
Garth Hill College
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
Garth Hill College is a modern, successful secondary school and sixth form serving the community of North Bracknell and surrounding areas for pupils aged 11-19. It provides a first-class education focused on high standards, personal development, and preparing students for their future.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is built on the values of Growth, Aspiration, Respect, Tenacity, Honesty, Hard work, Inclusion, Leadership, and Learning. It aims to provide a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum that develops the whole child, fostering successful learners, confident individuals, and responsible citizens. The college emphasizes high standards, self-discipline, and the belief that all students can achieve beyond expectations through dedication and hard work.
Programmes
The school follows the statutory national curriculum for Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) and offers a two-year Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11) leading to GCSEs and vocational qualifications. The Sixth Form (Key Stage 5) provides a Level 3 study programme featuring A Levels and BTEC courses, alongside a Level 2 offer. All students follow a PSHE programme, and the curriculum is enriched by partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.
Outcomes
The college has a track record of strong examination results and is committed to preparing students for university, apprenticeships, or the workplace. Students are encouraged to develop as confident, independent learners, with progress tracked regularly to ensure academic success. The school was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2024 and is currently focused on a journey to excellence.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a dedicated School of Supported Learning, RISE@GHC, to assist students with additional needs. Pastoral support is structured through a house system—comprising Lawrence, Fielden, Brownlow, and Haversham houses—where students are assigned to tutor groups for academic and personal guidance. Personal tutors in the sixth form provide ongoing coaching, target setting, and pastoral care.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Garth Hill College offer?
- Garth Hill College offers National Curriculum (England).
- What accreditations does Garth Hill College hold?
- Garth Hill College holds accreditations including Cambridge International.
- Is Garth Hill College co-educational?
- Garth Hill College is a co-ed school.
- Where is Garth Hill College located?
- Garth Hill College is an international school in Reading, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Admissions for years 7 to 11 are coordinated by the Bracknell Forest School Admissions team. Applications for Year 7 entry must be submitted through the local authority, with specific windows for applications and late submissions. In-year applications for students moving to the area or transferring schools are also managed via the Bracknell Forest Council website.
Calendar
The 2025-26 academic year begins with INSET days on 3 and 4 September 2025, followed by the start of the autumn term on 5 September. The year includes three terms with scheduled half-term breaks in October, February, and May, concluding on 22 July 2026. Additional INSET days are scheduled throughout the year in November and January.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus includes a dedicated Sixth Form Centre with four laboratories, three ICT suites, three Design Technology workshops, and multiple seminar rooms. The school also operates a restaurant, a Learning Resource Centre, and a specialized facility known as RISE@GHC. Venue hire is available for external use, and the school maintains a TARDIS, which serves as a feedback hub for students.
Co-curriculars
The college offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including an Aviation Club that features guest speakers, drone flying, and CAD/3D printing projects. Students participate in charity fundraising, community initiatives, and sports, such as the Bracknell Cobras Basketball Academy. Sixth-form students also serve as reading mentors for younger pupils, and the school hosts various clubs and activities under the GHXtra programme.
Mr K GraingerPrincipalKeith Grainger has been working at Garth Hill College since 2001 and has served as Principal since 2007. He holds a BA (Hons), MA, PGCE, and NPQH, and has 31 years of experience in education, including 22 years as a senior leader.
Mrs G PowellVice Principal
Mrs R GibbonsAssistant Principal Head of the School of Science and Technology and Brownlow House
Mr N HuskinsonAssistant Principal Head of the School of Mathematics and Information Studies and Fielden House
Mrs A KeenAssistant Principal Head of the School of Human Creative and Physical Studies and Haversham House
Mrs S Cordoba TellezAssistant Principal Head of the School of Languages and Communications and Lawrence House
Mrs S StrudleyAssistant Principal Head of the School of Supported Learning
More international schools in Reading
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National Curriculum (England)
Cambridge International