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Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School & Sixth Form

Catholic

Updated July 2026

Co-edGender
1,050Students

Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School is an oversubscribed, high-performing, co-educational school of 1,050 students located in West Reading, featuring a thriving Sixth Form.

Teaching approach

The school is a character-forming, Catholic community guided by the mission "Nihil Nisi Deo" (Nothing Without God). It emphasizes the development of the whole person, valuing attributes such as generosity, truthfulness, fortitude, resilience, and love alongside academic excellence.

Programmes

The school offers an ambitious curriculum that prepares students for academic success and adulthood, including GCSEs and a wide range of A Level and BTEC courses in the Sixth Form. Subjects available include Applied Science, Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Drama & Theatre, English Literature, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, Health & Social Care, History, Mathematics, Media Studies, Music, Philosophy & Ethics, Physical Education, Physics, Polish, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, and Travel & Tourism.

Outcomes

The school has been judged as an "Outstanding Catholic school" by the Catholic Schools' Inspectorate (March 2025) and is graded "Good" by Ofsted (2023). Students achieve strong results in English and mathematics, with a high number of Sixth Formers progressing to top universities, including Russell Group institutions and Oxbridge.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Dedicated department

Learning support

The school provides targeted support for students, including small group tuition for those who have not achieved Grade 5 or higher in English or Maths GCSE. A dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDco) manages support for students with additional needs, and the school employs pastoral support staff to assist with student wellbeing.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

The school is an oversubscribed, co-educational institution. Prospective families and students are encouraged to contact the school to arrange a visit and tour the campus.

Calendar

The school operates on a term-based calendar, with specific term dates and a diary of events available on the school website. Parents and students can access these schedules to stay informed about the academic year.

Facilities

Study room

About the campus

The campus includes purpose-built study rooms for Sixth Form students, featuring a silent study area, interactive study spaces, and access to desktop computers. The Sixth Form also has a large Common Room equipped with chess and table football facilities, as well as resources such as university prospectuses and subject textbooks.

Co-curriculars

The school offers a range of extra-curricular activities, including sports such as basketball in partnership with Reading Rockets. Students also participate in residential trips, visits, and leadership opportunities, such as the elected Student Senior Leadership Team.

  • Dr S UttleyHeadteacher

    Dr Uttley provides strategic leadership for the school. He is a Programme Director for Koinonia Schools and a Licensed Inspector for the Catholic Schools' Inspectorate.

  • Mr B WinsorDeputy Headteacher

    Mr Winsor is responsible for curriculum design and implementation, the school timetable, standards, key progress and accountability measures, assessment, parental engagement, and admissions appeals.

  • Miss J CareyAssistant Headteacher

    Miss Carey focuses on pastoral leadership, curriculum planning and implementation, and serves as the KS4 Raising Standards Lead. She is also responsible for teaching and learning and conducting teaching staff appraisals.

  • Mrs A DonaldsonAssistant Headteacher

    Mrs Donaldson specializes in pastoral leadership and serves as the KS4 Raising Standards Lead for Year 11. Her responsibilities include teaching and learning, Pupil Premium, serving as the Designated Teacher for CLA and PCLA, and supporting the Duke of Edinburgh program.

  • Ms H JordanAssistant Headteacher | Head of Sixth Form

    Ms Jordan leads the Sixth Form and oversees the transition to higher education. Her role also includes whole-school responsibility for careers, student leadership, and the coordination of the Extended Project Qualification.

  • Mrs S MatthewsAssistant Headteacher/DSL and SMHL

    Mrs Matthews serves as the DSL and SMHL. Her expertise covers teaching and learning, continuing professional development, appraisal, the Early Careers Framework, safeguarding, and mental health and wellbeing.

  • Mr J WebsterAssistant Headteacher

    Mr Webster focuses on KS2/3 transition and the KS3 curriculum. He is the anti-racism lead practitioner for Reading, oversees equality and diversity, and manages extra-curricular sport to support behaviour and wellbeing.

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