Reading School vs Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South East, England, 618 m apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Reading School
Reading · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,138 students
Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading
Reading · Independent secondary · Ages 11–17
21 students
| Measure | Reading School Reading, South East | Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading Reading, South East |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 99 Top 5% | – Not rated |
| Region rank | #1 of 679 | – |
| National rank | #9 of 4,090 | – |
| Sector | Academy | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 11–17 |
| Students | 1,138 | 21 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,138 | 21 |
| Free school meals | 4.7% | – |
| Capacity filled | 104% | 87.5% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 83.0 | – |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 100% | – |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 100% | – |
| EBacc average points | 8.25 | – |
| A level points per entry | 49.0 | – |
| town | Reading | Reading |
| region | South East | South East |
| Website | www.reading-school.co.uk/ | www.redballoonlearner.org |
The verdict
- •Reading School is the larger school with 1,138 students compared with 21.
- •Reading School is a academy school while Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading is a independent school, so fees and admission rules differ.
- •Reading School is boys and Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading is co-educational.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Reading School better than Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index (England). Differences in sector, size, programmes and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Reading School and Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading?
About 618 m in a straight line, between Reading and Reading in South East.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Reading School: 1,138. Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading: 21. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Reading School and Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading rank in South East?
Reading School is 1st of 679 and Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading is unranked among secondary schools in South East on the 2025 Success Index (England).