The Oratory School
A small Roman Catholic boarding and day school in Oxfordshire, The Oratory School educates around 300 pupils aged 11 to 19 within a notably close-knit setting. Its pupil-to-teacher ratio of six to one is exceptionally generous and signals a highly individualised approach to teaching. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent across the board, including for pupils' personal development, and found it fully compliant with regulatory standards. With nearly a quarter of pupils receiving SEN support, the school appears willing and equipped to work closely with those who need it.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
35%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
24%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
54%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 25 February 2025
Teaching & academics
At GCSE, 35% of grades fall in the 9-7 range, comfortably ahead of the national average of 23%, suggesting strong results from a small cohort. At A-level the picture is steadier: 24% reach A*-A and 54% A*-B, both fractionally below national figures. The 111-strong sixth form offers a broad academic spread alongside the EPQ, with popular subjects ranging from the sciences and Mathematics to Psychology, Economics and Art and Design.
GCSE subjects
Head · Matthew Fogg
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 111
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a clear feature of school life, with rugby, football and cricket among the main pursuits and dedicated sports scholarships on offer. Scholarships in music and art point to active creative provision too, while the boarding rhythm of evening activities, Saturday matches and Sunday Mass shapes a full week.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- RC
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 23.44%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Mobile phone policy
First to fifth form day students: Must hand phones in first thing and get them back when they go home. No mobile phone should be out or used throughout school day. Teachers will confiscate phones from students using them during school day. Boarders: May have phones after activities each evening, after matches on Saturdays and after Mass on Sundays. Must hand in all devices at bedtime. Sixth form: Expected to manage their mobile phone usage during school day and ensure phones are turned off and out of sight during academic classes.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £24,840 - £33,894
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £36,009 - £53,280
Completely confidential financial assistance options available
Schools nearby
Aurora Rowan School
Reading, South East
Pangbourne College
Reading, South East
The Treehouse School
Cholsey, South East
Caversham Preparatory School
Reading, South East
St Edward's Prep
Reading, South East
Bradfield College
Bradfield, South East
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An intimate Catholic school where small classes and a strong inspection record meet a structured boarding life. Best suited to families seeking close attention and a values-led community, with bursaries and a range of scholarships to ease the cost.
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The Oratory School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.