Reading Blue Coat School
Reading Blue Coat School
Org 1: HMC
Org 2: The Society of Heads
Holme Park
Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire RG4 6SU
Telephone: 0118 944 1005
Open events: Open Morning: Saturday 16 May 2026 and Saturday 3 October 2026
Sixth Form Open Evening: Tuesday 13 October 2026
Age Range: Senior to 18
Day or Boarding: Day, Day Only
Gender: Co-ed
Exams offered: A Level, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), GCSE, IGCSE
Scholarships Tick: Academic, Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Sport
Foundation Scholarships are bursaries worth up to 100% of school fees. These are not linked to ability, other than the ability to achieve a place at Blue Coat. The school offers up to two Foundation Scholarships per year to pupils who would not otherwise be able to enjoy the benefits of a Blue Coat education.
Academic Scholarships are available at Year 7 entry. The award is dependent on overall strong performance in the 11+ Entrance Assessment. All pupils sitting the entrance assessments will be considered for academic scholarships.
For 16+ entry, following an assessment in January, pupils will be considered for the title of Academic Scholar in the Sixth Form. These scholarships are honorary, meaning they do not carry any fee remission. Both new joiners to the Sixth Form and Blue Coat students returning for the Sixth Form are eligible for this award. Awards are dependent on students having demonstrated a commitment to learning in their GCSE studies and a continued commitment to the academic life of the School as well as success in the assessment.
Art Scholarships. Candidates will need to fulfil the normal entry requirements of the School and will need to attend an additional interview with the Head of Art. Candidates will need to present their Art portfolio at interview. Applicants will be asked to complete a one-hour creative task set by the Head of Art, and will have an informal conversation to discuss their portfolios.
Music scholarships. Candidates will need to fulfil the normal entry requirements of the School and will need to attend an audition with the Director of Music. Music scholars are expected to play a full part in the musical life of the School and the award may be withdrawn if this is not the case.
Dance scholarships. Candidates will need to fulfil the normal entry requirements of the School and will need to attend an additional audition with the Head of Dance.
Drama scholarships. Candidates will need to fulfil the normal entry requirements of the School and will need to attend an additional audition/interview with the Director of Drama. Drama scholars are welcome to apply for either an acting or technical design scholarship. At Reading Blue Coat, Technical Design pathways are offered in lighting and/or sound design.
Athlete Development Programme (12+ and 14+) is a selective year 7–11 programme designed to support pupils that perform at a high level in the school’s focus sports (athletics, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rowing and rugby).
Sport Scholarship (16+): For those students who are currently active at a representative level, are involved in academies or are already competing at national/international level there is an opportunity to apply for a sports scholarship.
For further information, please visit our website www.rbcs.org.uk or a member of the Admissions Team at admissions@rbcs.org.uk or call 0118 944 1005.