Commemorative plaque added to mark Jane Austen's former school

Reading is celebrating 250 years since the birth of famous writer Jane Austen.

A new plaque has been put up on the Abbey Gateway to remember when Jane Austen attended the Reading Ladies Boarding School from 1785 to 1786. She was 9 years old when she started at the school.

While little is known about Jane's time in Reading, the schoolroom at Abbey Gateway is often cited as the inspiration for Austen’s Mrs Goddard’s School in Emma. Jane started writing stories when she was just 11, so her time in Reading may have helped her become a writer.

The new plaque replaces an older one that was in a locked garden, behind the Abbey Gateway. A short ceremony to unveil the new plaque will take place on Saturday 28 June, just before Reading’s Water Fest. The Mayor of Reading, Councillor Alice Mpofu-Coles, will lead the ceremony.

Reading Museum now cares for the historic Abbey Gateway where Jane and her sister Cassandra attended school. As part of the 250th anniversary celebration the Abbey Gateway will open for a series of special events and tours: 

• Abbey Quarter Tours will run on most Saturdays from April to October 2025. These include a visit to Jane Austen’s old school inside the medieval Abbey Gateway.
• Rooftop Tours: 4 special tours will include a visit to the roof to enjoy the views across Forbury Gardens

Find out more about all Jane Austen 250 in Reading

Reading’s adult college, New Directions, is also joining the celebrations. Find out about embroidery, cookery and ceramic workshops New Directions have organised