Ages 
Parents rave about the flexible, caring provision that this ‘little gem’ has to offer. What kind of child would Luckley not suit, we wondered. ‘Someone super-academic, perhaps?’ says one mum, before pausing – ‘Actually, I know some really clever children who would benefit from the social skills they’d pick up.’ A complete contrast to other better-known schools in the area, and all the richer for it. With a zingy head and modern approach, we have high hopes for this new era of Luckley House.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 380 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 82 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Church of England/Evangelical
- Fees
- Day £26,340; Boarding £36,630 - £46,080 pa
- Local authority
- Wokingham Borough Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headmistress
Mrs Areti Bizior
Since 2020, Areti Bizior BSc BE. PGCE from University of South Africa. Seven years at St George’s Ascot, three at Queen Anne’s, Caversham, thence to Downe House as deputy head in 2013. ISI inspector; former governor of nearby Holme Grange School; on
Entrance
Usually 40 places in year 7 and 15 in year 9, though numbers can be flexible if demand high. Pupils from huge range of primaries and preps, and with a broad range of ability. Taster days for all those interested. Cognitive ability tests, plus English
- Open days
- March, June and October
Exit
Half leave after GCSEs, usually for BTECs or bigger settings. ‘The reasons people leave are the reasons people stay – Luckley’s a small school and everybody knows your name,’ say staff. University destinations vary with cohorts, which are too small
Latest results
In 2025, 47 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 35 per cent A*/A at A level (70 per cent A*-B). In 2024, 51 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 27 per cent A*/A at A level (53 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Gentle academics. ‘Teachers get to know you really well,’ said a pupil. Until year 11, groups of up to 18 (12 in practical subjects). GCSE options as small as four. ‘Means we can tailor teaching to the group,’ say staff.
Curriculum starts broad,
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
‘We’re better now at knowing what we can offer for pupils with SEN,’ says academic deputy, who looks carefully at ed psych reports and talks to families in depth when they apply. Twenty-five on SEN register. One-to-one support provided, progress
Arts & extracurricular
Beautifully designed music room with wacky acoustic-enhancing ceiling. One-third have individual lessons. Recording room and music tech facilities too. Many music scholars also members of national choirs and orchestras – we watched soulful rendition
Sport
Director of sport has big ideas and the confidence to ‘knock on the headmistress’s door until she says yes’ (‘He’s very competitive,’ she chuckles). Provision not previously a priority – self-fulfilling, of course, because school didn’t attract
Boarders
Offers full, weekly and flexi boarding - flexi seems to be the more popular option. Nationalities and languages mixed within rooms – most full boarders east Asian. Rooms freshly painted in neutrals with space on the walls for reminders of home.
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1918 by one Miss Bertha Drake, a ‘deeply religious woman’, ‘to provide a broad-based education, based on Christian principles, to allow girls to develop their full potential’ (according to charming 1970s history). Various guises since:
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘Phenomenal’, we hear. Headmistress engendering ‘sense of belief’, ‘making aspiration more overt’. Marketing material peppered with pupil quotes around this theme: ‘I believe I can help world leaders’; ‘I believe I can win a BAFTA’ etc. ‘They really
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Years 7-9: Mobile devices must be switched off and put away into lockers by 8.45am, where they must remain until 4pm. They must not be kept in blazer pockets. At any other time, if it is necessary to contact parents, pupils should report to the school office or ask a teacher who will supervise the call. Devices may not be used in lessons. Years 10 and 11: Mobile devices may be brought into school and kept out of sight in either blazer pockets or school bags. They may be used in the Year 10 and 11 form rooms.
Pupils & parents
Minibuses cover 20-mile radius: Maidenhead, Farnborough, Windsor, Fleet etc. Buses run once in the morning but twice in the afternoon, so that parents ‘can cherry-pick the length of the day’, says head. ‘We are really flexible about suiting the
Money matters
Means-tested bursaries available. Fee remission for children of clergy. Scholarships for year 7, 9 and 12 entry (academic, sport, music, art, drama) worth between five and 20 per cent. Exceptional GCSE performance rewarded with £100 to spend on
- Fee information
- Day £26,340; Boarding £36,630 - £46,080 pa
The last word
Parents rave about the flexible, caring provision that this ‘little gem’ has to offer. What kind of child would Luckley not suit, we wondered. ‘Someone super-academic, perhaps?’ says one mum, before pausing – ‘Actually, I know some really clever
