Contents
If you’re considering a private school in Berkshire for your child’s secondary education, find out everything you need to know, including:
The full list of single-sex and co-educational private secondary schools in Berkshire
Which private schools in Berkshire offer boarding
The admissions process for each school
A level and GCSE results
How much private education in Berkshire costs, and what financial assistance is available
What are the best private schools in Berkshire?
Every year, The Sunday Times Parent Power releases a league table for all schools in the UK based on their recent exam results.
The following 10 private schools were ranked the highest in Berkshire based on their academic results in 2022:
Eton College
St Mary's School, Ascot
Wellington College
The Abbey School
Downe House
Reading Blue Coat School
The Marist School
Queen Anne's Caversham
Bradfield College
St Joseph's College
How much do private schools cost in Berkshire?
The cost of private education in Berkshire is extremely variable, but more expensive than the rest of the country on average (typical day fees are in the region of just over £7,000 per term). Some of the smaller day schools in Berkshire charge less than £6,000 per term, while you can expect to pay upwards of £12,000 per term for boarding education at one of the county’s larger and more well-known schools.
The cheapest private secondary school in Berkshire is St Joseph’s College in Reading, where fees are £4,410 per term. The most expensive private school in Berkshire is Eton College; all pupils board at a total cost of £15,432 per term.
We’ve included the fees for all the private secondary schools in Berkshire below.
What’s included in the school fees?
Day fees always include the cost of tuition, and may include the cost of textbooks, materials and extracurricular activities. Some schools include the cost of lunch in their fees, while others may charge for this separately. Most private schools charge separately for entry to public exams (e.g. GCSE and A levels). In Berkshire, boarding fees normally include the cost of tuition.
Before registering your child with a school, we recommend that you check the school website and admissions policy in detail to find out what the school fees cover, as well as any additional payments you will have to make. You will normally need to pay a registration fee on application (typically £100–£300) which is often non-refundable, and a refundable deposit when you accept a school place.
Help with school fees in Berkshire
Most private schools in Berkshire offer financial assistance and/or financial rewards to children who meet or excel in the entrance criteria. The main type of financial assistance is a bursary, while some schools additionally offer sibling and other discounts. Most schools have scholarships available, which usually carry a financial reward.
Bursaries
Nearly all the private secondary schools in Berkshire provide means-tested financial assistance in the form of bursaries. These are offered on a sliding scale, meaning that children from households with a lower income are eligible for more assistance than those with a higher income.
Most private schools in Berkshire offer bursaries that cover up to 100% of tuition fees. Some schools offer additional assistance, such as help with the cost of school uniforms, lunch, transport and extracurricular activities, to pupils who receive 100% bursaries.
If you think you might be eligible for a bursary for a particular school, you will need to supply detailed financial evidence. You may also be visited at home by a professional appointed by the school to assess your financial circumstances.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awards offered to children who demonstrate exceptional talent in their entrance exams (academic scholarships) or in a co-curricular area (such as art, dance, drama, music, or sport). Most scholarships come with a financial reward, such as a small discount on school fees (normally around 10%).
If your child is applying for a scholarship, they will usually need to complete additional testing and an interview, alongside the main entrance process. They will also need to maintain a high standard in the area to which their scholarship applies throughout their time at the school.
Sibling discounts
Several private schools in Berkshire offer discounts to families who have multiple children enrolled at the school at the same time. Sibling discounts are normally available for the third and any subsequent children (although some schools provide a discount for second siblings) and usually carry around 15% fee remission.
British Armed Forces discounts
Queen Anne’s School (Caversham), Luckley House School and The Oratory School all offer discounted boarding fees to families in the British Armed Forces.
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Private boys’ schools in Berkshire
Eton College
Full boarding education in Windsor for boys aged 13–18.
Address: Eton, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 6DW
Number of students: 1,300+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Church of England
Fees per term: £15,432
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries ranging from 5% to 100%
13 plus scholarships: King’s Scholarships (academic), New Foundation Scholarship (means-tested academic scholarship for state school applicants), and music awards
A level results (2022): 95.8% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 94.2% 9–7 (A*–A)
13 plus entry process: ISEB Common Pre-Test, The Eton List Test, interview and school reference
Open day: tours can be booked through the admissions office
Private girls’ schools in Berkshire
Downe House
Day and boarding education in Thatcham for girls aged 11 to 18.
