The Oratory School
Oxfordshire, South East · RG8 0PJ
A small Roman Catholic boarding and day school in Oxfordshire, The Oratory School educates around 300 pupils from age 11 through to the sixth form. One of its most striking features is a pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly six to one, well below what most schools can offer and a sign of how closely pupils are known and supported. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent in its most recent inspection, with personal development singled out as excellent and all compliance standards met. With nearly a quarter of pupils receiving SEN support, the school's emphasis on individual attention is more than a tagline.
300
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£33,894
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 11-19
- Pupils
- 300
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 6
- Location
- Oxfordshire, South East
- Website
- www.oratory.co.uk
- Telephone
- 01491 683500
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Head Matthew Fogg
Latest results
Attainment 8
29.2
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
0%
National average 47%
GCSE grade 9-7
35%
A-level A*-A
24%
A-level A*-B
54%
Teaching & academics
Results sit below national benchmarks: Attainment 8 stands at 29.2 against a national average of 46.9, with 35% of GCSE entries graded 9-7. At A-level, 24% of grades are A*-A and 54% reach A*-B, with Psychology, Maths, Geography and the sciences among the most popular choices. The curriculum spans GCSE, A-level and the EPQ, and the inspectors' excellent judgement points to a school where the experience extends well beyond headline figures.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 111
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 23.44%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Popular GCSE subjects
Sport
Main sports
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a clear strength, with rugby, football and cricket forming the backbone of school life, and scholarships available in sport alongside music and art. The boarding rhythm of matches on Saturdays and Mass on Sundays gives the week a distinctive shape rooted in the school's Catholic character.
Ethos & heritage
- Religious character
- RC
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
First to fifth form day students: Must hand phones in first thing and get them back when they go home. No mobile phone should be out or used throughout school day. Teachers will confiscate phones from students using them during school day. Boarders: May have phones after activities each evening, after matches on Saturdays and after Mass on Sundays. Must hand in all devices at bedtime. Sixth form: Expected to manage their mobile phone usage during school day and ensure phones are turned off and out of sight during academic classes.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £24,840 - £33,894
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £36,009 - £53,280
Completely confidential financial assistance options available
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 25 February 2025
The last word
A small, faith-based boarding school where the standout six-to-one staffing ratio means few pupils slip through the cracks. Best suited to families drawn to close personal support and a strong sporting and Catholic ethos rather than to league-table positions.
The Passmate verdict
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The Oratory School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is The Oratory School located?
The Oratory School is located at Woodcote, Reading, South Oxfordshire, RG8 0PJ.
What type of school is The Oratory School?
The Oratory School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.
How many pupils attend The Oratory School?
The Oratory School has approximately 300 pupils on roll.
What is The Oratory School's inspection rating?
The Oratory School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 25 February 2025.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.