Whitley is a vibrant community in the South of Reading. It is a large residential settlement originally created for workers in a time of industrial boom.

The eleven schools in Whitley form the Whitley Excellence Cluster (WEC), which enables the schools  to work closely together and support each other. Aspire2 supports WEC school to ensures annual events, family activities and Ufton Court visits remain possible for the Whitley community.

Other organisations operating in Whitley such as the Community Cafe, Youth Centre and Community Museum create a very close-knit community within the Whitley area. Visit the Community Museum on Facebook to see old pictures, records and stories from Whitley locals!

Here are some of Whitley's claims to fame:

• Ricky Gervais, the well-known comedian, actor, film director and producer, musician and writer was born and bred in Whitley!
• Midge Ure, a popular musician, lived briefly on Hexham Road in 1974 whilst a member of the band Slik.
• M.L.Emmett, a poet, editor and the Convenor of Friendly Street Poets Inc., lived as a child in Ashburton Road, Hartland Road and Brayford Road in Whitley.