Address: Downe House, Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 9JJ
Number of students: 550+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Church of England
Fees per term: £10,960 (day pupils), £14,470 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries up to 100% plus an allowance towards school extras
11 plus scholarships: academic, creative arts, drama, music, and sport. Downe House scholarships do not come with a financial award
A level results (2022): 91.7% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 88.4% A*/A/9/8/7
11 plus entry process: assessment day (including team-building workshops, creative/persuasive writing task and an interview), ISEB Common Pre-Test for boarding places or on-site adaptive computerised test for day places, and school report
Open day: Saturday 18th March, Saturday 22nd April and Saturday 10th June 2023. Book a place via the school website
Heathfield School
A day and boarding school in Ascot for girls aged 11 to 18.
Address: Heathfield School, London Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8BQ
Number of students: approx. 250
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Christian
Fees per term: £7,990–£8,160 (day pupils), £12,255–£13,200 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries up to 100%
11 plus scholarships: academic, art, drama, music, and sport
A level results (2022): 71% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 60% A*/A/9/8/7
11 plus entry process: CEM Select test, interview and school reference
Open day: Friday 10th March 2023
St Joseph’s College
Day school in Reading for boys and girls aged 3 to 18.
Address: St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5JT
Number of students: 580+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Fees per term: £4,410
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries and sibling discounts (15% discount for the third and subsequent child)
11 plus scholarships: not available
A level results (2022: 74% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 68% A*/A/9/8/7
11 plus entry process: CEM InCAS online assessment, descriptive writing and maths tests, interview, school report and reference
Open day: 8th February and 11th May 2023
Queen Anne’s, Caversham
Day and boarding school in Caversham, near Reading for girls aged 11 to 18.
Address: Queen Anne’s School, 6 Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6DX
Number of students: 400+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Church of England/interdenominational
Fees per term: £8,535 (day pupils), £12,740–£14,135 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries and discounts for siblings and families of the British Armed Forces
11 plus scholarships: academic, art, drama, music, and sport
A level results (2022): 81% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 64% A*/A/9/8/7
11 plus entry process: CEM Select test and written English paper, interview and school reference
St Mary’s School, Ascot
Boarding school in Ascot for girls aged 11 to 18.
Address: St Mary’s School, St Mary’s Road, South Ascot, Berkshire, SL6 9JF
Number of students: approx. 400
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Fees per term: £15,190
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries
11 plus scholarships: academic, all-rounder, art and music
A level results (2022): 93.3% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 94.6% A*/A/9/8/7
11 plus entry process: entrance exam (English, maths and general paper), interview and school report
Open day: Saturday 11th March and Saturday 13th May 2023. Booking is essential
The Abbey School
Day school in Reading for girls aged 3 to 18.
Address: The Abbey School, 17 Kendrick Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5DZ
Number of students: 1,000+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Church of England
Fees per term: £6,610
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries and sibling discounts
11 plus scholarships: academic, art, drama, music, and sport
A level results (2022): 92.2% A*–B
IB results (2022): average of 40.1 diploma points
GCSE results (2022): 90.2% A*/A/9/8/7
11 plus entry process: English, maths and reasoning tests, interview, workshop and activity session
Open day: 21st April 2023 – reserve a place online
The Marist School
Day school in Ascot for girls aged 2 to 18.
Address: The Marist School, Kings Road, Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PS
Number of students: 420+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Fees per term: £5,505
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries and sibling discounts (10% discount for the second child, 35% for the third child and 75% for the fourth and any subsequent child)
11 plus scholarships: academic, all-rounder, art, drama, music and sports
A level results (2022): 84% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 64% A*/A/9/8/7
11 plus entry process: CEM Select test, English and maths papers, and group interview
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Private co-educational schools in Berkshire
Bradfield College
Day and boarding education in Bradfield for boys and girls aged 13 to 18.
