Berkshire schools named among UK's best for co-educational education

Published by Leighton Park School on Wednesday 23rd of September 2026

Two Berkshire schools have been named among just seven national Finalists for Co-educational Independent School of the Year 2026, giving the county the joint-highest representation of any county in the UK.

Leighton Park School in Reading and Wellington College in Crowthorne have both been announced as Finalists, placing Berkshire alongside Kent as the only counties with two schools represented in the category.

The national recognition highlights the breadth and quality of educational provision available to families across Berkshire, with the two schools offering distinctive approaches to co-education while sharing an emphasis on academic ambition, personal development and preparing young people for life beyond school.

The Independent Schools of the Year Awards attract entries from schools across the country and recognise achievement and innovation across 25 categories. The Co-educational Independent School of the Year award considers not only academic outcomes but how schools create environments in which young people flourish, and how co-education contributes to pupils' learning, development and preparation for adult life.

Luke Walters, Head of Leighton Park School, said:

“Berkshire is fortunate to have an exceptional breadth of education available to young people, so it is wonderful to see two schools from our county recognised on a national stage and amongst such an impressive group of schools nationally.

For Leighton Park, the most important measure of a school is what happens to the young people within it: the progress they make, the confidence they develop and the people they become. Students here benefit from a holistic education that equips them not only for university and careers, but also for a purposeful and fulfilling life. They leave the Leighton Park ready to think boldly, learn adventurously and live with purpose.”

Leighton Park's place in the final follows a strong record of national recognition for the Reading school. It was named UK Senior School of the Year in 2023-24 in the Independent Schools Association (ISA) and subsequently won the national ISA Future Readiness Award, recognising its approach to equipping students with the skills and mindset needed for a rapidly changing world.

The other national Finalists for Co-educational Independent School of the Year 2026 are Ardvreck School, Ashford School, Brighton College, RGS Worcester and Sevenoaks School.

The winner will be announced at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards ceremony on Wednesday 14 October.