St Edward’s Oxford: Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
Take a closer look at St Edward’s Oxford – a respected independent school with a strong academic record. This article covers the essentials: reviews, rankings, fees, and what sets the school apart. Get the facts you need to decide if St Edward’s is the right choice for your child.
Table of Contents
Key Features of St Edward's Oxford
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Oxfordshire
- Pupils: 810; sixth formers: 366
- Religion: Church of England
- Fees: Day £15,866 per term; Boarding £19,832 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- Open days: Regularly posted and updated on their website.
St Edward's Oxford School Results
Latest Results:
- 2025 A-Level Results: 41% A*/A
- 2025 IB Results: 35 points average
- 2025 GCSE Results: 65% 9-7
Past Results:
- 2024 A-Level Results: 46% A*/A
- 2024 IB Results: 32 points average
- 2024 GCSE Results: 59% 9-7
Teaching and Learning at St Edward's Oxford
Shell Year (Year 9)
In Year 9, known as the Shell, pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum designed to lay strong academic foundations. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Theology, Philosophy, and Ethics (TPE).
Alongside this, pupils are given the opportunity to choose certain subjects. This early flexibility helps develop academic independence and allows students to explore areas that genuinely interest them.
Middle Years (Years 10–11)
In Years 10 and 11, pupils typically study 7 to 11 GCSEs. Core subjects include English Language, World Literature, Mathematics, and Science (Double or Triple Award), with a Modern Foreign Language also required.
Students then select four optional subjects, which may include traditional GCSEs or distinctive “Pathways and Perspectives” courses. These options are designed to broaden learning and encourage interdisciplinary thinking.
Sixth Form (Years 12–13)
In the Sixth Form, pupils can choose between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Offering both pathways provides flexibility and enables students to pursue a curriculum that best suits their academic strengths, interests, and future ambitions. Both routes are academically rigorous and well balanced.
Academic Ethos
Across all stages, Teddies places emphasis on deep, sustained learning rather than short-term exam performance. Students are encouraged to think critically, solve problems independently, and experiment with different approaches to learning. This ethos helps pupils develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of ownership over their academic journey.
Boarding Experience in St Edward's Oxford
St Edward’s School’s boarding facilities provide a vibrant and inclusive environment, with over 80% of pupils opting for full boarding, spending at least six nights a week on campus. The flexibility to go home for Saturday night is appreciated by many, reflecting the school’s consideration for individual preferences. There is also a diverse community on campus where 16% of the student population are international students.
Accommodation arrangements are designed to foster a sense of community, with Shell students in dorms of four, followed by pairs in years 10 and 11, and singles in the sixth form. Weekends are often brimming with activities, from house dinners to cultural events like ABBA tribute bands at the Olivier Hall, creating a lively atmosphere.
The school prioritises the well-being of its students, evident in the investment in a new head of well-being and a focus on pastoral care. Relationships between students are described as natural and inclusive, contributing to a positive and accepting culture. The school’s commitment to a holistic education is reinforced by a new well-being curriculum supported by housemasters, housemistresses, and tutors.
Extracurricular Activities in St Edward's
St Edward’s School stands out for its vibrant array of activities, encompassing the arts, extracurricular pursuits, and a dynamic sports programme.
The school boasts stunning facilities for music and the arts, lifting aspirations and creating an inspiring atmosphere. The Olivier auditorium, with a capacity for 1000 people, is an extraordinary space, hosting various events, including a recent production of Chicago that delivered much razzle-dazzle. The Ogston music school, a purpose-built beauty with Scandi-chic design, promotes a musical atmosphere, hosting regular music socials and special events like the LGBTQ+ history month gig.
Also, the North Wall Arts Centre, shared with professional theatre, dance, comedy, and music, provides students with exposure to challenging and relevant performances. The school actively engages high-profile guests like Sir Nicholas Hytner and Dame Darcey Bussell. The collaboration between students and technical staff backstage is a testament to the enriching arts culture at St Edward’s.
St Edward’s Oxford maintains a strong sports programme, with rowing being particularly successful, earning gold and silver at recent World Championships. The commitment to various sports within the curriculum, including rugby, netball, football, squash, badminton, sailing, swimming, and cross-country, reflects the school’s dedication to providing a well-rounded education. Cricket, athletics, and tennis thrive in the summer, with the school celebrating notable achievements, such as the first-ever girl to make a century for the school in cricket.
Admissions Process: Entering St Edward's Oxford
For Year 9 Entry:
St Edward’s School offers 155 places for Year 9, with the distribution as follows: 65% in Year 6, 25% in Year 7, and 10% in Year 8. Siblings are warmly welcomed, but they must navigate the same admissions process. The process begins with the ISEB pre-test in Year 6, followed by an interview and an activity day for those invited. Notably, interviews are conducted ‘blind,’ meaning the senior member of the academic team has no information beyond the applicant’s name.
For later registrations, the school employs its own papers. The competitive nature of the admissions process is evident, with children achieving higher scores and excelling in interviews, leading to challenging decisions in recent years. However, the school emphasises that the increased interest does not signify a shift in their approach to admissions; they remain focused on meeting demand while maintaining the school’s ethos.
For 14+ and 16+ Entry:
For 14+ entry, there are ten spaces available, and for 16+ entry, there are 60 spaces. Candidates at these levels undergo a comprehensive evaluation process, including an online adaptive test, written subject papers, and an interview for Year 12 applicants. The admissions landscape at these levels is described as more competitive than before, reflecting the school’s commitment to selecting candidates who meet their academic and co-curricular expectations.
SEN Support in St Edward's
Here is a list of special needs that the school actively supports:
- ASD – Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Aspergers
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
- CReSTeD registered for Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- English as an Additional Language (EAL)
- HI – Hearing Impairment
- Mental health
- OTH – Other Difficulty/Disability
- PD – Physical Disability
- SEMH – Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- SpLD – Specific Learning Difficulty
St Edward's Oxford Testimonials and Reviews
The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that students with various conditions receive the assistance they require. The school’s dedication to creating an inclusive community reflects in the positive experiences of both students and parents.
As a parent, I appreciate the school’s commitment to inclusivity. The support for various learning differences and conditions is thorough. St Edward’s not only focuses on academic excellence but also places a strong emphasis on the well-being of every student, creating a nurturing and positive atmosphere.
The SEN support at St Edward’s is exceptional. My child, who faces specific learning difficulties, has received targeted assistance that has helped them overcome challenges. The school’s understanding and proactive approach towards diverse needs make it a standout institution for inclusive education.
Frequently Asked Questions about St Edward's Oxford
St. Edward’s Oxford is a prestigious private school located in Oxford – one of the world education centres. The school is located 2 km from the city centre, in a quiet residential area.
It educates over 600 pupils and was founded in 1863 on its original and previous site of New Inn Hall Street in central Oxford.
- Douglas Bader.
- Richard Bampfield (cricketer)
- Arthur Banks.
- Arthur Barbosa.
- Antony Barrington Brown.
They are academically selective but also look beyond academic criteria for pupils who are keen to embrace the wonderful opportunities that exist within the school: Art, Music, Dance, Drama, Sport and Service.
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