Leighton Park School

The school is guided by Quaker principles, including simplicity, truth, respect, integrity, peace, equality, and sustainability. It employs a "Compassionate Challenge" approach, which combines high academic expectations with empathy and care. The school fosters a co-educational environment where students and teachers work on a first-name basis to encourage open, respectful, and collaborative relationships.

The academic programme includes Year 7 and 8, GCSEs (14+), a one-year Pre-Sixth GCSE course (15+), and a Sixth Form offering both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The curriculum is designed to be future-ready, integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and fostering global-mindedness.

Leighton Park is a top-performing school in Berkshire for academic progress at the Sixth Form level. It is an IB World School and an HMC school, with 97% of UK university admissions tutors rating the IB as ideal preparation for higher education. The school has been recognized by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) as having a "Significant Strength" for its values-led approach.

The school provides pastoral care through a tutor system where students meet their tutor three times a day. Individual learning support is available through the Individual Learning Centre (ILC), which offers 1:1 and group sessions. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is also provided for international students.

Leighton Park is a selective independent school that admits students to Year 7, Year 9, Pre-Sixth (a one-year GCSE course), and the Lower Sixth. The admissions process involves academic assessments in English and Maths, a creative writing task, a review of school reports and references, and an interview. International applications are considered on a rolling basis, and applicants may sit tests remotely. Early registration via the school's Admissions Portal is advised due to high demand.

The school operates on a three-term system. The academic year typically includes key assessment days in the autumn and winter terms for entry in the following academic year. Boarding is available throughout the term, as the school does not close for exeats.

The 65-acre campus features a 25m heated indoor swimming pool, a 10-acre sports field, a resurfaced hockey Astro, tennis and netball courts, and a cricket oval with a pavilion. Academic and creative facilities include the Michael Malnick Centre (with a 420-seat hall), recording studios, a digital media studio, dance studios, and a STEAM Innovation Hub equipped with 3D printers, laser engravers, and science labs. Boarding is provided in three houses—Fryer, School, and Reckitt—offering a mix of en-suite, single, and shared rooms. The Grove Sixth Form Study Centre provides dedicated study spaces, a library, and a cafe.

The school offers nearly 100 co-curricular activities, including 30 sports and 30 expressive arts clubs. Key sports include football, hockey, netball, judo, dance, rock climbing, water sports, swimming, and yoga. Other activities include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Bronze, Silver, and Gold), debating, and various music ensembles such as the Chamber Choir and Guitar Ensemble. Supervised prep sessions are provided after lessons.