Read School, Drax

Read School, Drax www.readschool.co.uk We are now proud to be a fully accredited Leiths Food Academy.

Read School, Drax, has been a focal point for education in the Selby-Goole area for over 350 years, first as Drax Grammar School and as Read School, since 1967. Now a co-educational boarding and day school, Read offers a wide range of academic studies at GCSE and A Level, together with a full programme of sports, drama, music, CCF and recreational activity. High standards are expected in terms of

endeavour, behaviour and manners, rewarded by attending a school where pupils are respected, valued and can be the best they can be. The school welcomes young people of all abilities with academically able pupils, achieving high grades in public examinations, working alongside children of more modest abilities with mutual respect for each other’s talents.

26/08/2026

We Love Our Read School Life! Celebrating our Tradition, Inspiration, and the Read School Spirit! Our highlights feature original music performed by our students and some powerful messages.

There’s something truly special about being a part of Read School, Drax. From our foundational beginnings in 1667, our community has been built on character, tradition, and strong values.

Every year, Commemoration Day serves as a vital bridge between our rich history and our bright future. It is a day to honour our long-standing heritage, celebrate the achievements of our pupils, and reflect on what makes our school family so unique.

This year’s Commemoration Day was particularly inspiring… We were thrilled to welcome back former Draxonian and successful TV/film actor Matthew Leitch as our guest speaker. Matthew shared incredible stories and insightful words of encouragement, reminding our students that the foundations built at Read School can take them anywhere in the world.

Watch the video below to hear powerful key messages from Matthew and our incredible students on why we truly love our Read School life!

Be the Best You Can Be at Read School, DraxThere is still time to join the Read School community this September!Set in t...
24/08/2026

Be the Best You Can Be at Read School, Drax

There is still time to join the Read School community this September!

Set in the heart of North Yorkshire, Read School offers a supportive environment where young people aged 4-18 are encouraged to develop confidence, discover their talents, and achieve their personal best.

Why families choose Read School:

- Individual Attention: Dedicated support and small class sizes, so every pupil can flourish.

- Broad and Varied Enrichment: Vibrant programmes across an extensive selection including sports, arts, CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

- Academic Foundations: A strong framework for future success and a track record of outstanding results.

- Welcoming Community: A warm environment where every child is known and belongs.

- Local Transport: Dedicated school routes serving the surrounding area.

- Flexible Boarding: Wraparound care options designed to support busy family lives.

At Read School, you are never new here for long.

Places available for September 2026 entry.
We would be delighted to welcome you for a visit and answer any questions you may have.

Arrange your tour: Contact our Admissions Team at [email protected]

23/08/2026

Searching for a school where your child will truly be seen, valued and inspired?

Visit us at Read School, Drax, and discover our warm, non-selective age 4-18 community where children build the confidence to express their unique talents and thrive.

Here, academic excellence and personal growth go hand in hand.

Guaranteed small class sizes and our close-knit environment ensure your child is challenged, inspired, and genuinely known every day- giving them a bespoke learning experience that fuels their individual strengths and passions.

Bright futures begin the moment you belong. Don't just imagine it- experience it.

Join us at our Open Day: Saturday, 3rd October | 9:30 AM

Register your place at www.readschool.co.uk/open-morning

Celebrating our wonderful Year 11 pupils today!We are incredibly proud of our GCSE cohort, who have achieved an outstand...
20/08/2026

Celebrating our wonderful Year 11 pupils today!

We are incredibly proud of our GCSE cohort, who have achieved an outstanding 82% pass rate - over 20% above regional averages. Even more impressively, over 40% of all grades were 9–6 (A*–B), reflecting both academic strength and the determination shown by this fantastic year group.

As an inclusive school, every pupil follows a bespoke pathway, and no child is ever disapplied from exams to artificially boost results. Their achievements are real, earned, and deeply meaningful.

This year’s results span 27 different subjects, showcasing the breadth of Read’s curriculum- including specialist options not always available elsewhere such as DT, Food, iMedia, Computer Science, Music, Chinese and Latin.

What a joy it was to see pupils arriving with parents, reuniting with friends and often opening their envelopes together - a moment of shared excitement that we treasure every year and that no app can ever replace!

These results also tell powerful individual stories: pupils who joined Read after periods of school refusal, or following difficult experiences elsewhere, have flourished here. Their journeys are a testament to their resilience and to the care, expertise and encouragement of our staff, so many of whom came into school to celebrate their pupils' achievements.

GCSEs are a long, hard slog, and this year group has risen to every challenge- not only academically, but through their exceptional commitment to the Read extra curricular programme, from Duke of Edinburgh and CCF to performing arts, music and overseas trips.

Enjoy your celebrations, Year 11- you deserve every moment!

Planning your child’s transition to Reception?Give your child an inspiring start at Read School, Drax Pre-Prep! Our Rece...
15/08/2026

Planning your child’s transition to Reception?

Give your child an inspiring start at Read School, Drax Pre-Prep! Our Reception class combines small class sizes and personalised care with purposeful play and early academic foundations.

Did you know? Early years funding schemes are available for eligible 4-year-olds. Explore our beautiful setting and discover what makes Read School so special. Get in touch to find out more.

