A complete guide to private schools in Oxfordshire

Are you considering a private secondary school in the county of Oxfordshire for your child's education? Find out everything you need to know, including:

• Day and boarding schools

• Single-sex and co-educational schools

• An outline of the admissions processes

• Academic results and league table rankings

What are the best private schools in Oxfordshire?

Every year in December, The Sunday Times Parent Power releases its league table for all schools in the country based on their recent exam results. The following five selective private schools were ranked the best in Oxfordshire for 2023 on the basis of their GCSE and A level results:

1. Magdalen College School

2. St Helen and St Katharine

3. Oxford High School GDST

4. Abingdon School

5. Radley College

The top 10 private schools in England

How much do private schools cost in Oxfordshire?

Oxfordshire is a more expensive county to live in than most of the UK, meaning that the costs of independent education are higher than average. Day fees usually range from £5,715 to £8,836 per term (also taking into account different year groups), while boarding fees can be as much as nearly £15,000 per term.

Our Lady’s Abingdon has the lowest day fees of all selective private schools in Oxfordshire, at £5,715 per term. Radley College is the most expensive; the full-boarding school costs £14,850 per term.

We’ve included the fees for all the selective independent schools in Oxfordshire below.

What’s included in the school fees?

School fees for independent education always include, at a minimum, the cost of tuition. The majority of fees additionally include the cost of personal accident insurance, textbooks, materials, and extracurricular activities.

Some private schools in Oxfordshire include the cost of lunch in their fees, while others charge for this separately on a daily or termly basis.

Before registering your child with a school, we recommend that you check the school website and associated admissions policy in detail to find out what the school fees cover, as well as any additional payments you will have to make. You will normally need to pay a non-refundable registration fee on application, which typically costs between £100–£300 (although it can be more for overseas applicants), and a refundable deposit when you accept a school place.

Help with school fees in Oxfordshire

All of the selective private schools in Oxfordshire offer financial assistance to children who meet their entrance criteria. Means-tested financial assistance (known as bursaries) is the most common form of financial assistance and is available at every selective independent school in Oxfordshire. Other types of financial assistance include sibling discounts, Armed Forces discounts and scholarships – although these are not means-tested.

Bursaries

All of the selective independent schools in Oxfordshire provide means-tested financial assistance, known as bursaries, to eligible candidates. To qualify for a bursary, your child will need to meet the school’s entrance criteria (i.e. pass the admissions process) and you will need to demonstrate financial need. Bursaries are normally offered on a sliding scale, meaning that children from households with a lower combined income and fewer assets are eligible for more assistance than those with a higher income, and more valuable assets.

Most of the schools in Oxfordshire offer bursaries that cover up to 100% of tuition fees. Some are able to offer additional assistance, such as help with the cost of school uniforms, lunch, transport, and extracurricular activities, to pupils who receive a 100% award.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awards offered to children who can demonstrate exceptional academic talent (usually through their entrance exam) or in an area of extracurricular interest (e.g. art, design & technology, drama, music, or sport).

The majority of independent schools in Oxfordshire offer scholarships and many carry a fee remission. However, this is usually small (normally around 5–10% of school fees, or an annual award of £300–£500). Only a small number of schools offer scholarships with greater financial value; for example, Shiplake School has a small number of rowing scholarships available with 50% fee remission.

Sibling discounts

Sibling discounts are available at Shiplake College, Our Lady’s Abingdon, and Oxford High School GDST. The fee remission varies from school to school (we’ve included the exact discount for each school below).

Armed Forces discounts

Some independent schools in Oxfordshire offer discounted fees to children of a parent in the Armed Forces – normally in the region of 20%. Bloxham School, Tudor Hall School, Shiplake College and Radley College all offer an Armed Forces discount, or Armed Forces bursary.

Girls’ schools in Oxfordshire

There are six girls-only private schools in Oxfordshire:

Headington School

Day and boarding education in Oxford for girls aged 3 to 18.

• Address: Headington School, Headington Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX3 7TD

• Number of students: 1,282

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Christian

• Fees per term: £6,580 – £7,160 (day pupils with lunch included). Boarding fees range from £8,815 (half-weekly boarding) to £13,155 (full boarding) for Years 7–11

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries up to 100% for eligible day pupils and academic, art, dance, drama, music, and sport scholarships

• League table national rank: 84

• GCSE results (2022): 83% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 89% A*/A/B

• 11+ entry process: entrance exam and interview

• Open day: ‘Meet the head’ events from February to March and a larger open morning on Wednesday 28th June 2023. Book a place online

Admissions information for Headington School

Oxford High School GDST

An independent day school in Oxford for girls aged 4 to 18. The school is a member of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST).

