tartt in the phenomenally successful Ted Lasso TV series. Jim Broadbent and Eliza Bennett also attended Leighton Park. Will you be our next rising star?
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
All students dive into Design Technology and Engineering in Years 7, 8, and 9 and you can keep the creativity going with GCSE and A Level options. Let your imagination run wild in our Design Studio, using industry-standard software and 3D printers. Our massive workshop has it all - laser engravers, cam routers, lathes, aluminium welding - everything you need to bring your designs to life. Explore, invent, and build your dreams!
FOOD TECH
Our Great British Bake Off style kitchen is a hive of activity and home to many of our most popular cocurricular options, including Fryer and the Chocolate Factory and Cooking for University. All students enjoy Food Tech in Years 7 & 8, with the GCSE option very popular – including with our high-performance athletes. Let’s cook something delicious!
SPORT AND WELLNESS
Our students shine in Independent Schools Association competitions and our Advanced Performer Programme members often reach the pinnacle of their sports. We love celebrating these successes and ensuring every student has the chance to get active, compete, and sharpen their skills.
PARTNERSHIPS
Advanced Performance Programme – Go Perform, YouHQ, MoveHQ and Good things coming (GTC)
Basketball – Reading Rockets
Football – Chelsea FC, Her Game Too Judo and Ju Jitsu – Camberley Judo Club Tennis – GD Tennis
Our All-Weather Pitch was resurfaced in February 2024 with a brand new carpet and state of the art LED lighting. The School aims to open a new Sports and Wellness Centre in 2026. These facilities complement our 25 metre indoor heated swimming pool, three full size football pitches, a beautiful cricket oval, 22 tennis courts, eight netball courts, a strength and conditioning centre and a cardiovascular fitness suite.
Leighton Park is a paradise for sports enthusiasts with over 30 sports on offer, from Swimming to Rock Climbing, and Basketball to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our Dance classes will get you moving, while Plyometrics will challenge your agility and strength. Our main attractions? Football, Hockey and Netball take centre stage. Elevate your game at Leighton Park.
FOOTBALL
Football is one of our most popular sports, with multiple boys’ and girls’ teams across different year groups. Our Head of Football, Callum, is a UEFA qualified coach and used to be a coach at Chelsea and Southampton Football Clubs. Students also benefit from co-curricular skills training sessions with current coaches from Chelsea Football Club. Most recently, our U13 and U15 girls’ teams both won their leagues undefeated. Students go on a Football Tour each year. Students went to Porto FC this year and will go to Real Madrid next year. A multi-sports tour of Barbados is also available. Get ready for some serious fun and amazing experiences!
HOCKEY
Hockey is a focus sport for Leighton Park, with multiple boys’ and girls’ teams across different year groups. Our Hockey coach, Matt, plays in the Reading first team. We have 25 students currently playing at Club level as well as five County players and a junior international player. We have consistently been in the top 3 in the senior Super 8 League for the last six years and our U15 team won the County Plate Competition. Our Hockey Tour last year went to Spain, with our players going to Barbados next year. Our brand new Hockey Astro was installed in February 2024. Pick up your hockey stick and join the excitement.
NETBALL
Netball is a key sport at Leighton Park with three senior teams, as well as multiple teams across U16, U14 and U12. Our Head of Girls’ Games, Zoe, has been a Woodley Lead Coach, while Netball Coach and Head of Strength and Conditioning, Alice, has also earned her stripes as a coach for Western Park Blades. We had the honour of hosting the national ISA U13s Netball Competition this year, as well as the U18s. Our U16 team came 4th, while our U14 team picked up Bronze in the national plate competition in Nottingham. The Netball Tour went to Spain this year and will go to Barbados next year. Game on!
OUR SCHOOL DAY
Get ready for a jam-packed, fun-filled school day. Our academic school day is 8.15am until 4.15pm, but the adventure doesn’t stop there. Come early for a tasty breakfast at 7.30am with friends. You are welcome to stay until 7.30pm to get a head start on your prep, develop your skills in one of our exciting co-curricular clubs or just enjoy time with friends. This is all included in the fee and is part of our national award-winning pupil personal development programme to help you achieve your full potential. So, jump in and make every moment count!
Day students and boarders share the same classes, co-curricular activities, games lessons and social time. This means you can develop tight-knit friendships with interesting people from across Berkshire and around the world.
