Denefield School
Reading, RG31 6XY · West Berkshire · secondary school
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3rd of 9 secondary schools in West Berkshire we can score, 10 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 882 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.4/10 among them, against 6.2/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 49.4 · 61 | 30% | 1.83 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.16 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 49.0 · 65 | 10% | 0.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Denefield School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 49.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.16 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.2 out of 10 among them, against 6.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh, Combined Cadet Force, and Greenpower clubs.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,171 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,137. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to maintain the progress seen in the 2023/24 data? What specific support is available for pupils aiming to improve their attainment in English and maths?
What Ofsted said about Denefield School
Overview
Denefield School is described as an “inclusive and caring school” with “high expectations” for all pupils, including those with special educational needs. The report highlights a “rich range of subjects” and “excellent pastoral provision” that supports positive behaviour and personal development. Overall, the school is judged to be effective, with strong leadership and a curriculum that is increasingly ambitious.
Strengths
- Pupils behave well, being “polite and respectful” to each other and adults, supported by excellent pastoral care.
- Teachers possess “secure subject knowledge” and provide clear explanations, with a “very well-considered” reading strategy helping pupils make strong progress.
- The ‘Success For Life’ programme thoughtfully addresses sensitive subjects, helping pupils navigate complex social issues and stay safe.
- Trustees “hold leaders to account robustly” and prioritise pupils, while staff benefit from thoughtful professional development and well-being support.
- Careers education is “carefully thought through” from Year 7 to Year 13, helping pupils make informed choices about their future.
Areas to improve
- Assessment is not yet used consistently well; it must focus more on the “depth and connectedness” of pupils’ understanding to prevent knowledge gaps.
- In some curriculum areas, pupils with SEND do not fully access learning activities; staff must implement “appropriate and effective adaptations” more consistently.
- Personal development strategies in the sixth form are not fully embedded; the school should provide more opportunities for students to take responsibility and contribute to the community.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 49.3 |
| 2024/25 | 47.0 |
| 2025/26 | 49.0 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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