• Address: Oxford High School GDST, Belbroughton Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 6XA

• Number of students: 798

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: non-denominational

• Fees per term: £5,852. Lunch is an additional cost (£315 per term)

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries from 30%–100%, scholarships (academic, art, drama, music, and sport) of 5%, and sibling discount of 20% for the third and subsequent daughters (at least three girls must be attending the school at the same time)

• League table national rank: 44

• GCSE results (2022): 88.1% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 94.4% A*/A/B

• 11+ entry process: online assessments, interview and school reference

Admissions guide for Oxford High School

Rye St Antony School

Day and boarding education in Oxford for girls aged 3 to 18.

• Address: Ry St Antony School, Pullen’s Lane, Headington, Oxford, OX3 0BY

• Number of students: 298

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic

• Fees per term: £6,250 (includes lunch) for day pupils. Boarding fees range from £10,260 (weekly boarders) to £10,785 (full boarders)

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries and non-means-tested scholarships (academic, art, drama, music, and sport) up to 10%

• GCSE results (2021): 32.4% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2021): 51.4% A*/A/B

• League table national rank (2021): 329

• 11+ entry process: assessment day and interview

• Open day: TBC – register your interest to get updates

Admissions information for Rye St Antony

St Helen and St Katharine

Independent day education in Abingdon for girls aged 9 to 18.

• Address: St Helen and St Katharine, Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1BE

• Number of students: 713

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Church of England

• Fees per term: £6,445 (includes lunch)

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries from 20%–100% and non-means-tested scholarships (£300–£500 per annum)

• League table national rank: 42

• GCSE results (2022): 89.9% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 94.5% A*/A/B

• 11+ entry process: taster day, entrance exam, school reference and school report

• Open day: different types throughout the year – visit the school website for more information

Admissions information for St Helen and St Katharine

Tudor Hall School

Day and boarding education in Banbury for girls aged 11 to 18.

• Address: Tudor Hall School, Wykham Park, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 9UR

• Number of students: 324

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Church of England

• Fees per term: £8,400 (day pupils) and £13,950 (boarding pupils)

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries up to 100%, scholarships (academic, drama, music, and visual arts) up to £1,000 per annum, and Forces Discount (20% off boarding fees for pupils who start in Years 7 or 8)

• GCSE results (2021): 76.3% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2021): 89.3% A*/A/B

• League table national rank (2021): not disclosed

• 11+ entry process: assessment and interview

• Open day: not yet disclosed for 2023 – check the school website for updates

Admissions information for Tudor Hall School

Wychwood School

Day and boarding education in Oxford for girls aged 11 to 18.

• Address: Wychwood School, 74 Banbury Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 6JR

• Number of students: 108

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Church of England

• Fees per term: £6,545 for day pupils (includes lunch) and between £9,440 and £12,168 per term (weekly to full boarders, inclusive of overseas applicants)

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries and scholarships (academic, creative arts, drama, music, sport, and combined – called ‘The Lee Scholarship’) from £500–£1,000 per annum

• League table national rank: 276

• GCSE results (2022): 64.9% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 67.7% A*/A/B

• 11+ entry process: entrance test, school report and interview

• Open day: Friday 24th February and Saturday 6th May 2023 Admissions information for Wychwood School

Boys’ schools in Oxfordshire

There are three private boys’ schools in Oxfordshire:

Abingdon School

Day and boarding education in Abingdon for boys aged 4 to 18.

• Address: Abingdon School, Park Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DE

• Number of students: 1,062

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: interdenominational

• Fees per term: £7,450 for day pupils (including lunch). Boarding fees range from £12,410–£15,200 (weekly to full boarders)

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries up to 100%, and academic and music awards (£300 per annum)

• League table national rank: 57

• GCSE results (2022): 86.9% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 93.5% A*/A/B

• 11+ entry process: entrance test, school report and interview

• Open day: available throughout the year – book through the school website

Admissions information for Abingdon School

Magdalen College School

An independent day school in Oxford for boys aged 7–18. Girls are admitted into the sixth form.

• Address: Magdalen College School, Cowley Place, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 1DZ

• Number of students: 964

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Church of England

• Fees per term: £6,848. Lunch is additional and priced at £5.19 per day

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries from 10%–100% and non-means-tested scholarships and exhibitions (academic and all-rounder) from £150–£200 per annum

• League table national rank: 18

• GCSE results (2022): 93% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 96.9% A*/A/B

• 11+ entry process: entrance exam, interview and school reference

• Open day: Thursday 9th March 2023

Admissions guide for Magdalen College School

Radley College

Full boarding education in Abingdon for boys aged 13 to 18.

