Age range. Co-educational 4–18, Boarding 8–18.
Number in school. Total 246: Day 220, Boarding 26; Boys 144, Girls 102.
The school is pleasantly situated in the rural village of Drax and is very convenient for main rail (Doncaster, York, Leeds) and road access (M62, M18, A1). Manchester is the nearest international airport (1½ hours distant). It is a relatively small school where children are well known to each other and to the staff.
The school has been a focal point for education in the Selby-Goole area since the 17th century and is proud to be one of the oldest educational establishments in the UK. The school has been co-educational since 1992 and offers a wide range of academic studies at GCSE and A level. Within school, our small class sizes, inspirational teaching and wide array of extracurricular activities, including an excellent sports programme, Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh programme and Leith's Food Academy sections, provide an outstanding education. There is one class in each Junior School year from Reception to Year 6; two to three classes in each of the Senior years and a small Sixth Form (30 pupils) following BTEC and A level courses. High standards are expected in all aspects of endeavour, and in behaviour and manners.
Although we are a small school, our pupils enjoy a full and vibrant sports curriculum. Alongside hockey, netball, rounders (girls), and rugby, football and cricket (boys), we also offer additional sports and activities such as tennis, badminton, table tennis, cross country, athletics and trampolining.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Boarders: £8,041–£12,260 Day: £3,359–£5,300.
Admission. An offer of a place in the school is made after interview (and verbal reasoning and mathematics tests for admission to the Senior School) and satisfactory report from the pupil’s current school.
Charitable status. The Read School is a Registered Charity, number 529675. It exists to provide a proper education for boys and girls aged 4–18.
Governors & Staff:
Chairman of Governors: Brian Watt
Head: Mrs R A Ainley, MA Oxon (Modern Languages)
Bursar: Mr S Hunter
Deputy Head: M A Voisey, BA (English)
Teaching Staff:
Mrs P Anderson, BEd (English)
Dr P Armstrong, BSc (Economics)
Mrs S Ashworth-Lilley, BSc (Psychology)
Mr M Bailey, BA (Business Studies, Geography)
Mrs S Black, BA (Drama, English)
Miss J Bullock, BSc, MSc (Head of Science, English Additional Language)
Mrs V Burnell, BA (Lower Junior School)
Mr J Calderwood, BSc, (Mathematics)
Ms S L Campbell, BSc (Junior School)
Mrs S Chambonnet, BA (French)
Mrs E Cressey, BA (DT)
Mrs H Crompton, BMus (Head of Music)
Dr P Duggan, BSc, PhD (Biology, Chemistry)
Mrs L Fairhurst, BA (EYFS Teacher)
Miss L Fletcher, BSc (Mathematics)
Mr S Franks, PGCE (Computer Science, Geography)
Dr W Gordon, BTh (History, Religious Studies)
Ms H Hewson, BA (English)
Mr G Hill, BA (Head of Junior School)
Mrs K Ives, BA (Spanish)
Mr L Johnson, BSc (PE & Games)
Miss M Keenoy, BA (Head of Inclusive Learning)
Mr J Matthews, BSc (Head of PE)
Miss F M Newman, BA (Junior School)
Mrs A Oliver (Latin, Classic Civilisation)
Mr M Perkins, BA (History, Religious Studies)
Mrs T Richmond-Hughes (Business Studies)
Miss S Rothwell, BEd (Head of Creative Arts, Design Technology, Food)
Mrs S Scholefield, BSc (Head of Humanities)
Mr C Sharples, BSc (ICT, Computer Science)
Mrs E Stark, BSc (Chemistry)
Mr R Stark, BSc (Physics)
Miss J Strickland, BA ( Mathematics)
Mrs N Suttill, BA (Art)
Mrs R M Wake, BA (Junior School)
Mrs S A Warren, BA (Head of Girls' Sport)
Mr A Woods, PGCE (Chemistry, Science)