“Reading Blue Coat is known for academic excellence, nurturing pastoral care and a superb co-curricular offering in an environment that encourages the growth of intellectual curiosity and creativity. But more than this, we are a caring community that extends beyond the pupils and staff, to parents, friends of the School, and, of course, our alumni. As One Reading Blue Coat, we bring the whole School community together for the benefit and enjoyment of all its members.”

Mrs Victoria Fangen Hall, Director of Foundation

Originality The Reading Blue Coat community is shaped by thousands of one-offs: thinkers, athletes, creatives, leaders, campaigners – we’re proud of this diversity and the great things being done across the world.

Networking Through our online community, events and publications we bring people together; reuniting classmates, triggering new friendships, and sparking collaborations, careers, adventures and so much more.

Ethos Whilst we celebrate individuality, there is an inherent ethos that binds our community. The spirit of adventure, a sense of compassion, and a down-to-earth outlook are the characteristics that make us who we are.

Old Blues

As your student days at Reading Blue Coat come to an end, you become an Old Blue and part of a thriving network of more than 8,000 alumni.

Wherever you are in the world, you will never be far from someone with a similar outlook and passion for life and with whom you share the defining bond of Reading Blue Coat. With a focus on different types of events, from year group reunions to business interest groups, and opportunities for individual mentoring, career advice and job prospects, the Old Blues community provides a place to connect and engage with like-minded people. Old Blues are an integral cog within the One Reading Blue Coat circle, so whatever your stage of life, join in – you will find an inclusive, social and professional network.

Parents and friends

When your children join Reading Blue Coat, they automatically become an essential part of the School community… but so do you, and so do your family and friends.

Yes, the social throng of the primary school playground has been left far behind, but instead you’re joining the supporters on the sidelines at sports fixtures, becoming part of the audience at music concerts or drama productions or public speaking events, attending the Remembrance Day service, performing at Swing into Summertime as part of the Community Choir, marvelling at the annual pyromusical fireworks display, enjoying tea and scones in the sunshine at Sports Day, chatting to other families waiting to meet the teachers at Parents’ Evenings, or celebrating your child’s achievements at a prize giving event. The venues are different, but the feeling of community is the same.

And that doesn’t end when your children move on to their next adventure. Just as they continue their relationship with the School as Old Blues, so do you continue to be part of this very special community.