The Oratory School

Welcome to The Oratory School

The Oratory is a very special place where each pupil is known, valued and stretched as an individual. We are really proud of our broad and rich curriculum and strong exam results, however an Oratory education is about developing young people in a much deeper sense than exam results alone can demonstrate.

Strong pastoral care is at the heart of what we do. As a Catholic school which welcomes pupils of all faiths or none, visitors often comment on the inclusive family atmosphere of our school and it is this supportive environment that nurtures the confidence, self-expression and resilience that are vital for success and happiness in the world today.

We want our pupils to create happy memories with us that will last a lifetime. By the time they leave the school at the end of 6th Form they will have found their individual talents and passions and have the skills and confidence needed to pursue these in the world beyond school.

Having reached their academic potential, the majority of our pupils gain entry to their first choice university, including a good array of Russell Group universities. They then go on to pursue a wide range of exciting careers.

Our pupils leave the school as confident young adults equipped not only with a well-rounded education but also a thirst for further learning, a strong moral compass and lifelong friends.

From 2020 girls will be able to thrive, as do our boys, in our nurturing community that offers both academic and co-curricular challenge and breadth.

International Applications

Read the Oratory School's International Pupil Prospectus here:
https://www.oratory.co.uk/about/publications/international-pupils-prospectus

The Oratory offers an inspiring all-round education and has a strong tradition of welcoming pupils from overseas, who thrive at the school. 

Established in 1859, we provide a first class traditional British boarding school experience. The majority of our pupils come from the UK so our pupils speak English all of the time, and our international pupils get the very best of a British education in the UK. We greatly value the richness and the diversity that our pupils from overseas bring to our community which enhances the experience for all pupils at the school. 

We attract a number of international pupils at 11+, 13+, and 16+ each year, and we are very pleased to welcome pupils from all around the world to our prestigious school.

We have an excellent English as an Additional Language Department (EAL), whose input goes well beyond the teaching of English. They help to support our international pupils to ensure they are happy and wholly integrated into The Oratory Family so they can take full advantage of the exceptional academic and co-curricular opportunities that we offer. 

Message from the Headmaster:

The Oratory School has announced that from September 2020, it will become a coeducational school, welcoming girls and boys from the age of 11 to 18. Joe Smith, Head Master said “We are delighted to be making this announcement and excited to be able to offer families of girls and boys alike our unique Oratory education. By extending our vibrant provision we will be providing an outstanding preparation for our pupils in what lies beyond The Oratory.”

The Oratory has a long tradition of providing pupils at the school with a warm and purposeful educational environment and has now decided to offer The Oratory’s excellent educational and pastoral opportunities to both boys and girls. Looking at the needs and demands of future and current pupils and their parents, together with the changing world in which we live, the school is of the view that coeducation will best serve its pupils and their families from 2020 and for generations to come.

For 160 years, the school has provided pupils with a secure and encouraging environment in which they can thrive, thereby equipping each one to be resourceful and resilient in their future lives.  This will continue to be the school’s aim. Over the next few years, the school will continue to invest in the development of its teaching and learning facilities, as well as refurbishing St Philip House, as a boys and girls Junior House and another existing boarding house for girls in Years 9 and above.

Individual visits are welcomed and can be arranged by contacting our Registrar, Janet Martin on 01491 683 522 or by emailing registrar@oratory.co.uk. 

The Oratory School Open Morning:

Saturday 28 September, from 9:30 to 12:30.

Book your place online at https://www.oratory.co.uk/admissions/open-morning