• Address: Radley College, Radley, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 2HR

• Number of students: 760

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Church of England

• Fees per term: £14,850

• Financial assistance at 13 plus entry: means-tested bursaries up to 100% (also available for boys in Years 7 and 8 to support prep school education) and scholarships (academic, art, drama, music, and sport) up to 5%. An Armed Forces Fund is also available

• League table national rank: 61

• GCSE results (2022): 86.8% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 92.5% A*/A/B

• 13+ entry process: ISEB Common Pre-Test, school’s own assessment and interview

• Open day: several throughout each term – book via the school website

Admissions guide for Radley College

Co-educational schools in Oxfordshire

The majority of independent schools in Oxfordshire are co-educational. There are 11 in total:

Bloxham School

Independent day and boarding education in Banbury for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.

• Address: Bloxham School, Bloxham, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 4PE

• Number of students: 554

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Church of England

• Fees per term: £6,480 for day pupils (includes lunch) and £7,520–£8,835 for boarding pupils in Years 7 and 8. The fees for senior pupils are higher

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries from 10% to 100%, scholarships (academic, art, design and technology, drama, music, organ, and sport) up to 10%, and Armed Forces bursaries

• GCSE results (2021): undisclosed

• A level results (2021): 73% A*/A/B

• League table national rank (2021): undisclosed

• 11+ entry process: entrance exam

• Open day: Saturday 11th March 2023

Admissions information for Bloxham School

Cokethorpe School

Independent day school in Witney for boys and girls aged 4 to 18.

• Address: Cokethorpe School, Ducklington Road, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 7PU

• Number of students: 750

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic/Church of England

• Fees per term: £7,365 (includes lunch)

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries up to 100%. Scholarships are available (academic, all-rounder, art, drama, music, design technology, and sport) but the focus is for pupils to work towards securing a Sixth Form Leadership Grant (up to 15% reduction in school fees)

• League table national rank: 211

• GCSE results (2022): 51.6% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 83.9% A*/A/B

• 11+ entry process: interview day, formal assessment day, and school report

• Open day: Saturday 25th February 2023

Admissions information for Cokethorpe School

Cranford House School

Day education in Wallingford for boys and girls aged 2 to 18. The sixth form is new.

• Address: Cranford House School, Willow Court Lane, Moulsford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 9HT

• Number of students: 501

• Sixth form: yes (new)

• Religious affiliation: Christian

• Fees per term: £6,545 (includes lunch)

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries and non-means-tested scholarships (academic, art, music, drama, and sport) of small financial value

• League table national rank: 277

• GCSE results (2022): 59.3% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 70.4% A*/A/B

• 11+ entry process: online assessments and group discussion activity

• Open day: 14th–18th November 2022

Admissions information for Cranford House School

d’Overbroeck’s

Day education in Oxford for boys and girls aged 11 to 18, with boarding available in the sixth form.

• Address: d’Overbroeck’s, Leckford Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 6HX

• Number of students: 664

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: non-denominational

• Fees per term: £6,650 (includes lunch)

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: full means-tested bursaries, partial means-tested bursaries (up to 25%), and non-means-tested scholarships (academic, art, drama, and music) up to 20%

• League table national rank: 157

• GCSE results (2022): 63.4% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 86.6% A*/A/B

• 11+ entry process: assessment day and school reference

• Open day: Saturday 25th February and Thursday 11th May 2023

Admissions guide for d’Overbroeck’s

Kingham Hill School

Day and boarding education in Chipping Norton for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.

• Address: Kingham Hill School, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6TH

• Number of students: 347

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Christian

• Fees per term: £6,435–£7,300 for day pupils, including lunch (different fees for Years 7–8 and Year 9 and above). Boarding fees range from £9,085 for weekly boarders in Years 7–8, to £12,370 for full boarders in the sixth form

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries up to 50% (additional bursaries available via grant-making trusts in exceptional cases) and scholarships (academic, art, drama, music, and sport) available from 10% to 25% of day fees

• League table national rank: 320

• GCSE results (2022): 53.9% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 64.5% A*/A/B

• 11+ entry process: assessment and interview

• Open day: Saturday 4th February 2023

Admissions information for Kingham Hill School

Our Lady’s Abingdon

Day education in Abingdon for boys and girls aged 3–18.

