Wychwood School

Since 2022, Jane Evans BA, PGCE. Previously head of Bruton School for Girls, before this deputy head and director of outreach and partnerships at Queen’s College, Taunton. BA and PGCE both in drama and English from the University of Surrey.

School became co-ed in 2023 and children come from local states, bigger preps and internationally. A smattering of boys on roll already and numbers expected to swell with the growing demand for co-ed schools in Oxford. Prospective year 7s spend a day

About 65 per cent of pupils stay on for sixth form. The head champions the personal and educational benefits of staying on in a small environment where you are already known and can hit the ground running. The external pupils who join in year 12 come

In 2024, 35 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 21 per cent A*/A at A level (41 per cent A*-B).

The backbone of Wychwood’s teaching is a tailored and holistic approach to learning, designed around the individual child. This is something we hear often but the small numbers of pupils at Wychwood mean it’s not just ideology but common practice. We

Many families choose school on account of excellent provision in this area but also because they feel it’s a school where SEN has no stigma attached. Around nine per cent of pupils have SEN of some kind. While class sizes mean most support for issues

Even before this thespian head, Wychwood had an artsy vibe. School productions, such as the recent pantomime of Perseus, are cast from after-school drama club and Oliver! from the elective programme; pupils are involved in every stage of production.

Not a school renowned for prowess in this area and those searching for a stuffed trophy cabinet may be disappointed. This said, lots of opportunities to play competitively – the school A team may play against a bigger school’s B or C team. There are

Truly flexible boarding options from full time (mainly international) to weekly, flexi and ad hoc. Many do board in some form and tell us it feels a natural extension to the school day. School even offer a discounted rate for ad hoc boarding after a

We noted trusting relationships between teachers and pupils but also an appreciation of different personalities. Staff, like pupils, are encouraged to be themselves and embrace individuality. Highly inclusive – not only acceptance but celebration of

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Pupils here are noticeably lacking in the self-consciousness prevalent in many young people. No preening or peacocking; pressure about appearances and the wearing of makeup is minimal. We couldn’t detect any sense of year group hierarchy – at lunch

Day fees comparable to neighbouring indies. Boarding comparatively good value. Small scholarships (£500–1000) available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ for academic, creative arts, drama, music, sports, rowing and the all-rounder Lee Scholarship (named after the

Small but distinctive, Wychwood has both traditional charm and a strikingly modern outlook. Wychwood is about the joy of learning, risk taking and self-discovery in a small and friendly community. It is also about becoming a decent human being. Those