Headington Rye Oxford

Since 2024, Caroline Jordan. Having peered at each other over the fence for almost 80 years, Headington (of which Mrs Jordan was head since 2011) and neighbouring Rye St Antony announced a merger in late 2023. The news, a surprise to parents at both

Everybody interviewed. School’s own exams and taster day for 11+, ‘very useful for levelling the playing field’. Candidates for 13+ usually take pre-test in year 7. At 16+, exams in maths, essay writing and critical thinking. Automatic entrance from

Durham and Bristol recently popular – also UCL and King’s College London. Spread of interests, lots of social sciences (business management, economics, politics, law). Steady trickle overseas, most recently (2025) to Parsons School of Design;

In 2025, 76 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 57 per cent A*/A at A level (83 per cent A*-B).

Life is fast-paced here; girls push themselves but not each other (or not too much, anyway). ‘We have more tests this year,’ said year 8s, ‘but that’s okay, because you don’t get homework after a test.’

At A level, no blocking system: ‘You just

All included in fees. Pupils screened on entry; around 12 per cent (just below national average) on SEN register. Four staff, three full-time, on Learning Development team. Adjustments made depending on pupil needs, most often dyslexia, ADHD and ASD.

‘We want a girl who’s going to get involved’, says school, ‘who’ll try out something she’s never tried before.’ There’s opportunity aplenty for that, with a thriving art scene. Productions deservedly hyped: for pupils, they are major highlights. We

‘Inclusion, participation, performance’ are the names of the game here. Hockey and rowing lead the pack. Hockey programme has been rationalised and professionalised, with commitment carrying weight when it comes to who’s picked. Those who don’t get

Boarding marks the school out from other girls’ options locally. Around 25 per cent board, the majority full boarders, of whom three-quarters live overseas: biggest market is Hong Kong. Weekly or half-weekly both growing, particularly amongst rowers

At over 800 pupils, the biggest out of its immediate competitors, though it doesn’t behave like it. Screens around the school wish ‘happy birthday’ to those celebrating. Complex Venn diagram of friendships, straddling sports teams, school buses,

Medics, professionals, dual incomes – not as much hanging out at coffee mornings or dinner parties as you get elsewhere (‘thank goodness’, one mum says). Some families Oxford-based but buses, shared with Magdalen College School, ferry the rest from

Fees typical of the area, though ‘you get a lot for your fees here’, says head, pointing out that headline figure includes everything, no hidden extras. Fee increases smaller than most in recent years. Means-tested bursaries and hardship funding

A lovely energy runs through these corridors: a switched-on, unfussy approach to curriculum and pastoral care infused with more old-fashioned sights, sounds and smells. Girls’ enthusiasm for the rhythms and rituals of school life comes through all