Dragon School
School summary
Founded in 1877, the Dragon School has grown into one of Oxford's best-known prep schools, taking boys and girls from ages 4 to 13 as both day pupils and boarders. With around 796 children on roll, it sits in the medium-size band and offers families the flexibility to choose between day attendance and full boarding. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school 'excellent' across the board, including for pupils' personal development, and confirmed that all compliance requirements were met. The school is led by Head Emma Goldsmith.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 14 October 2025
Teaching & academics
The 'excellent' ISI judgement points to a strong academic standard across the prep years, preparing children for senior school entry at 11 and 13. Around 9.67 per cent of pupils receive some form of SEN support, suggesting the school is set up to accommodate a range of learning needs alongside its mainstream provision.
Head · Emma Goldsmith
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1877
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 9.67%
- EHC plans
- 0.13%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £18,930 - £33,390
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £49,770
Schools nearby
Wychwood School
Oxford, South East
Oxford High School GDST
Oxford, South East
St Clare's, Oxford
Oxford, South East
Summer Fields
Oxford, South East
New College School
Oxford, South East
St Edward's Oxford
Oxford, South East
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A historic Oxford prep with a top inspection grade and genuine choice between day and boarding. Day fees run from £18,930 to £33,390, with boarding reaching up to £49,770, so families should weigh the cost against the flexibility on offer.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Dragon School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.