Ages 
A well-organised, nurturing, intellectually invigorating school. The Junior House provides a superb education for the musical, while the senior school stands out for its academic and musical standards and spiritual development. The school only really works well, however, for those prepared to conform to its high expectations, traditional approach and tight discipline.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,398 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 381 ·
- Religion
- RC
- Local authority
- London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
Headteacher
Headmaster
Dan Wright MA (Cantab)
Since 2018, Daniel Wright MA. Born into a Church of England family in Cambridgeshire, Mr Wright attended state secondary school, then read history at St John’s College, Cambridge, where he was introduced to the work of Thomas Aquinas and St
Entrance
Up to 20 boys admitted into year 3, about half of whom are choristers. All applicants at this entry point are tested for academic ability and musical aptitude; choristers are selected by audition, examination and interview. (Choral places are also
- Open days
- Virtual open days - see website
Exit
Depending on grades and volition – and quite a few prefer a more relaxed regime – about two-thirds depart after GCSE. (‘The school are quite realistic about telling you if you’re going to get the grades,’ said one mother. ‘There aren’t many bad
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 41 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 40 per cent A*/A at A level (72 per cent A*-B).
Results data - % of pupils meeting expected standard in reading, writing and maths (2024)
% of pupils meeting expected standard
Pupils are meeting the expected standard if they achieve a scaled score of 100 or more in their reading and maths tests, and their teacher assesses them as 'working at the expected standard' or better in writing.
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A levels or equivalent - 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
The London Oratory School is essentially three schools. The highly selective junior school – years 3-6 – was founded to provide Catholic boys with a rigorous choral education in the state sector and the ‘Schola’ forms the backbone of the London
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Currently about 40 with EHCP places, and class teachers work effectively with specialist staff. Lifts and ramps give access to all areas, and both Ofsted (‘pupils with SEND are extremely well supported’) and parents praise the provision. ‘They do
Arts & extracurricular
Music is exceptional – some choose the school for this alone. The Junior House Schola is of a professional standard and makes regular overseas tours (including to the Vatican) and recordings for film, TV and CDs. Singing, however, is not confined to
Sport
Sport is important and facilities excellent, with a 4G pitch on site – as well as an indoor pool and large fitness centre – and the use of playing fields and a sports centre at Barn Elms. Rugby is the main winter sport, with up to 12 teams competing
Ethos & heritage
Founded as a fee-paying school in 1863 by the Fathers of the London Oratory in Brompton, Knightsbridge, the school became a grammar school in 1963, then, in 1970, a comprehensive, when it moved to its present site, a 10-minute walk from West Brompton
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Junior House has its own wing with four classrooms, a choir room and practice rooms. The senior school is subdivided into six houses of 200 named for Catholic saints, with boys allocated on the basis of year 7 banding. It’s an approach that can be
Pupils & parents
Pupils travel from far – as much as several hours away – and wide, and come from a melting pot of backgrounds, with 50 languages spoken at home (Polish, Italian, and Spanish all have good numbers of GCSE candidates). Their common denominator is a
Money matters
The Friends of the London Oratory School raise money to help meet costs, with families invited to make a monthly voluntary contribution. Costs for Junior House musicians, who are are required to learn two instruments, can be onerous, and parents must
The last word
A well-organised, nurturing, intellectually invigorating school. The Junior House provides a superb education for the musical, while the senior school stands out for its academic and musical standards and spiritual development. The school only really
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
