The Oratory Prep School A GSG School
- The Oratory Prep School
Goring Heath
Reading
Oxfordshire
RG8 7SF - Head: Andrew De Silva
- T 01189 844511
- F 01189 844806
- E h.thomas@oratoryprep.co.uk
- W www.oratoryprep.co.uk/
- An independent school for boys and girls aged from 2 to 13.
- Read about the best schools in Oxford and North Oxfordshire and South Oxfordshire
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Oxfordshire
- Pupils: 335
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Fees: Day £11,565 - £19,905; Boarding: £25,605 - £29,730 pa
- Open days: September, February and May
- 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..
A feeling of support and genuine camaraderie from the early years to the older student body. We found pupils to be upbeat, quick to laugh and celebrate each other’s successes. Grounded, not flash and fancy, we are told the majority are from ‘hard-working, local families who appreciate the opportunities given at the OPS’. Classes are small and average 15. An unplanned fire alarm didn’t ruffle this well-behaved and sensible…
What the school says...
I am delighted to welcome you to The Oratory Prep School. It is certainly a very special place, which holds the children at its core. They all benefit from an excellent education enriched by our outstanding facilities, set within 65 acres of Oxfordshire countryside.
"How can you say, 'the sky's the limit' when there are footsteps on the moon?"
The quote above epitomises education for me and for our school. All children are unique, special, and have their own talents and gifts. Here at The Oratory Prep School, we look forward to working with you and your child to ensure that his or her learning journey continues – not only in a way that challenges them intellectually, but in a manner that inspires their curiosity and enables them to dream.
Our impressive scholarship record provides testament to the hard work of the whole school family and, whilst our vision is to provide outstanding learning opportunities for all, we are conscious of the importance to strike the right educational balance, so that our children are prepared for their future endeavours, whilst very much enjoying the journey that they are embarking on. This is crucial in our ever-changing global climate.
At The Oratory Prep School, we are proud of the work of all our children and are passionate about ensuring their emotional and social wellbeing, so that they can thrive in the classroom and in a variety of other fields – whether in Orchestra, Choir or on the Rugby field. Our Co-Curricular offer will, I’m sure, continue our drive for excellence and curiosity.
The privilege of the dedicated staff team is to inspire all our children to dream. Through our positive relationships and collective hard work, we strive for these dreams to become a reality.
Mr De Silva, Headmaster ...Read more
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What The Good Schools Guide says
Headmaster
Since 2022, Andrew De Silva (BAQTS, MSc, NPQH), previously head of the junior school at St Edmund’s, Canterbury and Fair Oak Junior School, Hampshire (which coincided with his time as a bass lay clerk at Winchester Cathedral). Before that, deputy head at Southfields Junior School which he took to the final of the BBC Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year competition. Educated at the King’s School, Peterborough where he was also a cathedral chorister. After school he read education at Canterbury Christ Church University where he sang in the chapel choir and with the choirs of Canterbury Cathedral and Rochester Cathedral. Previously chair of IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) Kent District and of the newly formed IAPS equality, diversity and inclusion group.
Open, relaxed, and in his...
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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 | 2023 | 11 | 7 | |
| Bradfield College | 2023 | 4 | 1 | |
| Pangbourne College | 2023 | 3 | 2 | |
| Abingdon School | 2023 | 2 | ||
| St Edward's Oxford | 2023 | 2 | 1 | |
| Marlborough College | 2023 | 1 | ||
| Oundle School | 2023 | 1 | 1 | |
| Rugby School | 2023 | 1 | ||
| Stonar | 2023 | 1 |
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