Oxford offers a diverse range of educational opportunities, with a rich history of academic excellence and a strong emphasis on both state-funded and independent schools.
In Oxford, while there are no traditional grammar schools, the city boasts several highly regarded state-funded secondary schools, including Cherwell School and The Oxford Academy, which provide a challenging curriculum and a supportive environment for students to thrive.
The independent school sector in Oxford is particularly renowned, with institutions like Magdalen College School, St Edward's School, and Oxford High School GDST consistently ranking among the top schools in the country. These schools offer a rigorous academic program, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a strong focus on character development.
Below, you can find an updated list of all the private and grammar schools in Oxford. Click the links below for individual school/admissions information, as well as some free 11 Plus exam papers in a similar style to those the school uses for its admissions test for year 7.
All Private and Grammar Schools in Oxford
D'Overbroeck's
Address: 333 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7PX, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1977.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 11-18 years old (Years 7-13).
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English and maths.
Notable Features: d'Overbroeck's is a leading independent school in Oxford known for its progressive approach to education, focusing on personalised learning and encouraging students to think independently and creatively. The school offers a broad and flexible curriculum, including GCSE, A-Level, and International Baccalaureate (IB) options. It has a diverse and international student body, with a strong emphasis on pastoral care and well-being.
Resources:
D'Overbroeck's – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Headington Rye School
Address: Headington Road, Oxford OX3 7TD, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1915.
Type of School: Independent, all-girls day and boarding school.
Age Range: 3-18 years old (Nursery, Preparatory, and Senior School).
Entrance Exam Type: School’s own English and maths exams and CEM Select.
Notable Features: Headington Rye School is a leading independent girls' school renowned for its academic excellence, broad curriculum, and extensive co-curricular program. The school is set in a beautiful 23-acre campus in Oxford and offers a wide range of opportunities in sports, music, drama, and the arts. It is known for its supportive and inclusive community, which encourages girls to develop their talents and interests and to become confident and independent young women. Headington School merged with Rye St Antony School in 2024 to become Headington Rye.
Resources:
Headington Rye School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Magdalen College School
Address: Magdalen College School, Oxford OX4 1DZ, United Kingdom.
Founded: c. 1480.
Type of School: Independent, day school for boys (co-educational sixth form).
Age Range: 7-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English, maths and verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Magdalen College School is a prestigious independent school with a rich history dating back to the 15th century. Located in the heart of Oxford, MCS benefits from world-class university connections while maintaining strong links to the local community through its partnerships. A significant and growing number of pupils receive bursaries. The school is renowned for its academic excellence, offering a broad and challenging curriculum, and its exceptional extracurricular programs in sports, music, art, and drama. Pastoral care is considered outstanding and is at the heart of everything they do.
Resources:
Magdalen College School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Oxford High School GDST
Address: Belbroughton Road, Oxford OX2 6XA, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1875.
Type of School: Independent, all-girls day school (part of the Girls' Day School Trust).
Age Range: 4-18 years old (Nursery, Junior, and Senior School).
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English, maths and reasoning.
Notable Features: Oxford High School GDST is a leading independent girls' school renowned for its academic excellence, commitment to empowering young women, and vibrant, creative atmosphere. The school offers a broad and challenging curriculum, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive and inclusive community. It emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and independence, preparing students for success at top universities and beyond.
Resources:
Oxford High School GDST – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
St Edward's School
Address: Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 7NN, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1863.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational boarding and day school.
Age Range: 13-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: ISEB Common Pre-Test.
Notable Features: St Edward's School is a leading independent school renowned for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and extensive co-curricular program. The school is set in a beautiful 100-acre parkland campus and offers a wide range of opportunities in sports, music, drama, and the arts. It is known for its diverse and inclusive community, which encourages students to develop their individual talents and interests and to become confident, independent, and globally-minded young people.
Resources:
St Edward's School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Wychwood School
Address: 74 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6JR, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1897.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 11-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Wychwood School is a vibrant and creative independent school located in the heart of Oxford. It is known for its nurturing and supportive environment, emphasis on individual learning, and commitment to academic excellence. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, a wide range of co-curricular activities, including a strong focus on the arts, and a unique boarding experience in a converted Victorian house.
Resources:
Wychwood School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information