Read School shares a deep, historic bond with the parish church of St Peter & St Paul in Drax. From our very beginnings, the school and church have grown side-by-side – the school’s very first headmaster also served as the vicar of the parish, and wall plaques throughout the church commemorate generations of past headmasters who shaped our school.

A 1,000-Year Local Heritage

Established around 1020 AD, the Grade I listed church predates Charles Reade’s founding gift by more than six centuries. The building features remarkable Saxon and Norman architecture, medieval carved pew ends, and ancient wall paintings.

• Strategic Origins: The parish of Drax grew around a crucial network of river crossings where the Rivers Aire, Wharfe, and Ouse converge.

• Viking Roots: The name Drax derives from an Old Norse word meaning "to drag"—referring to Viking sailors who dragged their boats across low-tide riverbanks.

• Rail & River Travel: River transport connected Drax and Selby until the 1960s, and generations of former pupils ("Old Draxonians") fondly recall arriving by train and taking the daily walk from the old station through the village to school.

Church Life in the School Today

The Christian foundation of Read School remains a living part of our pupils' weekly lives, fostering reflection, community spirit, and moral growth:

• Termly Services: We gather as a whole school community at St Peter & St Paul's for key services throughout the year, including Harvest, Remembrance, Christmas, Easter, and our annual Commemoration Day.

• Chaplaincy & Faith Exploration: Local clergy regularly provide chaplaincy support, teaching, and moral guidance.

• Community & Family Worship: The church family warmly welcomes Read School pupils, parents, and staff to Sunday worship at 9:15 AM, as well as regular family-friendly services throughout the year.