Founded in 1859 by Cardinal John Henry Newman (whose views and beliefs about education are still a driving force), to meet the educational needs of the Catholic community; it now educates boys of all denominations from across the world. Originally founded in Birmingham, it settled at Woodcote during the Second World War. Situated in 400 acres of spacious grounds, with purpose-built accommodation, its facilities are excellent. Its own prep school is nearby. Academic standards are high and examination results very good. It is strong in music, both choral and instrumental, and there is a considerable commitment to drama and art. A big range of games and sports is available (many representatives at national and county level). The sports centre includes a real tennis court and the school has a golf course and indoor shooting range. There is a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, a strong CCF and a good record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 420 boys (205 day, 215 boarding). Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance exam and informal tests used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs including English and maths at least grade C (grade B in sixth-form subjects). No special skills required; many boarders are Roman Catholic. Small state school entry. Own prep school provides more than 20% of intake (enquiries to 0118 984 4511 or email office@oratoryprep.co.uk).
Some scholarships including academic, art, music and sport, value up to 50% fees. Variable number of bursaries. Parents expected to pay a termly flat-rate charge for books.
15+% in the armed services; 15+% are doctors, lawyers, etc; remainder are professional, commercial and industrial. 10+% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.
Head Master: Clive Dytor MC, in post from 2000. Educated at Cambridge University (Oriental studies). Previously Housemaster at St Edward's Oxford and taught at Tonbridge. Also served in the Royal Marines (fought in Falklands War).
GCSE: 59 pupils in fifth: 98% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 59 in upper sixth passing on average 3.3 subjects.
100% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (15% after taking a gap year). 3% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 22% in science and engineering, 33% in humanities and social sciences, 35% in finance related courses.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 GCSE subjects offered, 25 AS/A-level. Sixth form: ÃÂ Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. Special provision: Specialist tuition for mildly dyslexic pupils only. Languages: French (from age 11), Italian and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level; also Mandarin in sixth form. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg report writing and research. Many computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and with internet access; access points in boarders' rooms.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups including orchestras, choirs, string quartets, jazz and rock bands, various ensembles. Drama: Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 45 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Design, pottery, photography also offered. Department granted Foundation Status by EdExcel.
Sport: Rugby, cricket, soccer, rowing, lawn tennis, athletics, cross-country, real tennis, squash, swimming, table tennis, badminton, basketball, shooting, volleyball, weight training and golf all optional. National and county representatives at various sports, particularly real tennis, cricket, rugby. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF compulsory for 2 years at age 13, optional thereafter. Community service optional. Up to 15 clubs and societies, eg debating, cultural affairs, chess.
Uniform: School uniform worn, suits in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, school captain, house captains and house prefects, appointed by the Head Master with housemasters. Religion: Roman Catholic. Sunday Mass, twice-termly house mass and daily house prayers compulsory; weekday masses optional. Social: Debates, dances, other social/educational ventures with other local schools. Organised trips abroad include ski trips, sports tours, language exchanges. Meals self-service. School tuck shop.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect additional work to be set; those caught taking drugs, on or off the premises, would be tested and given yellow or red card (suspension or expulsion).
25% have own study bedroom, 35% share double studies; 20% share with 2-4 others; 20% are in dormitories of 6+. 5 houses (1 junior, 4 senior) of some 60 boarders (and 15 day pupils). 2 resident qualified nurses, 5 house mothers, doctor lives close and visits weekly. Central dining room. Occasional visits to the local town allowed for sixth form for specified reasons.
Gerard Manley Hopkins (poet) Hilare Belloc (writer); Sir Michael Levey (National Gallery); Michael Berkeley (composer); Igor Judge (Lord Chief Jusice);
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