Welcome
Ofsted report November 2022 "The Kendrick Pledge emphasises friendship, kindness, respect, equality, tolerance and justice, and these values underpin all that the school achieves. Pupils flourish in this exceptionally caring and inclusive learning environment. Secure, trusting relationships between staff and pupils ensure pupils feel very well supported and safe here. In turn, pupils’ excellent behaviour and impeccable manners make Kendrick a very special place to be".
To listen to an audio with staff and students talking about Kendrick's history, life at school and what the school means to us all, please click on the link below.
Kendrick Voices
Kendrick School is an 11-18 selective girls’ school with academy status. It has a local and national reputation as an outstanding school and has an impressive record of achievement as a centre of excellence for girls’ education.
In its last five OFSTED inspections, Kendrick was judged an “outstanding” school. In our most recent inspection in November 2022, OFSTED stated "Pupils and sixth-formers are justly proud of their school community. They delight in their learning and truly excel here. One parent spoke for many when reflecting, ‘The school does a great job of creating well-rounded, kind, human beings who will hopefully go on to make the world a better place. The academic results are important, of course, but far from the only focus.’ Inspectors totally agree.
Kendrick is a forward-looking school that grasps the opportunities that present themselves. A love of learning is at the heart of Kendrick with a strong emphasis on high-quality teaching. The curriculum is organised to meet the needs of all students and is engaging, rich and ambitious. All staff are hardworking and dedicated; students are bright, enthusiastic and curious; they love being at their school.
At Kendrick, students enjoy a rich and varied extracurricular education. The House System provides opportunities for healthy competition with numerous annual house events, which are key activities in the school year. Kendrick Student Leaders work energetically and collaboratively with staff to support this vital community element of the school. In addition, we have a School Council, which discusses and drives change for students.
Safeguarding and students’ mental health and wellbeing are prioritised above all else. As stated by Ofsted in November 2022, ‘The arrangements for Safeguarding are effective at Kendrick’ and ‘there is a culture of vigilance’ where ‘staff care deeply about pupils’ wellbeing’.
As part of Kendrick’s Widening Horizons strategic initiative, we actively pursue partnerships with schools and businesses in our local area and beyond. These associations benefit the students of Kendrick, as well as those in neighbouring schools. We share our good practice and offer opportunities to work with primary and secondary schools in the Reading area.
Kendrick has expanded in recent years, a process that started in September 2020 and finished in September 2024 when an additional 32 students joined Kendrick in all year groups making Kendrick a four-form entry school for Years 7-11. This year the majority of the 128 students from Year 11 have moved into our sixth form, and we have welcomed an additional 40 students from other schools, making the whole school roll, 940 students, the largest the school has ever been. In our admission arrangements and policies, priority is given to pupil premium students and students living in the Reading area, which is called Priority Area 1. Our Widening Horizons initiative commits us to achieving greater participation and access for students from local primary schools and the local area. In July 2024 and again in July 2025, we were awarded the Sutton Trust Fair School Admissions Award at Gold level. This demonstrates our commitment to fair admissions and is a great accolade for the school to receive which we are immensely proud of.
As the Headteacher of Kendrick, it is my vision to lead, inspire and make a difference to the lives of girls and young women. I believe passionately in girls’ education and know that Kendrick School affords its students the very best education there is.
Ms Christine Kattirtzi
Headteacher
September 2025
Weekly UPDATE - FRIDAY 27th march 2026
Please click here for previous weekly updates.
WEEKLY UPDATE – FRIDAY 27TH MARCH 2026
Letter from Ms Kattirtzi, Headteacher
We started the day with a whole school assembly. It is the assembly which brings to the end the term of office of our Kendrick Student Leaders. With confidence and maturity that they have developed over the last year, they spoke to the school about all they had done this last year to promote the social cohesion, community harmony and activities that binds us all at Kendrick. Supported by the staff, this group of students lead the student body in so many ways. Besides organising the variety of activities, they are strong and bold role models for every student in the school to see and perhaps to be one day. Graciously they thanked everyone who helped them in the work they have done this year and wished the incoming team their best wishes for the next year. Also, at our assembly this morning we heard some pieces from the Spring Concert earlier in the week, including the Flute Ensemble, piano piece by Wincy in Year 13 and a most beautiful vocal piece from the Chamber Choir, called Paper Crane. This song is based on a Japanese legend that promises a wish to anyone who folds a thousand paper cranes. Inspired by this tale, Sadako Sasaki, a child born in Japan in 1943, who in at the age of 11 was diagnosed with leukaemia, set about making paper cranes to help bring about healing and peace. Sung with such emotion and tenderness, this song moved everyone in the hall and was an appropriate way to end our assembly. We also listened to a poem, written by Anagha, KS4 winner of the Holocaust Day Poetry Competition this year.
Please read the super articles on the website of student activities and achievements.
