Ages 
Potent IB/co-ed/weekly combo has been turning heads for a while, of course; a civilised location, not too muddy and halfway between Notting Hill and Daylesford Organic, and now a visionary warden with a serious CV who’s giving the place a good shake-up. We think this could be a watershed moment for our loveable old pal, the beginning of a bold new era. Just don’t forget us, Teddies, when you hit the big time; after all, we’re right behind you all the way.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 810 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 366 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- C of E
- Fees
- Day £47,598; Boarding £59,496 pa
- Local authority
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Warden
Alastair Chirnside
Since 2021, Alastair Chirnside, previously Harrow deputy; before that, Eton, as head of year, head of classics, housemaster. Hasn’t strayed far from his own beginnings: Dragon, Eton (king’s scholar) and Merton College, Oxford, where he won a
Entrance
There are 150 year 9 places: 65 per cent offered in year 6; 20 per cent in year 7; 15 percent in year 8. Siblings very welcome, though they’ll need to clear the same hurdles: ISEB pre-test in year 6; interview and activity day for those invited.
- Open days
- May, September
Exit
Majority to Russell Group: UCL, Bristol, Manchester, Durham, Exeter and Edinburgh all popular. Steady handful to the US or mainland Europe. Three to Oxbridge in 2025, three medics and 19 overseas, including one to Harvard. Just under 10 per cent
Latest results
In 2025, 65 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 47 per cent A*/A at A level (82 per cent A*-B); average IB point score 35.
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
Parents who once felt that school needed to up the ante academically can rest assured that Mr Chirnside has turned the tide, with Teddies posting the best exam results in the school’s history in 2025. New optionality within year 9 (Shell) curriculum
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
- IB
Learning support & SEN
Just over 20 per cent on SEND register, majority SPLD or ADHD. School investing in this currently: some parents frustrated at lack of support provided in the past. Mr Chirnside’s response typically pragmatic: ‘I’m not surprised if some have found
Arts & extracurricular
Stunning facilities for music and the arts. ‘They have lifted aspirations,’ says school, and we can see why: Olivier auditorium hosts 1000 people, as extraordinary a space as we’ve seen in a school (no-one would dream of sticking gum under those
Sport
Rowing very successful – gold and silver at recent world championships – with rowers biking up through Port Meadow to boathouse. Rugby (contact or touch), netball, football, squash, badminton, sailing, swimming, cross-country all within curriculum.
Boarders
Full-fat boarding if you want it: more than 80 per cent of pupils there for at least six nights a week, but there’s the option to go home for Saturday night, and lots do; 18 per cent from overseas. Shells in dorms of four, then pairs in years 10 and
Ethos & heritage
Our story starts in the tenth century, when St Edward the Martyr was murdered at Corfe Castle by his stepmother. Having offered our hero a glass of wine and a kiss (it had been a long day’s hunting), Queen Aelfthryth had him stabbed in the back by
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Wellbeing a key focus. Mr Chirnside has already invested in a new head of wellbeing; ‘The depth wasn’t there, they’ve acknowledged that they need the resources,’ parents say. ‘We’ve been so impressed with the HM, the matron, the pastoral care,’ says
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 For pupils in the shell and the fourth form, the school week is entirely mobile free, with pupils given access to their phones after commitments on Saturday and during the day on Sunday. Phones are handed in overnight, and day pupils hand in their phones on arrival and collect them as they leave. From the fifth form onwards, access to mobile phones is allowed at specific times during the week. The sixth form enjoy greater freedoms.
Pupils & parents
Majority from Oxford, London, home counties; 40 nationalities represented. Coach service scoops up boarders in south Kensington and more at Beaconsfield. New routes are now up and running from Dulwich, Putney, Chiswick and Maidenhead. Less rarefied
Money matters
Push on means-tested bursaries aims to have 160 pupils receiving significant financial support in the coming years. School works with Springboard charity too. ‘It’s a very grounded community; he got scooped up by it,’ says one parent. Fees comparable
- Fee information
- Day £47,598; Boarding £59,496 pa
The last word
Potent IB/co-ed/weekly combo has been turning heads for a while, of course; a civilised location, not too muddy and halfway between Notting Hill and Daylesford Organic, and now a visionary warden with a serious CV who’s giving the place a good
