Reading Blue Coat School

Reading Blue Coat School (RBCS) is a leading independent day school with 760 pupils. Boys aged 11 – 18 and girls aged 16 – 18. The School was founded in 1646 by Richard Aldworth, a merchant of The Skinners’ Company and a Governor of Christ’s Hospital. The School was established near St Mary’s Minster Church in Reading and was originally known by its historic name of Aldworth’s Hospital. In 1947, Reading Blue Coat School moved to the magnificent 46 acre estate of Holme Park in the Berkshire Thames side village of Sonning, four miles east of Reading, where it remains today. The ethos of the School derives from its Christian foundation and traditions, fostering care and consideration within the community. The School aims to provide a stimulating and friendly atmosphere in which each pupil can realise his or her full intellectual, physical and creative potential. Pupils are encouraged to be self-reliant and adaptable, and the School intends that they will learn the basis of good citizenship, founded on honesty, fairness and understanding of the needs of others. The curriculum provides a balanced blend of academic and non-academic activities that combine to meet these objectives.The School employs in excess of 170 salaried staff, of whom about 50% are academic staff.