Thames Valley School

  • Special
  • Free school
  • Ages 4 to 16
Ofsted: Good

2 Conwy Close, Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 4BZOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Thames Valley School is a special school in Reading for ages 4 to 16. It is one of the 70 schools in Reading. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in April 2024.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 16 April 2024, report published 13 May 2024

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 16 April 2024

Pupils are happy and motivated learners in this inclusive school. They are well known and supported by the staff here. They are clear about the adults they would go to if they had any concerns and know adults will get help if they need it. This means that pupils feel safe and have the support that helps them to learn. Pupils benefit from the high expectations that staff have for how well they will achieve. Due to this, pupils work hard and strive to achieve their best, which they do. This is a calm school community where pupils treat each other, and adults in the school, with respect. Pupils play and interact very well together during breaks and lunchtimes. Pupils' conduct is kind and courteous through the school. This means that social times are consistently positive and purposeful environments. During which, it is clear to see how warm and trusting the relationships are between pupils and staff. Sometimes, as a result of their special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), a pupil may find their emotions difficult to manage. When this happens, adults in school skilfully support pupils to use effective strategies that help them to self-regulate.

What the school should improve

  • There are changes to a small number of foundation subjects which are not yet embedded across the school. This means that pupils are not learning as well as they could across the entire curriculum. The school should ensure that all staff have the subject and pedagogical knowledge they need in all curriculum areas to ensure that pupils can build coherent knowledge effectively over time.
  • The school is still refining the approach to careers education. Currently, pupils do not yet develop employability skills as well as they could. The school should now consider how it can create meaningful work experience opportunities, so that pupils are able to build these vital skills over time and be as ready as possible for life beyond school.

Pupil numbers and mix

78 pupils on roll, with places for 78

Eligible for free school meals48.7%

48.7%, 22.2 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language5.1%

5.1%, 16.5 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support0%

0%, 14.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan100%

100%, 94 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Thames Valley School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
The Avenue Special School0.1 milesOfsted: Good0% met the expected standard
The Holy Brook School0.8 milesOfsted: Good0% met the expected standard
Brookfields School2 milesOfsted: OutstandingNot published
Haywards Farm School2 milesOfsted: OutstandingNot published
Groveside School3 milesReport card: Expected standardNot published

School details

School type
Free schools special
Sector
Free school
Trust
LIBERTY ACADEMY TRUST LTD.
Age range
4 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Mrs Gemma Buley
Address
2 Conwy Close, Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 4BZ
Local authority
Reading
URN
139728

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.