Horizons Ap Academy, Reading

In its own words: "Horizons Alternative Provision Academy was launched by Maiden Erlegh Trust in September 2026 to give more children and young people across Reading, Bracknell, Newbury, Wokingham and South Oxfordshire access to high-quality alternative education."

From the headteacher's welcome: "As Headteacher, I am incredibly pleased to welcome you to Horizons and excited about what we offer children and young people. At Horizons, we believe every child and young person is important and has the right to a great education."

Across Reading, 73% of families were offered their first-choice secondary school for 2026 entry, and 95% were offered one of the schools they named.

In 2026, families in Reading lodged 58 appeals against secondary school offers; 49 reached a hearing and 6 succeeded (12.2% of those heard).

The nearest other state secondary schools to Horizons Ap Academy are The WREN School (0.4 miles, Requires improvement, Attainment 8 39.2); Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School (0.6 miles, Good, Attainment 8 46.3); King's Academy Prospect (0.9 miles, Good, Attainment 8 39.7); and River Academy (0.9 miles).

Horizons Ap Academy is one of 11 schools run by Maiden Erlegh Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's secondary schools, pupils averaged an Attainment 8 score of 50.7 in 2024/25.

Of the 27 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 15% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 11% to a further education college and 7% into work.

46.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 6.7% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (57%), Mixed (17%) and Black (10%).

In 2026, 23 pupils (76.7%) received SEN support and 3 (10%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is social, emotional and mental health needs.

The nearest railway station is Reading West Rail Station, about 480 metres away (roughly a 6-minute walk).

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Cranbury Road (opposite), 120 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 609 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Reading (351), as is usual near a town centre.

The primary schools closest to Horizons Ap Academy are Battle Primary Academy (under 0.1 miles), Wilson Primary School (0.3 miles), All Saints Church of England Aided Infant School (0.4 miles) and All Saints Junior School (0.4 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.