Oratory Prep School A GSG School
- Oratory Prep School
Goring Heath
Reading
Oxfordshire
RG8 7SF - Head: Robert Stewart
- T 01189 844511
- F 01189 844806
- E [email protected]
- W www.oratoryprep.co.uk/
- An independent school for boys and girls aged from 2 to 13.
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Oxfordshire
- Pupils: 347
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Fees: Day £10,200 - £117,550 pa; Boarding: £22,470 - £26,070pa
- Open days: Saturday 5th February - Open Morning, 10.00am to 12.00pm
- Review: View The Good Schools Guide Review
- Ofsted report: View the Ofsted report
- ISI report: View the ISI report
What The Good Schools Guide says..
Parents report ‘incredibly high’ workloads for the most able pupils – ‘a great deal is expected of them’ – with a far more nurturing approach to those less academically inclined. Technology used lightly where appropriate – pupils love the ‘pebble pads’ voting tool in history. Unashamedly ‘outdoorsy’, according to head (thank goodness for the sensible winter uniform of roll neck jumper atop shorts and kilts rather than shirt and tie), a plethora of activities awaits pupils at the end of their school day and if that’s still not enough older years can choose to take part in the optional Saturday morning enrichment programme...
What the school says...
'In all that we do and teach, our children grow and learn under our founder St John Newman's motto of ‘Cor ad cor loquitur’ – Heart speaks to Heart.'
A very warm welcome awaits you at the Oratory Prep School, where we provide an enriched education to boys and girls aged 2 to 13. Set within 65 acres of Oxfordshire countryside with outstanding facilities, we nurture happy, balanced, confident and inquisitive children.
Our commitment to the pastoral care, wellbeing and all-round development of each child, combined with an ethos of broad-minded and inclusive learning are at the core of the school. This can be felt within every classroom, playground and beyond, from Nursery to Year 8.
We strive to strike a balance between encouraging children to step out of their comfort zone, seek adventure and develop resilience, while ensuring that they feel fulfilled, secure and supported, particularly by our dedicated Pastoral Care team.
Our pupils benefit from an education focussed on self-expression through sport, music, art and drama. All of these are central to the confidence and self-discovery of our children.
This is supported by our surroundings, as the pupils can make the most of our grounds to engage with outdoor learning in our extensive woodlands, lawns, adventure playground and beyond.
We welcome children from all faiths or none and teach understanding and respect for the beliefs of others and different ways and places of worship. ...Read more
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What The Good Schools Guide says
Headmaster
Since 2017, Robert Stewart (40s) BA PGCE. Educated at Dragon School and St Edward’s, Oxford then theology degree from Durham followed by PGCE at Queens’, Cambridge and later a masters in education management at King’s College London. First post at Ampleforth before moving to Eton in 2001. During his tenure of some 16 years he coached rugby and cricket, was head of divinity and ultimately a housemaster and master in charge of Roman Catholics. Open and businesslike, still with shades of public school formality but on his way to getting to grips with the cosy charisma required of a seasoned prep school stalwart. ‘Sincere, highly visible and approachable,’ say parents.
Was ‘immediately impressed’ by staff upon arrival, so was it a case of a new broom doing the proverbial at...
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Special Education Needs
The school has its own full-time special needs co-ordinator to cater for children with learning difficulties, and this support is furthered by other visiting specialist teachers. Where necessary, pupils may be withdrawn from class to receive special tuition. We regard it as our duty to satisfy the educational needs of all children in the school, including those who are particularly gifted academically or in any other area of activity which the school can foster.
Leavers' destinations
| School | Year | Places | Scholarships | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Oratory School | 2021 | 17 | ||
| Abingdon School | 2021 | 6 | ||
| Bradfield College | 2021 | 5 |
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