Arrange your personal visit today or book your place at our Open Day on Saturday, 3rd October!

https://www.readschool.co.uk/open-morning

Read School, Drax Re‑Orientation Days – Helping Everyone Feel Ready for September!There are only 20 sleeps until we welc...
14/08/2026

Read School, Drax Re‑Orientation Days – Helping Everyone Feel Ready for September!

There are only 20 sleeps until we welcome everyone back on Thursday 3rd September and we can’t wait!

To help pupils feel confident, calm and ready for the new school year, we are running two Re‑Orientation sessions:

📅 Wednesday 19th August — 9:00am to 12:00pm
📅 Friday 21st August — 9:00am to 12:00pm

📍 Meet at The Base for registration with Mrs Ashton and Mrs Anderson

If you would like to attend, please email [email protected] to confirm your place.

If your child has any allergies or dietary requirements, please let us know in advance. Light refreshments (biscuits and juice) will be available.

These sessions are designed especially for pupils who may feel a little nervous about returning to school after the long summer holidays - a gentle, friendly way to reconnect with school, staff and friends as well as re-orientating to the school site before the term begins.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Another stellar year for Read School’s Sixth Form!We are absolutely delighted to celebrate the achievements of our wonde...
13/08/2026

Another stellar year for Read School’s Sixth Form!

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate the achievements of our wonderful Year 13 students, whose hard work, character and commitment have produced an exceptional set of A‑level and BTEC results. For the second consecutive year, 42% of all grades were A–A* - an incredible achievement for a small Sixth Form- and 50% were A–B across A‑levels and BTECs. As a non‑selective school where every pupil is supported to exceed their potential in the pathway that suits them best this is really a result to be proud of!

Our students achieved A* grades in Maths, Biology and EPQ, with A grades in Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and Distinction / Distinction* in BTEC Sport and BTEC Business.

Special congratulations to:

Evelyn (A*A*AA) who will study Medicine at the University of Birmingham
Maksym (A*AAB) heading to University of Manchester to study Maths & Physics
Will (AAB) studying Chemistry at University of York

Raoul (Distinction Distinction Merit) studying Forestry Management at University of Cumbria

We also celebrate the achievements of students taking exciting next steps beyond academia:
• Jack who joins the Fire Service
• Fred, who has secured employment after achieving C in Biology and Distinction Distinction in BTEC Sport*

These results sit alongside outstanding wider accomplishments:
Five Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards (with one more pending) ILM Level 3 Leadership qualifications One student serving as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet- the fourth consecutive appointment for Read School A rich portfolio of sport, performing arts, CCF, overseas expeditions and extra‑curricular experiences that shape the Read School journey

These achievements highlight the remarkable commitment, leadership and spirit of our students and the vibrant, holistic education that defines Read School.

Every student who applied to university secured a place- including Leicester (History), Hull (Mechanical Engineering) and Royal Holloway (Classical Studies). Others are pursuing exciting vocational pathways such as Hospitality Management while two pupils will take a gap year. We look forward to sharing individual profiles of our talented Sixth Form leavers in the days to come.

We are immensely proud of every single Year 13 student. Their Read School Sixth Form lives have been full, busy and have stretched them beyond measure. Seeing our students reap the rewards of their hard work and move on as confident, well‑rounded young adults is a joy and a privilege for us all at Read School. Their futures are bright, their ambitions are bold and we could not be prouder of everything they have achieved.

We wish all our Year 13 students every success as they begin the next chapter of their journey!

🌿 Nature Day Update for Today! 🌿The fun isn't over yet! We still have spaces available for today’s Nature Day adventure....
13/08/2026

🌿 Nature Day Update for Today! 🌿

The fun isn't over yet! We still have spaces available for today’s Nature Day adventure. If your child would like to join us, please email Mrs Dale directly at [email protected] to secure a spot.

🐸 Important Note for Drop-off Today: 🐸Please meet us directly at the Creative Arts building. Because it is A-Level Results Day, the front of the school will be busy!

☀️ What a fantastic time we had at our Summer Fun Day!It was non-stop smiles and energy from start to finish. Everyone h...
13/08/2026

☀️ What a fantastic time we had at our Summer Fun Day!

It was non-stop smiles and energy from start to finish. Everyone had an absolute blast, whether they were showing off their moves during open-air dancing, getting competitive with sports, or crafting up some creative masterpieces.

Some of the biggest hits of the day included:

Bubble Bonanza: Endless giant bubbles keeping everyone entertained.

Apple (and Pear!) Bobbing: A messy, hilarious test of skill that had everyone laughing.

DIY Assault Courses: The children loved designing and conquering their very own obstacle challenges!

12/08/2026

Read School, Drax Commemoration Day 2026 may now be fading into the rear-view mirror, but the memories certainly aren't.
Our celebration at Selby Abbey on Saturday, 4th July was filled with pride, joy and togetherness- moments we're still cherishing as a community.

Here's a short video montage capturing just a few of those special highlights. A full video edition is on its way and will be released in the next few days- a chance to relive the day from start to finish.

Individual photos are also now available to purchase from Frame Me Please Photo Studio Selby A parentmail will be sent out with more information of how to log into the link below:
https://client.framemeplease.co.uk/draxschoolcommemorationday/

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Read School, Drax
Selby
YO88NL

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