The Willink School
Reading, RG7 3XJ · West Berkshire · secondary school
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5th 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 558 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.0/10 among them, against 7.3/10 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 | 16 | 35% | 0.55 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 64.0 · 86 | 30% | 2.57 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.04 · 53 | 25% | 1.33 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 55.8 · 86 | 10% | 0.86 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Willink School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.1% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 51.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.04 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.2 out of 10 among them, against 6.8 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,205 pupils against a stated capacity of 995. 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
Since the intake comparison shows a lower score than the national average for similar backgrounds, what specific support is provided to help pupils reach their potential? How does the new Ofsted framework’s separate grading affect the school’s current improvement plans?
What Ofsted said about The Willink School
Overview
The Willink School is described as a place where pupils enjoy coming to school and feel safe, supported by "warm relationships with staff" and a "calm atmosphere." The report states that the school meets the "Expected standard" across all evaluated areas, with leaders demonstrating a "clear and accurate understanding" of performance and actively working to improve outcomes for specific pupil groups.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well, with most attaining above the national average in key stage 4 examinations, and sixth-form students making "good progress" and achieving well in national exams.
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with teachers described as "experts in their subjects" who use effective routines and resources to support learning.
- Staff provide "highly effective support" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, who generally achieve well from their starting points.
- Leaders have created a "positive professional culture" where staff feel valued, and workload has been successfully reduced by streamlining policies.
- Personal development is prioritised through a rigorous approach to personal, social and health education, helping pupils develop "empathy, understanding and tolerance."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should refine support for pupils at early stages of developing foundational reading and writing skills, ensuring they learn "precise skills" needed for progress.
- Strategies to improve the attendance of disadvantaged pupils should be embedded so their attendance rises to be "in line with other groups."
- Leaders should continue to develop detailed oversight of the needs of all pupil groups, ensuring the "most vulnerable pupils thrive."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 49.1 |
| 2024/25 | 51.9 |
| 2025/26 | 55.8 |
| 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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