Ages 
OPS is very clear about both who it is and where it’s going. It prepares children for a rapidly changing future by rooting them in school tradition while giving them the confidence to try new ways of thinking, doing and being. The fabulous rural setting, friendly atmosphere and dedicated teaching body make it a solid choice for those seeking a traditional yet forward-thinking co-ed 13+ prep school, with excellent wraparound care and flexible boarding options.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 312 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- RC
- Fees
- Day £12,810 - £23,073; Boarding: £32,094 - £37,941 pa
- Local authority
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headmaster
Andrew De Silva
Since 2022, Andrew De Silva (BAQTS, MSc, NPQH), previously head of the junior school at St Edmund’s, Canterbury and Fair Oak Junior School, Hampshire (which coincided with his time as a bass lay clerk at Winchester Cathedral). Before that, deputy
Entrance
Co-ed, non-selective and inclusive. Some move up from the cosy on-site nursery, Little Oaks. There’s an interview with the head (child and family), an assessment morning and report from current school for entry to pre-prep and prep.
- Open days
- September, February and May
Exit
School would like all pupils to stay to end of year 8, although on average about 10 per cent depart at the end of year 6. There is a push planned to demonstrate the advantages of sticking around. About 30 per cent of leavers go on to newly co-ed
Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.
Teaching & learning
Learning support & SEN
Boarders
Boarding is upstairs in the main building with boys and girls on different sides. Full-time boarders in the majority but flexi is a convenient and popular option (all flexi-boarders get their own bed). Clean, traditional dorms have up to 10 beds,
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 Children are not permitted to bring mobile phones into the school. Boarders have access to their devices on set nights of the week. The devices are then locked away securely.
Pupils
Money matters
Means-tested bursaries available; contact the registrar for more information.
- Fee information
- Day £12,810 - £23,073; Boarding: £32,094 - £37,941 pa
Our view
The main Great Oaks building was built in 1911 by the Hewett family as a Tudor-style country retreat. Previously home to the prep for St Mary’s, Wantage (now closed), it became The Oratory Prep in 1969. Set in 65 acres of lawns and woodlands,
The last word
OPS is very clear about both who it is and where it’s going. It prepares children for a rapidly changing future by rooting them in school tradition while giving them the confidence to try new ways of thinking, doing and being. The fabulous rural
