d’Overbroeck’s Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
d’Overbroeck’s School is a well-regarded institution in the UK, focused on developing students’ academic abilities. This article provides a clear overview of the school’s reviews, rankings, and fees to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Key Features of d'Overbroeck's
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Oxfordshire
- Pupils: 744; sixth formers: 423; international school: 125
- Nationalities: 40+
- Boarding Age: 13-18
- Religion: Non-denominational
- Fees: Day £11,385 per term; Boarding £10,710 per term (inclusive of VAT)
d'Overbroeck's School Results
2025: 50% 9-7 at GCSE; 59% A*/A at A level.
2024: 47% 9-7 at GCSE; 49% A*/A at A level.
2023: 54% 9-7 at GCSE; 55% A*/A at A level.
2022: 63% 9-7 at GCSE; 66% A*/A at A level (87% A*-B).
d’Overbroeck’s School embraces its urban setting to deliver exceptional education, with a strong emphasis on individual growth, collaboration, and a relaxed yet purposeful learning environment. Here are some notable achievements:
- 98% pass rate for GCSE, while 100% of international students achieved 9-8 for Fine Art
- 99.7% pass rate for A level
- Excellent university destinations, including Oxbridge and top Russell Group Universities
- Top 1% of all schools in England for progress since 2018
- 100% successful medical school applications
Academic Programmes at d'Overbroeck's
Here are 5 flexible academic programmes:
- Discovery (Year 9)
- UK Study Abroad (Years 9-10)
- IGCSE, 4 or 5 term (Years 10-11)
- Two-year IGCSE(Years 10-11)
- One-year IGCSE (Year 11)
- A-levels (Year 12-13)
- Extended A-Levels
Teaching and Learning at d'Overbroeck's
Here are some highlights of the teaching and learning experience:
Unique Urban Advantage: While the campus lacks the space that traditional boarding schools might have, d’Overbroeck’s School does not lack in any area. The school has in place arrangements with the University of Oxford and multiple facilities to give students the same exposure that other schools have.
Exceptional Value-Added Score: The school boasts the highest value-added score in Oxfordshire and ranks among the top 30 nationally, a testament to its commitment to excellence.
Diverse A-Level Subjects: With around 37 A-level subjects on offer, including media studies, photography, music tech, film studies, and textiles, students have ample options to pursue their interests. Students from other schools have transferred here because of this very reason.
Individual Attention: Small class sizes (maximum 12 students) and a close-knit community allow teachers to know every pupil well. Class groups average around 8 students, while some as small as 4-5 students. This enables collaborative projects and even one-to-one teaching for gifted or supported learners.
Holistic Approach: d’Overbroeck’s adopts an “individual approach to learning,” placing a strong emphasis on personalised education that supports each student’s growth. Each student is paired with a tutor where they meet every week to catch up on just about anything.
Relaxed Teaching Style: Teachers are addressed by their first names, fostering a human and approachable atmosphere. Their name tags literally have only one word on them. The school’s ethos revolves around encouraging personal bests rather than fostering competition. There are also no uniforms for sixth form students, while younger students have a light uniform.
Strong Performance in Maths: The maths department shines, with students benefitting from consistent teaching by the same maths teacher from years 9 to 11. Collaborative learning is evident, where capable students mentor their peers.
Language Offerings: Language instruction starts early, with French and Latin from year 7 and the addition of Spanish in year 9. A-level options extend to Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Italian, and German.
Inclusive and Supportive: The school’s commitment to inclusivity is showcased by its willingness to accommodate diverse student needs, offering both enrichment for gifted students and support for those requiring additional assistance. The wellbeing team here is extremely capable as well.
A Level Subjects in d'Overbroeck's
- Art
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Classical Civilisation
- Classical Greek
- Computer Science
- Drama
Economics - English
- Film Studies
- French
- Further Maths
- Geography
- German
- History
- History of Art
- Italian
- Japanese
- Latin
- Mandarin
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Music
- Music Technology
- Philosophy
- Photography
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Politics and Government
- Psychology
- Religion, Ethics, Philosophy
- Russian
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Textiles
Boarding Experience in d'Overbroeck's
Here’s what it’s like inside a boarding house only for sixth formers:
Global Diversity: Approximately half of the 400-strong sixth form cohort chooses to board, with an impressive 80% of boarders hailing from various international backgrounds. The boarding community is a vibrant blend of cultures, resembling a cosmopolitan university atmosphere.
International Boarders: The boarding community reflects the school’s international character, with more than 40 nationalities represented. Notably, China, Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey contribute significant numbers to this diverse mix.
Co-ed Boarding Houses: Two co-ed boarding houses cater to lower sixth form students. Islip House, a modern and well-equipped facility built in 2017, provides a comfortable and contemporary boarding environment. The rooms are mainly twin occupancy, creating a social and interactive atmosphere. Islip is located right opposite the campus where students have even take a nap between classes.
St Aldates House: Another boarding option, St Aldates House, offers single rooms and is located across the city. While it offers privacy, students enjoy a vibrant student life with a convenient 20-minute ride on public transport to the school. Fret not, students are given bus passes for their daily travel needs.
Home Boarding Dynamics: Students have a degree of agency in selecting both their host family and a friend to home board with, contributing to a comfortable and supportive environment. The boarding staff keeps an amazing balance between accommodating to everyone’s needs, and also maintaining a diverse and harmonious living space. The school typically allows adjustments if needed.
