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Bruern Abbey School

Bicester, Oxfordshire, South East · OX26 1UY

Bruern Abbey occupies an unusual and important niche: a small boys' school in Bicester, Oxfordshire, where nearly three-quarters of pupils are on SEN support, most commonly for specific learning differences. Catering for boys aged 8 to 14 with day and boarding places, it is built around children who learn differently and need a different pace and approach. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent across the board in 2024, including for personal development, with all compliance standards met. With around 222 pupils, it is a deliberately intimate setting.

222

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£36,453

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender
Boys
Type
independent (fee-paying) school
Age range
8-14
Pupils
222
Location
Bicester, Oxfordshire, South East
Website
www.bruernabbey.org
Telephone
01869 242448

Entrance & admissions

Entry age
11

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Headteacher

Headmaster Mr J Floyd

Latest results

Attainment 8

26.3

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

0%

National average 47%

Teaching & academics

The school's headline attainment figures sit well below national averages, with an Attainment 8 of 26.3 against 46.9 nationally and no pupils reaching grade 5 in English and Maths. These numbers need careful reading: with 75% of pupils on SEN support, Bruern Abbey is working with boys who have often struggled in mainstream settings, and its purpose is to rebuild confidence and prepare them to move on, typically to senior schools. Both GCSE and BTEC routes are offered, allowing teaching to be tailored to how each boy learns best.

Sixth form

Qualifications offered

BTECGCSE

Learning support & SEN

SEN support
74.77%
EHC plans
25.23%

Beyond the classroom

Boarding is available, adding a residential dimension to school life and supporting boys who benefit from the structure and routine of staying on site.

Ethos & heritage

Boarding
Yes

Money matters

Day fees (per year)
£36,453
Boarding fees (per year)
£46,332
Bursaries up to
100% of fees

Up to 100%

Inspection reports

ISI rating
excellent
ISI personal development
excellent
Last inspected
26 November 2024
Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A specialist boys' school whose mission is to turn around boys who learn differently, with bursaries of up to 100% widening who can benefit. The conventional league-table figures matter far less here than the boy who leaves ready for the next stage.

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Bruern Abbey School 11+: frequently asked questions

Where is Bruern Abbey School located?

Bruern Abbey School is located at Chesterton Manor, Chesterton, Bicester, OX26 1UY.

What type of school is Bruern Abbey School?

Bruern Abbey School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.

How many pupils attend Bruern Abbey School?

Bruern Abbey School has approximately 222 pupils on roll.

What is Bruern Abbey School's inspection rating?

Bruern Abbey School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 26 November 2024.

Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.