Leighton Park School Overview
Just 30 minutes by taxi from London Heathrow, Leighton Park School is a leading co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11–18, located in Reading, Berkshire.
Rooted in Quaker values, Leighton Park nurtures young people of character, confidence, and compassion—students who aspire to make a meaningful impact in the world. Its ethos of “Achievement with Values, Character and Community” ensures that academic excellence is a natural outcome, not the sole focus.
Leighton Park was named the top-performing school in Berkshire and ranks in the top 1% of English schools in the UK Government’s latest 16–18 league tables. Yet it remains far from a results-driven environment. Instead, the school offers a holistic education tailored to each individual, with particular strengths in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), Music, and Ethical Enterprise.
Highlights include:
Recognition as the only Yamaha Flagship Music Education Partner school in Europe
Winner of the National STEM Innovation Award (Secondary School Category) for its interdisciplinary iSTEM+ programme
To truly experience what makes Leighton Park special, visit the 65-acre campus, meet the inspiring students and staff, and see firsthand how the school community thrives.
Table of Contents
Academic Matters
Leighton Park’s academic strength is reflected in its Sixth Form performance—ranked 27th in England and the top school in Berkshire for student progress. Guided by the school motto, Achievement, with values, character and community, its academic approach emphasises choice, individuality, and purpose.
Students can choose from:
26 GCSE subjects
A Levels or the International Baccalaureate in Sixth Form
Over 90 co-curricular activities
Graduates regularly progress to the UK’s most competitive university programmes. Last year, 80% went on to study STEAM-related degrees, underlining the school’s commitment to future-focused, values-driven education.
Leighton Park School Courses And Programmes
GCSE & Pre‑Sixth Programme
Years 10–11 (GCSE): Students typically take 9–10 subjects, covering core courses (English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Sciences) plus a wide choice of electives. Courses include Creative Digital Media Production (BTEC Level 2), Dance, Engineering, Global Perspectives, and Food Preparation & Nutrition.
Pre‑Sixth (Year 12 Preparation): A one-year intensive programme designed primarily for international students. Participants can earn up to seven GCSEs while adapting to the UK system before progressing to Sixth Form
Sixth Form: A Level & International Baccalaureate (IBDP)
A Level
Students usually select three A Levels (with exceptional students taking four). Available in over 20 subjects; last year, 74% achieved grades A/B*.
Subjects are rigorously exam-focused. There’s also an option to complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to deepen independent study skills.
Scholarships and bursaries, such as the Ian Austin award, support students for both A Levels and IB.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
Students pick 6 subjects, with three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), covering disciplines from Literature, Sciences, Languages, Arts, and Mathematics.
The curriculum includes the Core components—Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity-Activity-Service (CAS).
Many students pursue Medicine and other STEAM paths; the school notes that the IB provides strong preparation and recognition by UK universities.
Leighton Park School Fees
- Full boarding (Year 7-8, per annum, inclusive VAT): £44,985
- Full boarding (Year 7-8, per annum, inclusive VAT): £55,980
Leighton Park School Application Deadline
Applications for boarding places should be submitted to the College before the September prior to the start of the academic year the student wishes to enter. For example, applications for entry in either September 2026 or January 2027 should be submitted before September 2025.
Leighton Park School Boarding And Pastoral Care
Central to its pastoral care is the tutor system. Tutors have only ten tutees for whom they are responsible for their academic and personal development, these are much smaller groups than most schools. Students also see their tutors twice every day, for twenty minutes in the morning and twenty minutes in the afternoon. This enables tutors to get to know their tutees really well and offer them outstanding support.
The four boarding houses all have their own unique characters, with healthy rivalry between in them in competitions like House Music, House Debating and, of course, inter-House sports competitions. 50% of the boarding students are from the UK, while the remaining students are drawn from 36 different countries. The School is careful to ensure a diverse boarding population and has limits in place to ensure that no one country is over represented.
Leighton Park School Extracurricular Activities
Leighton Park offers a dynamic and diverse co-curricular programme, grounded in the belief that participation outside the classroom strengthens success within it. Yet the aim extends far beyond academic benefit—students are encouraged to explore new interests, nurture talents, and push beyond their own perceived limits.
Younger students typically engage in at least three activities per week, while older students are supported in creating a balanced programme that complements their academic life and develops leadership skills.
The programme is shaped by the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) framework. Students are guided to participate across all three themes, ensuring a broad and enriching experience.
With over 90 activities each term, opportunities are varied and exciting. Options range from:
Creative arts: dance, drama, music, film
Physical activity: yoga, sports, sailing, DofE
Skill-based pursuits: chess, coding, electronics
Weekend activities are also offered, with a mix of on-campus and off-site events open to boarders and day students. These include:
Cinema trips
Bowling
Theme park visits
Excursions to London and cultural landmarks
This rich programme builds not only skills and confidence—but also lasting friendships, resilience, and a spirit of curiosity that extends far beyond school.
Leighton Park School Reviews
Leighton Park School Contact Information
- Address: Shinfield Road, Reading, Berkshire, UK RG2 7DE
- Phone: +44 (0) 118 987 9600
- Email: admissions@leightonpark.com
- Website: https://www.leightonpark.com/