Address: Bradfield College, Bradfield, Berkshire, RG7 6AU
Number of students: 800+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Church of England
Fees per term: £11,244 (day pupils), £14,055 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries up to 100%
13 plus scholarships: academic, all-rounder, art & design, drama, music and sport. Scholarships do not come with a financial award
A level results (2022): 81.5% A*–B
IB results (2022): average of 38 diploma points
GCSE results (2022): 62.2% 9–7 (A*–A)
13 plus entry process: ISEB Common Pre-Test, admissions assessment (interviews and a problem-solving challenge), and school reference
Open day: contact the admissions team to arrange a visit
Claires Court
Day school in Maidenhead for boys and girls aged 2 to 18. Boys and girls are taught separately from the ages of 4 to 16.
Address: Claires Court, 1 College Avenue, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 6AEW
Number of students: 900+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Christian
Fees per term: £6,015–£6,330
Financial assistance: sibling discounts, loyalty discounts (Years 6–8) and instalment discounts
11 plus scholarships: academic, art, drama, music, and sport
A level results (2022): 58% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 39% 9–7 (A*–A)
11 plus entry process: CEM Select, interview, school report and reference
Open day: Friday 28th April 2023
Crosfields School
Day school in Reading for boys and girls aged 3–16. Formerly a prep school, 2022–2023 saw the school’s Year 10 cohort.
Address: Crosfields School, Shinfield Road, Shinfield, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 9BL
Number of students: 700+
Sixth form: no
Religious affiliation: interdenominational
Fees per term: £5,935–£6,095
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries
11 plus scholarships: academic, art, dance, drama, music, sport, and swimming
11 plus entry process: CAT4 test, interview and school report
Open day: 23rd February 2023 and 20th May 2023
Holme Grange
Day school in Wokingham for boys and girls aged 3 to 16. The senior school (ages 11–16) is called Eaton Grange.
Address: Holme Grange, Heathlands Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 3AL
Number of students: 670+
Sixth form: no
Religious affiliation: Church of England
Fees per term: £5,380–£5,545
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries
11 plus scholarships: academic, art, drama, music and sport
GCSE results (2022): 63% A*/A/9/8/7
11 plus entry process: assessment day, including baseline tests in verbal and non-verbal reasoning
Open day: individual tours – book online
Leighton Park School
Day and boarding education in Reading for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.
Address: Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7ED
Number of students: 500+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Quaker
Fees per term: £7,150–£8,715 (day pupils), £9,725–£13,895 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries
11 plus scholarships: academic, art & design, dance, drama, music and sport
A level results (2022): 74.3% A*–B
IB results (2022): average of 33 diploma points
GCSE results (2022): 62.2% 9–7 (A*–A)
11 plus entry process: entrance tests (English, maths and creative writing), interview, school report and headteacher’s reference
Open day: Friday 17th March and Friday 16th June 2023. Book a visit online
Long Close School
A non-selective day school in Slough for boys and girls aged 2 to 16.
Address: Long Close School, Upton Court Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 7LU
Number of students: 260+
Sixth form: no
Religious affiliation: all faiths
Fees per term: £5,705–£5,745
Financial assistance: sibling discounts (5% discount for the second child, 10% for the third child and 15% for the fourth and any subsequent child)
11 plus scholarships: academic, art, music and sports
GCSE results (2022): 52% A*/A/9/8/7
11 plus entry process: taster day including age-appropriate assessments (for setting purposes only)
Open day: 4th March 2023
Luckley House School
Day and boarding education in Wokingham for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.
Address: Luckley House School, Luckley Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 3EU
Number of students: approx. 350
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Christian
Fees per term: £6,358 (day pupils), £8,828–£11,115 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries, 10% sibling discount and Armed Forces discount
11 plus scholarships: academic, art, drama, music, and sports
A level results (2022): 73% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 44% 9–7 (A*–A)
11 plus entry process: CAT4 test, creative writing task, interview and school report
Open day: Wednesday 22nd March and Thursday 15th June 2023 – book a place on the school website
LVS Ascot
A non-academically selective day and boarding school in Ascot for boys and girls aged 4 to 18.
Address: LVS Ascot, London Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 8DR
Number of students: approx. 800
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: all faiths
Fees per term: £6,600–£6,955 (day pupils), £11,760–£12,220 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: no
11 plus scholarships: academic, art (art/photography/textiles), performing arts (drama/music/dance) and sport
A level results (2022): 47.4% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 36.2% 9–7 (A*–A)
11 plus entry process: interview and school report
Open day: TBC – refer to the school website for the most up-to-date information
Pangbourne College
Day and boarding education in Pangbourne for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.
