Ages 
Families in this area are spoilt for choice and until recently, the Oratory was not a go-er. Now, ‘We’re back to our A game,’ say staff. Parents agree - ‘it’s like a new school'; ‘we all want to be on board'; 'they’re excited, so we’re excited – it’s a joy to be a part of that'. A happy little school with old-fashioned values and a modern approach that has emerged from a rough patch with its sights set firmly on the future. With excellent leadership and now girls on board too, the Oratory seems to be thriving.
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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.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 360 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 121 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- RC
- Fees
- Day: £24,793 - £33,496; Boarding: £32,756 - £52,140 pa
- Local authority
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Head
Mr Matthew Fogg
Since April 2025, Matthew Fogg, previously deputy head for seven years. A graduate of Durham University, he has dedicated his career to Catholic boarding schools. He has a daughter and son, both at the school – and his wife, Dr Vicky Fogg, is
Entrance
Gently selective, with 30 places at 11+, 45 at 13+ and 20 at 16+. The 11+ involves online test, written maths and English. ISEB pre-test in year 6 for 13+ hopefuls with offers conditional on CE. At 16+, applicants are interviewed by a senior member
- Open days
- September, March and May. Personal tours are available Monday – Friday during term time. Saturday mornings are available on request..
Exit
Some leave after GCSE to bigger sixth forms. Half of year 13s to Russell Group and the rest all over. Exeter, Nottingham Trent, Oxford Brookes popular with ones and twos to Warwick, Bristol, UCL. Two to Oxbridge in 2024. Significant minority to art
Latest results
In 2023, 35 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 27 per cent A*/A at A level (57 per cent A*-B). In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 42 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 34 per cent A*/A at A level (55 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
‘The academic temperature is rising,’ we were told, though the school will remain ‘proudly holistic'. Classes average 15 in years 7 to 9, up to about 20 at GCSE. RS compulsory at GCSE; computer science, Latin and ancient Greek offered (‘the fact that
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Around 20 per cent on SEN register, with school supporting mild to moderate learning difficulties. Full-time SENCo and team of part-timers deliver in-class support or sessions in the learning support department. Progress shared with relevant teaching
Arts & extracurricular
Art department a hive of energy, where everybody finds their niche. The director of art and design would happily have kept us there all day showing off the brilliant stuff that’s going on - ‘He’s so great,’ enthused one pupil. His philosophy? ‘Anyone
Sport
A huge part of school life. ‘It used to be all about rugby,' says director of sport, but things are moving on. Nonetheless rugby still looms very large, along with cricket and girls’ hockey. We wondered how it was possible given small size. ‘Often A
Boarders
Parents love the ability to ‘dip in and out of boarding’ – truly flexible. Boarding houses run with extraordinary efficiency. Flexi boarders book in as late as that morning – somehow staff maintain a grip on who’s in which bed (we hope). ‘Blue-chip
Ethos & heritage
Pretty Queen Anne house, added to over the years. Sits on edge of Woodcote village – unremarkable but for its claim to be the second-highest place in the south Chilterns – a dubious brag but nonetheless makes for some lovely views over the hills. The
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
School nurse ‘warm and caring', say parents. Teachers approachable and accessible. Wellbeing built into the curriculum. Going co-ed has given the school the chance to ensure that pastoral approach is ‘different, inclusive, diverse’ and put in place
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 1st – 5th Form Day Students: Must hand their phones in first thing and get them back when they go home. No mobile phone should be out or used throughout the school day. Teachers will confiscate phones from students who are using their phones during the school day.
Boarders: may have phones after activities each evening, after matches on Saturdays and after Mass on Sundays. They must hand in all devices at bedtime.
6th Form: are expected to manage their mobile phone usage during the school day and to ensure that they are turned off and out of sight during academic classes. Teachers will confiscate phones that are used during lesson or activity time without permission. 6th Form students who fail to achieve the required effort level in quarterly grades will lose the privilege of keeping their mobile device.
No student should be wearing headphones or earbuds during the school day.
Pupils & parents
Children of farmers, local businessmen and London commuters mix happily. Minibuses bring them in from as far as Oxford, Newbury and High Wycombe, though majority live nearby. ‘Quite a local catchment,' say parents, ‘so you get a sense of community.’
Money matters
Scholarships (10 per cent remission) or exhibitions (five per cent) available for academics, sport, art and design, music and drama. Means-tested bursaries available as well as significant discount on boarding for service families.
- Fee information
- Day: £24,793 - £33,496; Boarding: £32,756 - £52,140 pa
The last word
Families in this area are spoilt for choice and until recently, the Oratory was not a go-er. Now, ‘We’re back to our A game,’ say staff. Parents agree - ‘it’s like a new school'; ‘we all want to be on board'; 'they’re excited, so we’re excited – it’s
