Year 9 (13+) Entry

The admissions round for entry into Year 9 begins in the Summer Term of  Year 6.

There are three elements to our selection process: an interview, an academic assessment and a satisfactory school reference. The assessment is online, testing verbal and non-verbal skills, as well as English and Mathematics.

For guidance on our Quest Assessments please follow the link here. This information is designed for parents and for students who will be sitting our assessment. It provides general advice as well as resources and reading lists.

Registered students are invited to attend an assessment day in the Autumn term of Year 7. Taking place between Monday and Friday, the day includes an interview with a member of our teaching staff, academic assessments and a team-building activity.

If your child is entitled to examination concessions, such as extra time, use of laptops etc. arrangements may be put in place for some of the assessments provided we receive appropriate evidence from an educational psychologist and the school reference confirms this to be the normal way of working. All evidence must be submitted by Friday 31 October 2025.

School Reference

We will contact prep school heads for school references during the autumn term of Year 7.

Entry for 2026 

The admissions round for September 2026 has now closed, please contact the admissions office to discuss the possibility of a late application.

Entry for 2027

Registration for Year 9 2027 is now open.

Entry for 2028

Registration for Year 9 2028 will open in Summer Term 2026.

Admission Timetable for September 2027 entry:

Sixth Form (16+) Entry

Reading Blue Coat welcomes applications from students from both state and independent schools.

All prospective students are required to submit a formal letter of application at the time of registration (the letter of application should be emailed to the Admissions Office at admissions@rbcs.org.uk.)

We recommend students include reasons for their application, their initial A Level subject choices and details of their co-curricular interests. The application letter forms the basis for discussion at interview.

Interviews take place in October and November of the year prior to entry, i.e. early in Year 11.

Our Sixth Form consists of approximately 300 students, of whom around one third are girls.

The curriculum is widespread, with 26 subjects on offer, as well as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), designed specifically to develop students’ skills and interests in preparation for either university or the work place.

Our students are encouraged to become involved in the many co-curricular activities on offer in order to broaden their experience and enjoyment of school life.

Offers of places are made in early December.

Late applicants may be considered (subject to availability of places).

School Reference

We will contact an applicant’s current school for a reference during the Autumn Term of Year 11.

Entry requirements

To qualify for the Sixth Form at Reading Blue Coat, candidates must attain at least eight GCSEs at grade 5 or above. Ideally two of these grades must be at grade 7 or above, a further four grades at grade 6 and two at grade 5. In addition, all students are required to have passed both English Language and Mathematics at grade 5 or above.

Students should be aware that there are minimum grade requirements for certain A Level courses. More details of exact course requirements will be found within the Sixth Form Options Guide (link below).

Admission Timetable for September 2026 entry:*

* External candidates only
** Conditional offers subject to GCSE results