Address: Pangbourne College, Pangbourne Hill, Pangbourne, Berkshire, RG8 8LA
Number of students: 450+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Christian
Fees per term: £6,750–£8,960 (day pupils), £8,465–£13,440 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries. Significant financial support is unlikely for Year 7 applicants
11 plus scholarships: academic, art & design, dance, drama, music and sport
A level results (2022): 56% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 46% 9–7 (A*–A)
11 plus entry process: computer-based assessment, team-building activities, school report and school reference
Open day: Saturday 18th March 2023. Book a visit online
Reading Blue Coat School
Day education in Sonning, near Reading for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.
Address: Reading Blue Coat School, Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6SU
Number of students: 800+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Church of England
Fees per term: £6,305
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries up to 100%
11 plus scholarships: academic and music
A level results (2022): 80.8% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 79.5% 9–7 (A*–A)
11 plus entry process: assessment day (academic tests, interview and team-building activities) and a school reference
Open day: Saturday 13th May 2023 and regular mini tours on Thursdays. Find out more and book a place on the school website
Reddam House
Day and boarding education in Wokingham for boys and girls aged 0 to 18.
Address: Reddam House, Bearwood Road, Singlesham, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5BG
Number of students: 700+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: non-denominational
Fees per term: £6,416 (day pupils), £9,747–£11,232 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries up to 80%
11 plus scholarships: academic, dance, drama, music, and sport
A level results (2022): 76% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 52% 9–7 (A*–A)
11 plus entry process: entrance assessment morning
Open day: Saturday 13th May 2023 and regular individual tours. Book a place on the school website
St Gabriel’s School
Day school in Newbury for children aged 0 to 18. The school has been historically been girls-only from the age of 11–18, but will be welcoming boys into Year 7 for the first time in September 2023.
Address: St Gabriel’s School, Sandleford Priory, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9BD
Number of students: 450+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic/Christian
Fees per term: £6,338–£6,569
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries up to 100%
11 plus scholarships: academic, art, dance, drama, music and sport
A level results (2022): 75% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 60% A*/A/9/8/7
11 plus entry process: entrance exams (English, maths and verbal reasoning), interview and school report
St Joseph’s College
Day school in Reading for boys and girls aged 3 to 18.
Address: St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5JT
Number of students: 580+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Fees per term: £4,410
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries and sibling discounts (15% discount for the third and subsequent child)
11 plus scholarships: not available
A level results (2022: 74% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 68% A*/A/9/8/7
11 plus entry process: CEM InCAS online assessment, descriptive writing and maths tests, interview, school report and reference
Open day: 8th February and 11th May 2023
The Oratory School
A day and boarding school near Reading for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.
Address: The Oratory School, Woodcote, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 0PJ
Number of students: 370+
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Fees per term: £6,625–£9,185 (day pupils), £9,147–£13,368 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries and military subsidies (MoD families who claim the Continuity of Education Allowance will only need to pay the minimum parental contribution of 10% of the basic boarding fees)
11 plus scholarships: academic, all-rounder, music and sports
A level results (2022): 39% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 45% A*/A/9/8/7
11 plus entry process: CAT4 test, English and maths tests
Open day: Saturday 4th March 2023
Wellington College
Day and full boarding education in Crowthorne for boys and girls aged 13 to 18.
Address: Wellington College, Duke’s Ride, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7PU
Number of students: 1,100
Sixth form: yes
Religious affiliation: Church of England
Fees per term: £10,980 (day pupils), £15,030 (boarding pupils)
Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries ranging from 10% to 100%
13 plus scholarships: academic and music
A level results (2022): 92.8% A*–B
GCSE results (2022): 90.4% 9–7 (A*–A)
13 plus entry process: ISEB Common Pre-Test, assessment morning or afternoon (involving collaborative lessons, problem-solving activities and an interview), and a school reference
Open day: Saturday 21st January, Saturday 18th March and Saturday 22nd April. Events can be booked via the school website
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