School that’s rooted in history and focused on the future

NESTLED in 46 acres of picturesque riverside grounds in Sonning, Reading Blue Coat has been shaping young minds for nearly four centuries.

Founded in 1646 by Richard Aldworth, the school began as a charitable foundation to educate “twenty poore male children” in Reading. Since those humble beginnings, Blue Coat has grown into a thriving, modern co-educational day school for students aged 11 to 18, combining academic excellence with a dynamic programme of co-curricular opportunities.

The school’s journey has been one of constant growth and renewal while holding firmly to its historic values. From its original location in the heart of Reading, through its move to Brunswick House in 1852 and then to the magnificent Holme Park estate in Sonning in 1947, Blue Coat has adapted to the changing needs of each generation.

A significant milestone came in 1970 with the arrival of the first female student. By 1987, the sixth form was fully co-educational, and in September 2023, the school entered a new era, welcoming its first Year 7 girls.

By 2027, Blue Coat will be a fully co-educational school — a historic transformation embraced by staff, students and parents alike.

Reading Blue Coat has a well-earned reputation for academic achievement. Expert teaching, small class sizes and excellent facilities support students to achieve outstanding results and progress to top universities in the UK and beyond. However, the school firmly believes that it is how this is achieved that matters just as much as the results themselves.

Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, develop independence, and learn how to learn — skills that serve them long after examinations are over.

Every student is valued as an individual. Teachers take pride in nurturing curiosity and resilience, helping students to discover their strengths, tackle challenges with confidence and leave as young adults fully prepared for the future.

At Reading Blue Coat, education is not confined to books and classrooms. The school’s extensive co-curricular programme offers opportunities to explore new interests, gain life skills and build friendships that last a lifetime. Music, drama and sport all thrive at Blue Coat, while an offering of more than 100 clubs and societies ensures there is something for every passion.

A distinctive feature of life at Blue Coat is adventure education — a programme that pushes students beyond their comfort zones and into new environments. From paddleboarding on the Thames to climbing on our high ropes course, and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, students learn resilience, leadership and teamwork in ways that cannot be replicated behind a desk. These experiences build confidence and independence, equipping students for life far beyond school.

This term marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the creative life of the school. Construction is now underway on Reading Blue Coat’s state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre (PAC). Due to open in 2027, the PAC will provide a modern and inspiring home for music, drama and performance, with superb facilities to support both curriculum teaching and co-curricular productions.

The PAC is more than just a building project; it is a symbol of Blue Coat’s commitment to combining tradition with innovation. As work progresses, students will have the chance to learn from the project itself, with opportunities to meet architects, engineers and designers and to take part in site tours. In this way, the PAC enriches not only the arts but also students’ understanding of design, construction and sustainability.

Speaking about the centre, headmaster Mr Pete Thomas said: “The Performing Arts Centre represents an extraordinary investment in the creative future of Blue Coat. We are proud of our long history, but we are equally excited about the opportunities this project will bring to current and future generations of students.”

The best way to experience Reading Blue Coat is to see it in action. Families are warmly invited to attend the whole school open morning on Saturday, October 4 from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Visitors will have the chance to meet staff and students, explore the campus and see the breadth of academic and co-curricular opportunities.

For those interested in joining the sixth form, the sixth-form open evening from 5pm on Tuesday, October 14, offers an in-depth look at A Level options and student life, including student-led tours and talks from the headmaster and director of sixth form.

Reading Blue Coat remains a school rooted in history yet firmly focused on the future, with the transition to full co-education, a strong academic reputation, a wide-ranging Co-curricular programme, as well as the transformative investment in the Performing Arts Centre.

If you are seeking an education that combines excellence in the classroom with opportunities to grow in confidence, creativity and character, come and see us to find out more www.rbcs.org.uk, email admissions@rbcs.org.uk or call 0118 933 5806.