River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. The school opened in September 2024 and is already oversubscribed, with waiting lists across all year groups. Student numbers will continue to grow year on year as new cohorts join the school.

The school has a strong focus on calm, purposeful learning environments. Classrooms are quiet, corridors are calm, and clear routines and expectations support consistency across the school. Systems and practices are designed to reduce workload, allowing teachers to focus on their teaching craft.

Tutor time is carefully structured and includes reading, assemblies and settling activities to support learning throughout the day. Students are expected to demonstrate good manners, strong oracy skills, and high standards of personal and academic presentation. Reflecting this focus on high expectations, River Academy is ranked in the highest decile across all DfE attendance measures, and Sparx homework completion rates consistently exceed 98%.

Alongside its academic offer, River Academy provides a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities through its after-school Electives programme, available to all students.

Professional development is embedded in day-to-day practice. Staff take part in weekly training sessions focused on Teaching and Learning and work within a transparent coaching culture, with regular peer observation and shared practice.

River Academy serves a diverse community. Around 35% of students are currently in receipt of Pupil Premium, and the school is committed to removing barriers to learning, raising aspirations and supporting students to focus on their academic progress while at school.

When the school reaches full capacity, River Academy will serve 1,200 students aged 11–18, alongside an additional resource base of 35 students. As a growing school, there are strong opportunities for staff to develop new skills, contribute beyond their immediate role, and gain experience across different areas of school life.

To learn more about our school, please visit our website www.river-academy.co.uk.