Timings of the School Day. The highlighted activities are optional.
Time
7.30am – 8.10am Breakfast
8.15am – 8.25am Registration
8.30am – 9.25am Lesson 1
9.30am – 10.25am Lesson 2
10.30am – 11.00am Collect
11.00am – 11.20am Break
11.20am – 12.15pm Lesson 3
12.20pm – 1.15pm Lesson 4
1.15pm – 2.25pm Lunch
2.25pm – 3.20pm Lesson 5
3.25pm – 4.15pm Lesson 6
4.15pm – 4.30pm Buns
4.30pm – 5.30pm Co-curricular Activities
5.30pm – 6.15pm Tea
6.15pm – 7.30pm Co-curricular Activities or Prep in Boarding Houses (up to 9.00pm in Years 9 and above)
FOOD
Our Oakview Restaurant makes every meal a delight. From breakfast to lunch, and right through to tea, we serve up delicious dishes daily, tailored to meet all your dietary and cultural preferences.
Come lunchtime, the options are endless! Choose from four mouth-watering main meals, dive into a selection of 26 vibrant salads, indulge at our pasta bar or savour a perfectly baked potato with all the toppings. And we haven’t even told you about the pudding choices yet… you won’t be disappointed!
With a generous seventy minutes for lunch, you will have plenty of time to relish your meals with friends or make the most of our exciting array of lunchtime co-curricular clubs we offer.
BOARDING
Did you know that nearly one-third of our students are boarders? Our lively community is a melting pot of cultures, with friends from 45 different countries! Around 40% of our boarders are British, and we even have day students from all over the world, thanks to the many international companies in Reading Weekend activities Everyone looks forward to the weekends! You get a perfect mix of fun activities, exciting trips and chill time. After waking up early at 7.15 am during the week, you get to sleep in a bit on the weekends. With wonderful school facilities and brilliant trips to local attractions, there’s always something to do. Plus, being near London and Oxford means we often head out to catch pro sports games, explore cultural spots in London, and have fun with activities like go-karting, paintball and theme parks. Many boarding schools are in the middle of the countryside, which is pretty… but boring.
Sector-leading pastoral care You’ll have five teachers living in the boarding house with you. This means you see the same staff during the evenings and weekends that you see during the school day, so you get to know each other really well. You have the choice of five different adults to talk to if you have any worries and living with your teachers is very handy if you have any questions about your homework! This all adds up to our boarding students consistently outperforming our day students in their academic progress.
Come join us for an unforgettable experience full of friends, fun and fantastic adventures!
Senior Girls’ Boarding If you’re in Year 10 or above, you’ll stay in Reckitt House. Girls in Years 10 and 11 share a spacious room with one or two other girls, while Sixth Form girls get their own comfy bedrooms. With 67 girls in Reckitt, it’s a lively and fun community. There are lots of common room spaces and a beautiful private garden to hang out with friends. Plus, many girls love baking or making toasties in the student kitchen in the evenings. It’s the perfect place to make friends and enjoy boarding life!
Senior Boys’ Boarding For boys in Year 10 or above, you’ll be staying in School House. Boys in Years 10 and 11 share a large room with up to three other boys, while Sixth Form boys get their own rooms. With 68 boys in School House, there’s always something exciting going on. From hitting the gym, playing football and basketball, to jamming out in our state-of-the-art music centre, there’s plenty to do. Plus, making snacks together in the kitchen is a favourite evening activity!
Lower School Co-ed Boarding If you’re in Years 7, 8, or 9, you’ll be staying in the newly refurbished Fryer House. It’s separated into Girls’ and Boys’ wings with awesome shared spaces like a Cinema Room, Games Rooms, quiet snug and everyone’s favourite – the kitchen! It’s a homely and fun environment where younger boarders can enjoy a nurturing and caring environment. Students share with one or two friends in modern ensuite rooms.
“A palpable sense of calm pervades the place – you feel it as you drive in and your shoulders drop as you step out of your car and breathe out”
Good Schools Guide
OUR LOCATION
Oxford 25 minutes
Heathrow Airport 30 minutes
OXFORDSHIRE
Isle of Wight
Leighton Park School Reading
Gatwick Airport 1 hour 15 minutes
London Paddington 25 minutes
Our location, 25 minutes from London, close to Oxford and the South Coast, and surrounded by some of the most historic and picturesque countryside in England, creates unrivalled opportunities for students to extend and contextualise their learning.
• London Paddington - 25 minutes
• Oxford - 25 minutes
• London Heathrow Airport - 30 minutes
• London Gatwick Airport - 1 hour, 15 minutes
REGULAR UK TRIPS INCLUDE:
• National Theatre, Sadler’s Wells and West End shows for English, Drama and Dance
• Tate Modern, National Gallery and other Art exhibitions for Art, Textiles and DT
• British Museum and Chinatown for Mandarin South Wales and Devon for Geography
• Orielton, Pembrokeshire for Biology
The Chilterns, the South Downs and Dorset for DofE
• Theme Park visits to Thorpe Park for Physics and for fun!
AN EVOLVING CAMPUS
2026 Planned opening of Sport and Wellness Centre
2026 Planned refurbishment of Senior Boarding Houses
2024 Opening of Year 10 & 11 Commons
2024 Opening of stunning new Sixth Form Study Centre and School Library
2024 Fully renovated Hockey Astro and new state-of-the-art LED lighting system
2023 Opening of second Drama studio and new house and stage lighting system for Main Hall
2023 Upgrade to gym changing rooms
2022 New seating, carpet and refurbishment of Main Hall
2022 Opening of Year 9 Commons
2022 Complete renovation of cricket pavilion
2021 Complete renovation of day and boarding facilities for Junior students
2021 Upgrade to athletics facilities, including long jump and high jump
2021 Swimming pool plant refit
2019 New sector-leading Music and Digital Media Centre opens
2018 Opening of Dance Studio and Food Tech
2019
2024
2019
2026
NEXT STEPS
Once you have decided that Leighton Park is the right place for your family, you can register by completing the registration form online.
You will need a copy of your child’s passport and their most recent school report for their application.
DISCOVER MORE:
Find out more about our Open Events and Taster Days by visiting www.leightonpark.com/visit-leighton-park/
IMPORTANT DATES FOR SEPTEMBER 2025 ENTRY:
Tuesday 1st October Year 7 Taster Day
Friday 11th October Open Morning
Tuesday 15th October Year 7 Taster Day
Thursday 17th October Year 9 Taster Day
Friday 8th November Open Morning
Friday 15th November Year 7 & 9 Registration Deadline, including Scholarships and Bursaries
Monday 25th November Music Scholarship Assessments
Wednesday 27th November Year 9 Assessment Day
Friday 29th November Year 9 Academic Scholarship Assessments
Tuesday 3rd December Sport Scholarship Assessments
Wednesday 4th December Art Scholarship Assessments
Thursday 5th December Dance Scholarship Assessments
Friday 6th December Drama Scholarship Assessments
Friday 13th December Offers sent to families for Year 9 entry
Saturday 11th January Year 7 Assessment Day
Friday 17th January Year 7 Academic Scholarship Assessments
Friday 24th January Offers sent to families for Year 7 entry
Monday 3rd February Year 9 Acceptance Deadline
Friday 7th March Year 7 Acceptance Deadline
Find out more about our Open Events and Taster Days
FEES 2024/2025
We aim to be upfront and transparent about our fees. This is why they cover many of the costs that other schools charge extra for, like breakfast, lunch and dinner, co-curricular activities, supervised prep and the flexibility to take advantage of a longer school day.
UK/EEA Fees (GBP)
Lower School (Years 7 and 8)
Full Boarder
(12,935 per term)
(11,230 per term)
(8,180 per term)
Students who are not permanently resident in the UK or the EEA will be charged a supplementary fee of £400 a term.
Senior School and Sixth Form (Year 9 and above)
Senior
(16,035 per term)
(13,550 per term)
(9,970 per term)
Students who do not have a UK or EEA passport and who need a study visa will be charged an extra £400 each term to cover visa costs and compliance. This charge will be added to their school bill.
Supplementary Fees (GBP)
Flexi Boarding Years 7 and 8 per night 56 Subject to availability
Flexi Boarding Year 9 and above per night 72 Subject to availability Music Tuition per session
A full breakdown of all charges is available on the School’s website at www.leightonpark.com/school-fees/
Scan for full breakdown of fees