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What it’s like
A co-educational college based in north Oxford, it is split into two
separate parts. The lower school (ages 13–16) is non-residential; it is
on a separate site, with 50–60 pupils. The sixth form, which offers
boarding, is the main part with over 220 students. The main hall of
residence is a few minutes walk from the college which is very close to
the city centre. Almost any combination of subjects at AS and A-level is
possible from nearly 40 subjects and the teaching is interactive and
motivating. The average class size is 7. Students’ performance is
regularly assessed and a systematic academic monitoring system helps
students, parents and teachers track progress. Students come from all
over the country. The sixth form aims to provide a stimulating college
environment in which learning is enjoyable as well as successful. Each
year over 70 students join the first year sixth from other schools,
others come directly into the upper sixth. The atmosphere is informal
(for example no uniforms) but ambitious, with the aim of giving the
students the confidence and skills to succeed. Sport is good but not
compulsory. There is a growing extra-curricular programme for students,
who also benefit from the educational and cultural activities in Oxford.
Many of the positive features of the sixth form are maintained (eg
maximum class size of 10, interactive teaching, broad curriculum and
support for pupils). But there is a more structured framework including
timetabled sports, daily registration and assemblies. The college has a
broad intake and students achieve good examination results.
School profile
Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 13–19; 276 pupils, 166 day (100 boys, 66 girls),
110 boarding (56 boys, 54 girls).
Entrance: Main intake ages at 16, also at 13. Entrance by interview and
school reference; plus, for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C.
Students come from a wide range of schools, locally and nationally.
Scholarships & bursaries 6 pa sixth-form scholarships, value up to
100% of fees.
Head & staff Principals: Dr R M Knowles (in post from 1992) and S
Cohen (in post from 1995).
Teaching staff: 30 full time, 25 part-time. Average age 35.
Exam results
A-levels: In 2003, 103 A-level students. Average final point score
achieved by upper sixth formers 324.
University & college entrance 99% of leavers go on to take a degree
course (12% after a gap year). 15% to Oxbridge. 15% take courses in
medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 25% in science & engineering,
6% in law, 41% in humanities & social sciences, 9% in art & design and
4% in vocational subjects (including physiotherapy, nursing and
complementary medicine).
Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 39 AS/A-level subjects offered with
high degree of flexibility in subject combination. Each student has a
Director of Studies.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level;
in addition, AS and A-level general studies an option. (Some students
join to retake A-levels, so take only 1 or 2 subjects).
Languages: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian; other languages eg
Japanese possible on request. Overseas courses organised as required.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 45
computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), most networked and with email
and internet access.
Sport & activities
Sport: Voluntary in sixth form. Options include rugby, soccer, rowing,
squash, tennis, fitness training, aerobics, cricket and basketball.
Activities: Clubs include music, chess, bridge, film, drama, Young
Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh. Also theatre trips, gallery visits etc;
many lunchtime and evening activities.
School life
Uniform: None.
Houses & prefects: None.
Religion: Non-denominational.
Social: Student social events organised regularly.
Discipline Pupils are helped to organise their own time and
encouraged to take responsibility for their own academic progress in the
context of a strong support and monitoring system. All students have a
Director of Studies who oversees progress, ensures they use their time
productively and maintains close contact with parents.
Boarding For sixth formers only. A range of options available,
including the college’s hall of residence in north Oxford.
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