About Berkshire Grammar Schools
Berkshire hosts 7 grammar schools across two distinct sub-regions: Reading (Reading School, Kendrick School, Reading Girls') and Slough (Langley, Herschel, St Bernard's Catholic, Upton Court Grammar). Reading School ranks #10 in the UK Top 100 state schools (Sunday Times Parent Power 2026), with Kendrick School (girls) at #28 — both consistently strong. The Slough Consortium operates a common test for its 4 grammars. Reading and Kendrick run their own school-specific tests.
History & Tradition
Reading School was founded in 1125 — making it one of the 5 oldest schools in England. Kendrick School (girls) was founded in 1877. Langley Grammar (Slough) opened in 1916. Berkshire retained these grammars when most of the South-East moved to comprehensive — Reading and Slough both have strong selective traditions.
The Entry Test
Reading School sets its own test (multi-day for out-of-catchment candidates). Kendrick School runs its own 11+ entrance exam in September. Slough Consortium (Langley, Herschel, St Bernard's, Upton Court) uses GL Assessment on a shared test day. Reading and Slough operate as completely separate sub-regions.
Berkshire 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Berkshire Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1Reading School (founded 1125) is one of the oldest grammar schools in England — alumni include Archbishop William Laud and broadcaster Andrew Marr.
- 2Kendrick School (girls, Reading) ranks #28 in the UK Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 — a strong placement — particularly strong in Maths, with multiple International Maths Olympiad participants in recent years.
- 3The Slough Consortium (Langley, Herschel, St Bernard's Catholic, Upton Court) runs a single common GL Assessment test — making applications simpler than Reading's school-specific approach.
- 4Reading School has a unique 'two-stage' test for out-of-catchment candidates — a day-stage test in July and a second test in September. Local children sit only in July.
- 5Langley Grammar School (Slough) is one of the highest-ranking Slough Consortium schools — ranked #29 by Sunday Times Parent Power 2026.
- 6Berkshire grammars are split — Reading area and Slough area schools generally don't share applicants. Reading-area families rarely apply to Slough Consortium schools and vice-versa.
- 7St Bernard's Catholic Grammar (Slough) prioritises baptised Catholic candidates in oversubscription — a faith priority criterion that affects which non-Catholic candidates can secure places.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #10 | Reading School#10 | Boys | 128 | GL Assessment | 88.9% | 88.8% |
| #28 | Kendrick Girls' Grammar School#28 | Girls | 128 | GL Assessment | 80% | 70% |
| Pangbourne College | Mixed | — | CEM Select | 38.5% | 58.3% | |
| Reading Blue Coat School | Boys | — | Independent | 81.9% | 83.4% | |
| St. Joseph's College, Reading | Girls | — | Independent | 50% | 71.2% | |
| The Abbey School | Girls | — | Independent | 80.8% | 83.9% | |
| The Oratory School | Boys | — | Independent | 41% | 40% |
Berkshire Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top-ranked grammar schools in Berkshire?
In the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power tables, the highest-ranked Berkshire grammar schools include Reading School, Kendrick Girls' Grammar School. Full rankings plus GCSE and A-Level results for every school are in the table above.
What 11+ exam do Berkshire grammar schools use?
Most Berkshire grammar schools admit pupils through the Independent 11+. Check each school's row above, as some set their own entrance test or use a different exam board.
What makes Berkshire grammar schools distinctive?
Reading School (founded 1125) is one of the oldest grammar schools in England — alumni include Archbishop William Laud and broadcaster Andrew Marr.
What else should families know about the Berkshire 11+?
Kendrick School (girls, Reading) ranks #28 in the UK Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 — a strong placement — particularly strong in Maths, with multiple International Maths Olympiad participants in recent years.
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: