Oxfordshire School Admissions: Everything you need to know

Independent Secondary Schools in Oxfordshire

There are no grammar schools in Oxfordshire. There are many independent schools, both single sex and coeducational to choose from. Although the application process may vary from school to school, you should register with your chosen schools before the October in the academic year prior to joining, completing the registration form and including the registration fee. However, you can register you child at any time prior to the October and it is often recommended that you visit the school and register your child including the registration fees as early as possible. Some schools suggest that you arrange to visit the school during normal term time and meet with the head before completing the registration form. Once your child is registered, they will be offered to attend a taster day. This will take place on a normal school day, with your child attending lessons, meeting current students and participating in small group work.  They may also meet the head or deputy head of the school. Some independent schools accept the Common Entrance and some set their own entrance exam; it is best to check the school’s website. Many schools offer a pre-assessment or diagnostic assessment in the autumn term. This is separate from the required entrance exam and does not take the place of the entrance exam. The entrance exams can cover: verbal reasoning, mathematics, reading comprehension and a creative writing task (fiction and/or non-fiction essay) and an interview. Sample papers are usually available on individual school websites.

Timeline for Year 6

September – Open Days / school visits October – complete registration for chosen schools November – taster days January – entrance exams and interviews February – results letters March – confirm acceptance with fees June – induction day

School websites will provide information on:

• open days
• admission policies
• key dates
• entrance exams
• special educational needs
• religious affiliation
• fees
• school fee assistance: scholarships and bursaries
• day/boarding school
• size
• facilities
• application forms
• sample tests and information on interviews

When you have been offered a place and you have made your final decision, you must formally accept the offer and pay an acceptance fee, which is usually credited to your final account or refunded.

Oxfordshire Independent Private Secondary Schools 11-18 years

Abingdon School, Abingdon (boys) Bloxham School, Banbury (mixed) Cokethorpe School, Witney (mixed) Headington School, Oxford (girls) Kingham Hill School, Chipping Norton (mixed) Magdalen College School, Oxford (mixed) Our Lady’s Abingdon, Abingdon (mixed) Oxford Christian School, Oxford (mixed) Oxford High School, Oxford (girls) Radley College, Abingdon (boys 13-18 yrs) Rye St Antony School, Oxford (girls) Shiplake College, Henley-on-Thames (boys) Sibford School, Banbury (mixed) St Edward’s School, Oxford (mixed 12-19 yrs) St Helen and St Katharine, Abingdon (girls) St Mary’s School, Wantage (girls) The Oratory School, Woodcote (boys) Tudor Hall School, Banbury (girls) Wychwood School, Oxford (girls) d’Overbroeck’s College, Oxford (mixed)

Further information can be found at:

https://www.isc.co.uk/schools/england/oxfordshire/oxford http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/community-advice-and-support/cradle-grave/choosing-school https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/secondary-school-applications  

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