Reading School

Cancelled Event Notice

Due to an amber heat warning forecast for Friday 26 June, we regret that the previously advertised MCC Cricket Fixture will not be able to go ahead.

As an outdoor fixture on the School field, the expected temperatures present a significant health and safety risk to players, officials and spectators. The welfare of all involved must remain our priority, and we do not feel it would be appropriate to proceed in these conditions.

We apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience this may cause, particularly given the significance of this fixture in our sporting calendar.

Thank you for your understanding.

Stories shape how we see the world but what makes them so powerful?

We are pleased that Dr Lewis J Dowle, Head of County House, Assistant Chaplain and Teacher of Mathematics at Reading School, will be delivering the termly Faith and Reason Lecture entitled: “How to Kill a Dragon: Story, Myth and the Theodrama”

📍 Lecture Theatre, Reading School, RG1 5LW, Reading
📅 Thursday 2nd July 2026
🕒 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Dr Dowle will explore the idea of ‘story’ as a meta-narrative for life, alongside its philosophical, theological and practical implications. Drawing on the work of Joseph Ratzinger and Hans Urs von Balthasar, as well as literary figures C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, the lecture will consider the deeper meaning of stories, fairy tales and myths; the archetype of the hero; the symbolism of the dragon; and Tolkien’s exploration of evil through narrative and literary form.

This final lecture brings to a close another thought-provoking year of discussions exploring the relationship between faith and reason and some of life’s biggest questions.

Attendance is free and all students are welcome to attend.

Register now: https://alumni.reading-school.co.uk/events/view/faith-and-reason-lecture-summer-term-2025-2026-thursday-2nd-july-2026

Speech Day 2026

When John Oldland first walked through the gates of Reading School in 1954, he couldn't have known that seven decades later he would return to address the next generation of Reading School boys. Today he did exactly that, joined by his sons Nicholas (OR 1988–90) and Jeremy (OR 1990–92), who travelled from Canada and Atlanta to be with us as special guests.

The Oldland family's connection to Reading School spans more than a century, and today that story was very much alive in the room.

It set the tone for a day that, despite the heat, was filled with pride, warmth, and community. Thank you to every parent and family member who joined us and to our students, who carried themselves with the character this school has always stood for.

To our staff, who worked hard to keep the day comfortable and safe for all, and to the RSPA for providing refreshments for all our guests.

Days like today remind us why Reading School is more than a school. It is a place that stays with you long after you leave.
Floreat Redingensis.

The full gallery will be featured on the Reading School website soon.

HEAT ALERT | Important update for this week
With temperatures forecast to peak at 40°C on Wednesday, this will not be a normal school week. Student and staff welfare is our absolute priority.

Here's what you need to know:

- PE kit may be worn instead of uniform. No tie required.
- Sun hat and sun cream are strongly encouraged.
- Bring plenty of water.
- If you feel unwell, tell a member of staff immediately.

Routines may change at short notice as we respond to conditions this coming week in order to keep all our community safe and well.

We will keep you updated via direct emails.

This evening we welcomed our incoming East House and Laud House families to Reading School for the final New Parent Welcome Evening of 2026.

Dr Evans asked just one thing of every family in the Chapel tonight:
"We have to do this together."

Trust. Advocacy. Giving. Feedback. Family. These are the foundations on which the next seven years are built, and tonight families begin their journey as part of the Reading School Community.

A warm thank you to every parent who signed up to support the 365 Fund this evening. Your generosity funds the minibuses, the clubs, the electives and the experiences that make a Reading School education what it is. If you haven't yet had the chance, it's not too late: https://alumni.reading-school.co.uk/pages/building-for-the-future

We cannot wait to welcome your sons through our doors in September 2026.

The full photo gallery will be featured in a special Headmaster's Bulletin just for new parents.

This evening, we welcomed the Class of 2033 to Reading School for our New Parent Welcome Evening 2026. 🎉

Year 7 students joining us in September and their families were greeted by the Headmaster, Heads of House, Sixth Form prefects and current Year 7 students.

Dr Evans told the boys:
"Enter this school determined to make the people around you better. That is what this school is about. We are not excited about the grades you might get, but about the gifts you might nurture. Exams are necessary but insufficient. The quality of your education will be demonstrated most fully through the relationships you forge."

A warm thank you to every family who signed up to support the 365 Fund this afternoon. Your generosity directly funds the co-curricular experiences that will shape your son's years here. If you haven't yet had the chance to give, it's not too late: https://alumni.reading-school.co.uk/pages/building-for-the-future

We can't wait to see what this cohort achieves. Welcome to Reading School.

2 weeks to go! OR Drinks in the City is almost here!

What better way to end a summer's day than swapping the office for drinks in the City of London.

Join us for drinks at the Royal Ocean Racing Club on Wednesday 1st July.

Headmaster, Chris Evans (OR 1990-1997) will be there alongside Ned Holt, former Head of Sixth Form and (OR 1966-1972) together with the Development & Alumni Relations team.

All former students and current and former staff are warmly welcome.

2026 happens to be a milestone anniversary year for anyone who left in '76, '81, '96, '01 or '06, so consider this your personal invite!

Calling all undergraduates and recent graduates its the perfect opportunity to build connections, expand your network and share experiences with fellow alumni.

Please register via the link below: https://alumni.reading-school.co.uk/events/view/or-drinks-in-the-city-wednesday-1st-july-2026

Kindly organised by Fraser Peck (OR 1999–2006) and the Redingensians Office.