Age range. Co-educational 4–18, Boarding 8–18.
Number in school. Total 232: Day 210, Boarding 22; Boys 135, Girls 97.
Founded in 1667, Read School is one of the UK’s oldest educational establishments, providing a rich and inspiring co-educational experience for pupils aged 4 to 18. Set in picturesque countryside in the rural village of Drax, North Yorkshire, the school benefits from excellent road access (M62, M18, M1, A1) and rail connections (York, Leeds, Selby and Doncaster), as well as easy access to Manchester International Airport (90 minutes). Here, traditional values – courtesy, integrity and personal endeavour – combine with a forward-thinking curriculum.
At the heart of Read School is a close-knit, welcoming community where every child is known and valued. Small class sizes across the Pre-Prep, Prep, Senior, and Sixth Form departments ensure that every pupil receives individualised academic support and personal mentoring. We offer a broad range of GCSE, A level and BTEC pathways, empowering young people to achieve their full academic potential and secure places at top universities and degree apprenticeships.
Beyond the classroom, pupils benefit from a vibrant co-curricular programme designed to build confidence, leadership and resilience. Options include an active Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, extensive performing arts opportunities including a flourishing LAMDA drama and performance programme and individual instrumental and vocal music tuition. We deliver a comprehensive sports curriculum featuring rugby, football, cricket, hockey, netball, athletics, tennis, and cross-country, as well as an elite Sixth Form Pontefract Collieries Football Academy pathway.
Offering day, weekly and full boarding options in a safe, nurturing environment, Read School is a place where every pupil is encouraged to be the best they can be.
Fees per term (2026–2027). Boarders: £10,130–£14;200 Day: £4,046–£8,245 (including VAT where applicable).
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:
Chair of Governors: Mrs Lisa Dukes
Head: Mrs R A Ainley, MA Oxon (Modern Languages)
Bursar: TBC
Deputy Head: M A Voisey, BA (English)
Teaching Staff:
Mrs P Anderson, BEd (English)
Mrs G Ashton, MA (SENCO)
Mrs S Ashworth-Lilley, BSc (Psychology)
Mr M Bailey, BA (Business Studies, Geography)
Mrs S Bainbridge, BSc (Head of Maths)
Mrs S Black, BA (Drama, English)
Miss J Bullock, BSc, MSc (Head of Science, English Additional Language)
Mrs V Burnell, BA (Pre-Prep School)
Mr J Calderwood, BSc (Mathematics)
Ms S L Campbell, BSc (Prep School)
Mrs S Chambonnet, BA (French)
Mrs A Cicero (Head of English)
Mrs E Cressey, BA (DT)
Mrs H Crompton, BMus (Head of Music)
Mrs K de Bethel (Prep School)
Mr J Dale, PGCE (Science)
Dr K Davey, MChem (Physics)
Dr P Duggan, BSc, PhD (Biology, Chemistry)
Mrs L Fairhurst, BA (EYFS Teacher)
Mrs S Fawcett, PGCE (Maths, Science)
Mr S Franks, PGCE (Computer Science, Geography)
Dr W Gordon, BTh (History, Religious Studies)
Mr G Hill, BA (Prep School)
Mrs K Ives, BA (Spanish)
Mr L Johnson, BSc (PE & Games)
Mr J Matthews, BSc (Head of PE)
Mrs J Meek, PGCE (Prep School)
Miss F M Newman, BA (Prep School)
Mrs A Oliver (Latin, Classic Civilisation)
Mr M Perkins, BA (History, Religious Studies)
Mrs T Richmond-Hughes (Health & Social Care, Business Studies)
Mr T Roake (Business Studies)
Miss S Rothwell, BEd (Head of Creative Arts, Design Technology, Food)
Mrs S Scholefield, BSc (Head of Humanities)
Mrs E Stark, BSc (Chemistry)
Miss J Strickland, BA ( Mathematics)
Mrs N Suttill, BA (Art)
Mrs R M Wake, BA (Prep School)
Mrs S A Warren, BA (Head of Girls' Sport)
Mrs A Wilson, BA (EYFS Teacher)