• Address: Our Lady’s Abingdon, Radley Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3PS

• Number of students: 347

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic

• Fees per term: £5,715. School lunch is an additional compulsory cost for Years 7–11 and costs £4.50 per day

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries, non-means-tested scholarships (academic, art, drama, music, and sport) ranging from a £300 annual award to 10% off school fees, and sibling discounts (15% for the second sibling, 10% for a third, and 5% for a fourth)

• GCSE results (2021): 47% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2021): 59.7% A*/A/B

• League table national rank (2021): 285

• 11+ entry process: online assessment, interview, school report and school reference

• Open day: 23rd November 2022

Admissions information for Our Lady’s Abingdon

Shiplake College

Day and boarding education in Henley-on-Thames for boys and girls aged 11 to 18. 2023 marks the first year girls are welcomed into Year 7.

• Address: Shiplake College, Shiplake, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4BW

• Number of students: 486

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Church of England

• Fees per term: £6,950–£8,836 for day pupils (different charges for Years 7–8 and Years 9–13), including lunch. Boarding fees range from £8,206 to £13,197 per term (depending on flexi/weekly/full boarding and the child’s year group)

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries, non-means-tested scholarships (academic, art, drama, music, sport, rowing, and all-rounders) of 5–10% (up to 50% for rowers), Armed Forces discount of 20%, sibling discount of 5% and Old Viking discount of 10%

• GCSE results (2021): 47% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2021): 85% A*/A/B

• League table national rank (2021): undisclosed

• 11+ entry process: assessment day, group activity, interview and school reference

• Open day: November and March

Admissions information for Shiplake College

Sibford School

A Quaker day and boarding education in Banbury for boys and girls aged 3 to 18.

• Address: Sibford School, Sibford Ferris, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5QL

• Number of students: 403

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Quaker

• Fees per term: £5,658–£5,770 (including lunch) for day pupils (different costs for Years 7–9 and Years 10–13). Boarding fees range from £6,429 for weekly boarders (1 night per week) in Years 7–9, to £11,213 for full boarders in Years 10–13

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: means-tested bursaries and non-means-tested scholarships (academic, art, music, and sport) up to 10%

• GCSE results (2021): 95.2% grades 9–4 (A*–C)

• A level results (2021): 58.5% A*/A/B

• League table national rank (2021): undisclosed

• 11+ entry process: assessment and group activities

• Open day: Friday 11th November 2022, Friday 13th January 2023, and Friday 18th April 2023. Book a place online

Admissions information for Sibford School

St Clare’s, Oxford

Day and boarding education in Oxford for boys and girls aged 14 to 18 specialising in the International Baccalaureate (IB).

• Address: St Clare’s, 139 Banbury Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 7AL

• Number of students: 280

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: non-denominational

• Annual fees: £21,196 (day students) and £44,118 (boarding students)

• Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries up to 100%, scholarships (more than 50% in some cases), and sibling policy (10% for a second sibling)

• Higher level results (2019): 94.4% 7/6/5

• IB results (2019): 36.7 average points

• League table national rank (2021): 18

• 14+ entry process: school report, interview and placement test

• Open day: Saturday 26th November 2022

Admissions information for St Clare’s Oxford

St Edward’s School Oxford

Day and boarding education in Oxford for boys and girls aged 13 to 18.

• Address: St Edward’s School, Woodstock Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 7NN

• Number of students: 694

• Sixth form: yes

• Religious affiliation: Church of England

• Fees per term: £11,550 for day pupils and £14,433 for boarding pupils

• Financial assistance at 13 plus entry: means-tested bursaries up to 100% and scholarships (academic, art, dance, drama, design technology, and music) from £1,000 to £2,000 per annum

• League table national rank: 185

• GCSE results (2022): 64.4% A*/A/9/8/7

• A level results (2022): 81.9% A*/A/B

• 13+ entry process: ISEB Common Pre-Test, interview, and activity day

• Open day: most Saturdays during term time – book a place online

Admissions information for St Edward’s Oxford

The King's School Witney

Non-selective day school in Witney for boys and girls aged 3 to 16.

• Address: The King's School Witney, New Yatt Road, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 6TA

• Number of students: 193

• Sixth form: no

• Religious affiliation: Christian

• Fees per term: £2,124

• Financial assistance at 11 plus entry: sliding scale for parents with more than one child at the school

• League table national rank: 8 (out of private schools finishing at age 16)

• GCSE results (2022): 55% A*/A/9/8/7

• 11 plus entry process: school report, references from the school and church (if applicable), and taster day

• Open day: Tuesday 7th March 2023. Contact the register to book a place

Admissions information for The King's School Witney

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