The Holy Brook School

The Holy Brook School is currently navigating a challenging period marked by significant disruptions that have affected pupil learning and progress. Despite these challenges, the new leadership has introduced changes aimed at fostering a safe and nurturing environment, which has led to improvements in attendance and pupil behaviour. While pupils are appreciated for their individuality and the caring school culture, there are notable concerns regarding the quality and ambition of the curriculum, particularly in core subjects, resulting in gaps in pupils' knowledge and learning.

Strengths

• A caring and supportive school culture developed for pupils.
• Improved behaviour due to new systems and training for teachers.
• Effective support for pupils' social, emotional, and mental health needs.
• Broad curriculum including important life skill subjects like drama and cooking.
• Governors have a strong understanding of the school's culture.

Areas for Improvement

• Learning activities are not always ambitious and focus on engagement rather than curriculum content.
• Curriculum delivery lacks coherence and systematic sequencing, particularly in mathematics and phonics.

In 2024–25 pupils at The Holy Brook School attended 85.1% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 51.7% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 34.5% of pupils at The Holy Brook School were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 The Holy Brook School had 4.4 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 47.2% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 The Holy Brook School had 28 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: social, emotional and mental health.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 The Holy Brook School received £50,967 and spent £48,899 for each of its 28 pupils. It ended the year with a deficit of £80,000 (-£2,870 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Reading · Reading local authority: places and applications

What is The Holy Brook School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The Holy Brook School is Good, from an inspection in June 2025.

When was The Holy Brook School last inspected by Ofsted?

The Holy Brook School was last inspected in June 2025.

How many pupils does The Holy Brook School have?

The Holy Brook School has 28 pupils on roll.

What age range does The Holy Brook School cover?

The Holy Brook School for pupils aged 5 to 11.

What are The Holy Brook School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 0% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is The Holy Brook School?

The Holy Brook School is at 145 Ashampstead Road, Southcote, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 3LJ.