St Edwards School Oxford

The school’s educational philosophy focuses on providing broad opportunities, prioritizing pupil happiness, and balancing the acquisition of knowledge with the development of character. It aims to create a diverse, cohesive community where pupils are grounded in values and prepared with the intellectual, digital, and emotional skills necessary for successful lives.

The curriculum is designed to allow pupils to play to their strengths, with subject choices available from the Shell (Year 9). In the middle years, pupils can choose between traditional GCSEs or the school's own Pathways & Perspectives courses, which utilize continuous assessment. The Sixth Form offers over 25 subjects, with pupils choosing between A Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, supported by a 'Super-Curriculum' of academic extension and lectures.

Leavers progress to top universities globally as well as prestigious specialist colleges for art, design, fashion, music, dance, and drama. Recent academic results include 91% of IB results graded at 7 to 5, with over 60% at the 7 and 6 level. The school emphasizes the development of character and emotional skills alongside academic achievement.

The school maintains a 1:6 pupil-to-teacher ratio to ensure exceptional academic guidance and pastoral support. Dedicated staff, including a designated SEND Governor, oversee learning support, and the school provides a comprehensive wellbeing curriculum supported by a Health Centre and pastoral care teams.

The school offers individual visits and Open Mornings, which include a welcome from the Warden, a Q&A with the senior team, a pupil-led tour, and a visit to a boarding house. Families are encouraged to visit no more than three years before the intended entry date. The admissions process requires a registration fee, and successful applicants pay an acceptance fee and deposit upon entry.

The school operates on an Autumn, Spring, and Summer term structure. Each term includes scheduled Leave Weekends and Exeats, with specific staggered departure and return times for boarders and day pupils. The academic year concludes in early July following the Gaudy.

The 100-acre campus features the Victorian quad, the Christie Centre (which houses the library and Roe Reading Room), and the Olivier Hall for performances and assemblies. Sports and arts facilities include the North Wall Arts Centre, high-specification music school, art studios, an apiary, and the Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Gym. The school also maintains extensive grounds, courts, and pitches.

The school provides a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, including over 20 sports, with professional partnerships with Chelsea FC and Gloucester Rugby. There are more than 60 clubs and societies, and the arts are highly active, with significant pupil participation in music, drama, and dance. Additional programmes include the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and various service and partnership initiatives with local charities and schools.