Oxford High School GDST

Since 2021, Mrs Marina Gardiner Legge. Previously three years as head of Heathfield School which she joined as director of studies in 2013.

An Oxford graduate (English language and literature at Somerville College), she spent 10 years livin

Goal is to guarantee anyone joining the prep from year 3 onwards a senior school place, though current system (most pupils offered place in year 5) will continue to apply to others. Around 45 places for external candidates who sit a battery of tes

Over a quarter of pupils leave post 16, some because of financial pressures – ‘becoming more of a thing,’ says the school – others for a change of scene and co-ed environment. But nobody will be asked to leave because of poor GCSE grades. Once you

In 2024, 87 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 64 per cent A*/A at A level (88 per cent A-B). In 2022, 76 per cent A*/A at A level.

While the school is aspirational, it’s a far cry from London pressure and not about education ‘to prove what a wonderful person you are… or where you’re going next,’ says a parent. It’s not a school you’d want to scrape into, though. This is an al

Substantially beefed up in recent months, with neurodiversity celebrated through the school, and pupil champions who share their experiences with others. ‘They’re keen to point out that it’s learning differences, not difficulties,’ says the school

Weekdays sounded frenetically busy and while there might well be some pupils who leave on time and do their own thing in the evenings, they were keeping a low profile when we visited. But for the committed (and highly organised) it’s all possible.

Sport certainly not the reason families choose the school, though reckoned to do a good job. Provision ‘fair’, think pupils, though, ‘If you’re sporty, you’re fine – and encouraged to celebrate.’ For those who aren’t, ‘no pressure to be a perfect

A liberal regime. The head ‘doesn’t give a stuff’ about uniform, we were told by pupils, and there’s been a gradual relaxation of requirements (designed also to be supportive of trans pupils). ‘It’s quite casual, the number of holes in your ears o

With more families who are first-time private education buyers and where both parents work, the school is ‘more diverse than you’d think… there is no cookie-cutter OHS girl,’ says Mrs Gardiner Legge. She’s also keen to dispel other persistent myth

Fees still below those of some other local independents. Scholarships and exhibitions still offered but increasingly it’s all about the recognition, with monetary value declining. About 10 per cent of pupils – and rising – are on bursaries. Suppor

A school that has been consistently true to its pioneering, liberal values – and to its pupils – through the decades. A place for bright, forthright and self-directed girls who set high standards for themselves and expect the same from those aroun