Brighter Futures for Children - Reading School Admissions

Brighter Futures for Children logo

School admissions in Reading are delivered by Brighter Futures for Children, on behalf of Reading Borough Council.

For information on School Admissions please visit Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) ~ School Admissions

If you are looking for information on Special Educational Needs & Disabilities please visit Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) ~ SEND

If you are thinking of educating your child at home and would like to find out more, please click on Elective Home Education

The following link enables you to compare junior schools, secondary schools and post 16 schools and colleges in England. https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/ 

Next Review Date January 2024

Are there any special schools or SEN resource bases in Reading?

There are a number of special schools and resource bases in the Reading Borough, which each have their own admissions criteria:

The Avenue Special School

All age special school for children with complex needs, including autism.

0118 937 5554

The Holy Brook Special School

Primary special school for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.

0118 937 5489

Hamilton School – Amended from Phoenix College

Secondary special school for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.

0118 937 5524

Blessed Hugh Faringdon School

Secondary mainstream school with a resource for pupils with an autistic spectrum condition.

0118 957 4730

Christ the King Primary School 

Primary mainstream school with a resource for pupils with an autistic spectrum condition.

0118 937 5434

EP Collier Primary School

Primary mainstream school with a resource for pupils with speech & language and communication difficulties.

0118 937 5470

Highdown School

Secondary mainstream school with a resource for pupils with a visual impairment.

0118 937 5800

New Bridge Nursery School

Mainstream nursery with a resource for pupils with an autistic spectrum condition.

0118 937 5580

King's Academy Prospect

Secondary mainstream school resource for pupils with moderate learning difficulties

0118 959 0466

Thames Valley School

All age special school for children with a diagnosis of Autism

0118 9424 750 

What is a Section 41 Secretary of State Approved List?

Section 41 Secretary of State Approved List are institutions who have successfully completed the Section 41 (Children and Families Act 2014) application process for Out of area provision.

Section 41 of the Act allows the Secretary of State, by order, to publish a list of approved independent special institutions (Independent Special Schools – England and Wales and Special Post-16 institutions) for the purposes of satisfying Section 38 (Preparation of an Education, Health and Care plan by local authorities) of the Act. Institutions can only be included on the list with their consent.

Where can I find out more about Non Maintained Independent Special Schools?

Non Maintained Independent Special Schools are schools in England, which are independent schools and non-maintained special schools that charge fees for placements for children with special educational needs and are registered with the Department for Education.

Non Maintained & Independent Special Schools

Early Years Transition to School Your guide to Deferring, Offsetting and Summer Born Children

To find out more Click here 

Elective home education (home schooling)

To find out more about Elective Home Education, visit the Brighter Futures for Children website, where you will be able to access the parents guide, and further information on home schooling. Elective Home Education

If parent / carers want general information, advice and guidance around home education, they can contact the Family Information Service, fis@reading.gov.uk 0118 9373777 (option 2) lines open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, or visit www.readingfis.org

Related Advice

Non Maintained Independent Special Schools SEND - Support in school and further education

Page last reviewed: 07/09/2023

Contact the Team

Family Information Service

fis@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

SEND Local Offer

localoffer@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

Adult & Carers Support

CSAAdvice.Signposting@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3747 0118 937 3747
Skip back to top of page