Ages 
Sibford remains a bit of a hidden gem, where the focus is on personal development and achieving academically without the stress of a hothouse or the need to conform to social norms. Wellbeing is the priority. Under Rebecca Evans, the stage is set to quietly build on the successes of the school to date and to continue to equip its pupils with the tools to face the challenges of the coming decades.
Why read our school review?
Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
Unlock to access
Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 440 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 60 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Quaker
- Fees
- Day £13,597 - £21,826 pa; Boarding £35,989 - £42,433 pa
- Local authority
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Head
Rebecca Evans
Since September 2023, Rebecca Evans, MSc (Oxon). Read maths at Oxford Brookes, followed by a master’s in education. Grew up in Oxford and attributes her love of learning to her inspirational maths teacher at Cherwell School. Known to all as Rebecca
Entrance
Academically non-selective. Entry days are held for years 7 and 9. Benchmarking assessments and an interview with the head and an opportunity to take part in a range of school activities so that the school can judge their potential fit. No
- Open days
- See website
Exit
Only about 40 per cent of pupils stay on for the sixth form. Leavers include those who are moving on to something more vocational, a few who want a more rigid academic focus, and a few who are seeking a higher-octane sporting offer. Majority of sixth
Latest results
In 2024, 30 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 41 per cent A*/A at A level (59 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
At Sibford the focus is on academic learning free from anxiety and stress. Small class sizes mean every pupil is known, with the head adamant that this is part of the Sibford model that will not change. Parents we spoke to were full of admiration for
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
Around 30 per cent receive support for any combination of learning needs including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, interaction differences or social and emotional needs. Neurodiversity is celebrated here – the school uses the term ‘differences’
Arts & extracurricular
Developing the imagination through creativity is a big part of the curriculum, whether through art, design, music or drama. Whilst the art block buzzed with colour and energy, we felt the school was missing a trick not using the wonderful artwork,
Sport
Where numbers of boys and girls are equally matched, sport here is all about inclusion. Boys are as relaxed playing netball as the girls are playing rugby. The house system provides a framework for competition. The extensive playing fields and modern
Boarders
Predominantly a day school with no Saturday school. During the pandemic boarding numbers dwindled to barely double digits as foreign students departed. After the closure of two of the three boarding houses, plans are afoot to reopen one of the houses
Ethos & heritage
Founded as a co-ed boarding school by the Quakers in 1842. The school was originally located at Walford Manor in the centre of the village of Sibford Ferris and had a strong agricultural bias. In 1930 it moved to the larger Hill site to the south of
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
We spoke to families who talked of considerable trauma and setbacks their children had experienced who were grateful for the lifeline Sibford had given them; stories of how within a very short period of time their children’s lives had been turned
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Key stage 3: students are expected to leave their mobile phones at home. If they need to bring in their phone, they are to hand it in during registration and collect it at the end of the school day. Students that are on away fixtures will also hand in their phones and these will be taken to the fixture by a member of PE staff.
Key stage 4: students are expected to turn their mobile phones off and put them away safely during the school day.
Pupils & parents
‘This is not a school where the mums turn up in gym kit and sit around drinking coffee but never go to the gym,’ exclaims one mum. The parent body is very mixed. What bonds them is a common belief in the Quaker values the school will impart to their
Money matters
Parents grateful there are none of the ‘frills’ and ‘extras’ that you get on the bills of other independent schools. Lunches included in the fees. Academic, sports, music, drama, and arts scholarships worth five to 10 per cent of fees, and
- Fee information
- Day £13,597 - £21,826 pa; Boarding £35,989 - £42,433 pa
The last word
Sibford remains a bit of a hidden gem, where the focus is on personal development and achieving academically without the stress of a hothouse or the need to conform to social norms. Wellbeing is the priority. Under Rebecca Evans, the stage is set to