Extracurricular Activities in d'Overbroeck's
Vibrant Extracurricular Landscape: d’Overbroeck’s School boasts a dynamic extra-curricular programme that embodies the values of choice, engagement, and fun. The approach to enrichment is designed to provide students with opportunities beyond the classroom, encouraging them to explore their passions and interests. For students in years 7 to 9, the school dedicates two periods off-timetable each Tuesday to a wide array of activities. These offerings are constantly evolving to cater to the changing preferences and passions of different year groups, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience.
Debating and Public Speaking Excellence: At d’Overbroeck’s, the culture of debating and public speaking stands out as a hallmark of the school’s extra-curricular prowess. The school consistently excels in these domains, participating in prestigious competitions like the Oxford Youth Parliament and making its mark on a broader stage. This commitment not only hones students’ communication and critical thinking skills but also empowers them to become confident and articulate individuals.
Lower Sixth Enrichment: For lower sixth formers, a distinctive enrichment programme awaits, providing a range of options that extend beyond mainstream sports. This programme, scheduled for two afternoons a week, offers a diverse array of activities that cater to both traditional and unconventional interests. From sports to creative pursuits like knitting, psychology, film, polo, and aerial silks, d’Overbroeck’s ensures that there is indeed “something for everyone.”
Broadening Horizons with the ‘Plus’ Programme: The school’s commitment to broadening horizons extends to A-level students through the ‘Plus’ programme. This initiative encourages students to expand their academic pursuits and explore subjects beyond their chosen A-level curriculum. By providing opportunities to explore different disciplines, d’Overbroeck’s nurtures well-rounded individuals with a holistic understanding of the world.
Enrichment Beyond the Classroom: The school values external engagement and invites a plethora of guest speakers to share their insights with the students. These speakers range from esteemed university professors and admissions tutors to accomplished writers, scientists, and entrepreneurs. Their contributions not only complement classroom learning but also inspire students by exposing them to a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.
Music, Drama, and Artistic Expression: In the realm of music and drama, d’Overbroeck’s maximises its resources by utilising unique performance venues like the Sheldonian Theatre. Despite lacking large performance spaces, the school leverages its connections to create memorable experiences for its students. The music scene is vibrant, with peripatetic lessons, ensembles, and a diverse range of musical genres. Drama serves as a unifying force, focusing on quality performance and creativity. Despite challenges, the absence of a dedicated performing arts centre fosters ingenuity and strong links with professional theatre.
A Holistic Approach to Sport: While d’Overbroeck’s may not be known for a traditional focus on sports, the school ensures that students remain active and engaged through a diverse range of physical activities. With access to facilities at Oxford University and Oxford Brookes, the school offers opportunities for students to participate in activities such as football, basketball, rugby, netball, handball, and lacrosse. The emphasis is on participation, inclusivity, and promoting a sense of well-being.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) at d'Overbroeck's
Students at d’Overbroeck’s have a wide range of opportunities with regards to their EPQ. While it is voluntary, many students do want to pursue it. It can be a great opportunity for students to learn research skills. Students typically choose an area of study that interests them, often linked to their future career plans. They will then explore an area that has not been studied fully and will become an expert in that area. Here are some of the topics that the students are currently pursuing:
- Sustainable materials
- Nuclear fusion
- How tall can mountains be
- Social media
- Justice system
Most of the projects are academic dissertations, but they have had students that made films, wrote books and poetry, and even one that rebuilt a tractor.
Admissions Process: Entering d'Overbroeck's
d’Overbroeck’s School offers selective admissions for years 7, 9, and 12. Entry requirements include testing in English, maths, and non-verbal reasoning for years 7 and 9, along with an interview and reference. Sixth form applicants need a minimum of six grade 6s at GCSE, with specific grades for A-level subjects. A-level maths requires a grade 7, while further maths demands an 8 or 9. International students need strong English skills (minimum IELTS 6-6.5) and may have additional English and maths tests.
University Progressions: Leaving d'Overbroeck's
Here are some of the notable destinations that d’Overbroeck’s graduates go to:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- London School of Economics
- University of St Andrews
- Imperial College London
- Durham University
- Loughborough University
- University College London
- University of Warwick
- University of Bath
SEN Support
Here is a list of the special educational needs that the school supports:
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Aspergers
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Physical Disability
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health
d'Overbroeck's Testimonials and Reviews
Fantastic college to go to! The super close relationship between the student and their director of studies and teachers allows one to set and achieve their academic goals, whilst small class sizes and a plethora of after study activities allows students to develop their social skills making friends for life.
What more could I have asked for?
Best two years I had in Oxford! Wouldn’t have wanted to go to a better sixth form! Inspiring teachers and amazing people!
The most incredible 2 years of my high school, I have spent in d’Overbroeck’s. This school is truly exceptional and anyone would be silly to not join if given the opportunity to! The staff/ teachers are out of this world amazing!
Such an incredible place. Anyone who chooses not to go to Doverbroecks is passing by an amazing opportunity. I will be forever grateful to Doverbroecks for everything they have done for me.
Frequently Asked Questions about d’Overbroeck’s
Many of d’Overbroeck’s graduates continue their education at the UK’s best universities, including University College London, Oxford, and the London School of Economics. With the expert guidance of their Higher Education and Careers Team, students with specialist talents – including in the performing and fine arts – discover their own pathways to excellence, too.
They embrace informality at d’Overbroeck’s, which means their students in younger years have a light-touch uniform and in their sixth form your child can wear the clothes they feel most comfortable in.
They offer two options in the Sixth Form: weekly (five days, Sunday to Thursday) and termly (full) boarding. At The International School, they only offer a termly option.
From the moment you get in touch with the school to the offer of a place, their admissions process can – in some cases – be extremely quick. Timings do vary, though, as each family’s application journey is different.
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