MFL Study Day at Reading University
Reading Symphony Orchestra's Young Musician of the Year 2026
Reminder that the deadline for the Bursaries and Grants is Friday 17th April. For the STEM Bursary, which is for Year 13 students, the deadline for this award is Friday 15th May 2026
KPS Raffle – one last push please! Link to buy tickets.
In the spirit and sentiment of this morning’s assembly I would like to end this week’s update with the last verse of Anagha’s poem. Based on the theme Across the Generations, Anagha’s poem ends –
And so, across generations, the flame is passed.
From weary eyes to watchful ones.
from shaking hands to determined hearts.
We become the treasure keepers of the flame that represents countless memories
and we are the only thing tying the past and future,
and we will not, should not, cannot let that flame be extinguished.
With these thoughts in mind, I wish everyone a pleasant and restful holiday and a happy Easter. I look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday 13th April.
With best wishes.
Ms Christine Kattirtzi
Headteacher
School Notices
Kendrick School Open Day Sessions
For Year 5 students and their parents considering Kendrick School as a secondary school option in September 2027
The sessions will take place in either the morning or afternoon and will last approximately 1½ hours. There will be a tour of the school with our students, and a talk by the Headteacher, Ms Kattirtzi and our Student Leader Team. The event is for families who live within our designated area only. To book a ticket click here.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding at Kendrick School
Avenues of Support for the Easter Holidays. Remember, no-one should ever feel alone, and help is available by connecting with others.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Mental Health and Wellbeing at Kendrick School
Self Care Guide from Young Minds. ‘Self-care’ is a phrase you’ve probably come across, but what does it really mean? Find out what is meant by self-care and how to find what works for you.
No.5 School Transitions Project – 7-10th April 2026. A 4-day series of Creative Expressive Wellbeing workshops to help support young people who feel they may struggle with varying school transitions through creative and performing arts. This project is open to young people starting Year 7, 8, 9 or 10 in September who may be struggling with school or feeling nervous about moving up to a different year group. Registration form can be found here.
School Fund
Please donate to our School Fund here. You can make one-off payments through your ParentPay account or complete a standing order form for more regular payments. If you are a UK taxpayer, please ensure you also complete a Gift Aid Form.
A school fund is maintained by voluntary contributions from the parents/carers of students. Its purpose is to provide an additional source of funding for the provision of facilities and educational resources for the benefit of students. We use our School Fund to support so many activities in and out of school that have now become essential to school life.
Canteen
The menu for Autumn/Winter can be found here. The menu is subject to change dependent on food availability. Please ensure that you regularly check your child's canteen balance on their ParentPay account and settle any 'overdrafts' quickly. Overdrafts should only be issued on an exceptional basis and not as a regular occurrence.
International Women’s Day Week at Kendrick School
Reading Symphony Orchestra’s Young Musician of the Year 2026
MFL Study Day at Reading University
Week commencing 13th April - Week A
- Monday 13th April – start of Term 5, 8.25am
- Wednesday 15th April – Year 8 Parent Consultations
Student Careers and Work Experience
Business and Economics Teacher. For September 2026. Closing date for applications 9am Wednesday 15th April 2026
Evening Site Assistant to join us in April 2026. 4.45pm to 9.30pm Monday to Friday. Please apply as soon as possible.
ParentPay and Evolve Reminders
Latest Reminders for ParentPay and Evolve
Kendrick Parents' Society (KPS)
Weekly News – Friday 27th March 2026
Letter from Mr Charles Ramsden, Chair of the Board of Trustees
On behalf of the trustee body, I would like to welcome everyone to the 2025-2026 academic year. I particularly welcome students joining us for the first time who will get the support they need to settle in quickly and make a positive contribution to the school.
As trustees, we are responsible for working with Ms Kattirtzi, Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team to agree on the strategic direction of Kendrick. We assist with setting the school's vision, aims and objectives. To do this, we are organised into three committees – Learning & Teaching, Performance and Review, and Resources. Each of these committees meets regularly, and we meet as a full board three times a year. All the trustees are committed to supporting the ethos of the school, and many have direct experience of the school – as a student, the parent of a student or as a staff member.
We want to ensure that every student at Kendrick has the opportunity to thrive – academically, as a member of the school community, and in their personal development. Kendrick has something for everyone: a huge range of extracurricular activities including music, sports, and drama; opportunities to show leadership, as part of the School Council or the Student Leadership Team; and, of course, the chance to help others.
I do hope that you will take advantage of the opportunities to engage with the school. We are always keen to get your feedback, and as Chair of the Board of Trustees, I am always happy to hear from any of you. Please feel free to contact Lisa Hillan, Governance Officer to the Trustee Board lhillan@kendrick.reading.sch.uk if you would like to get in touch.
On behalf of the trustees, I wish everyone a successful year ahead.
With best wishes
Charles Ramsden
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
September 2025