St Edward’s School, known affectionately as Teddies, is a distinguished educational institution located in the vibrant city of Oxford. This co-educational school, with a Church of England affiliation, caters to students aged 13 to 18, offering both day and boarding options. The school prides itself on its mission to prepare pupils for life beyond its gates by nurturing their passions and talents while encouraging them to discover new ones.
The academic performance at Teddies is commendable, with 90% of its top pupils achieving the highest grades in their Sixth Form exams and securing places at some of the world’s most prestigious universities. The school offers both the International Baccalaureate (IB) and A Levels in the Sixth Form, providing students with a stimulating choice that allows them to play to their strengths. The IB programme at Teddies boasts an average point score of 32.1, ranking it 43rd in the UK.
Teddies is situated within 100 acres of picturesque grounds in North Oxford, providing an idyllic setting for its diverse community of pupils from across the UK and overseas. The school’s facilities are impressive, with immaculately maintained sports fields and a boathouse on the Thames offering stunning views towards Oxford’s dreaming spires. The recent addition of the Christie Centre has enhanced the original Victorian quad with modern and flexible classroom spaces, including the collegiate-style Roe Reading Room and the 1,000-seater Olivier Hall.
The school takes full advantage of its location in a vibrant university city, offering pupils access to lectures from world-class academics and opportunities to explore Oxford’s colleges, museums, and theatres. The North Wall Arts Centre, located on-site and open to the public, provides pupils with unrivalled access to plays, dance shows, and exhibitions. The Ogston Music School further enriches the arts programme with practice rooms, a large recital room, and a recording studio.
Teddies’ commitment to extra-curricular activities is evident in its varied speaker calendar and numerous opportunities for pupils to engage in music, theatre, dance, and sports. The school’s rowing team has achieved notable success at recent world championships, while other sports such as rugby, netball, football, squash, badminton, sailing, swimming, cross-country, cricket, athletics, and tennis are all part of the curriculum.
Under the leadership of Alastair Chirnside since 2021, Teddies has undergone significant changes aimed at fostering scholarship, excellence, and a culture of service. Mr Chirnside’s vision for Teddies as the UK’s leading co-educational boarding school extends beyond academics to include commitment to service and innovation. His efforts have resulted in increased applications and interest from families seeking a credible co-ed option.
The school’s pastoral care is highly regarded by parents who appreciate the support provided by housemasters and housemistresses. A new wellbeing curriculum ensures that pupils have space for difficult conversations and fosters a culture of acceptance where relationships between pupils are natural and inclusive.
Teddies offers a range of boarding options to suit different needs. More than 80% of pupils board for at least six nights a week, but there is flexibility for those who wish to go home on Saturday nights. Day pupils also benefit from being part of a boarding house community.
The ethos at Teddies is one of inclusivity and warmth. Parents universally praise the school for producing well-rounded individuals who emerge as lovely humans. The school balances academic rigour with fun and enjoyment, ensuring that pupils have a positive experience during their time there.
In terms of academic results, Teddies performs well across various metrics. In 2024, 60% of GCSE results were graded 9-7; at A Level, 45% achieved A*/A grades (with 78% A*-B); and the average IB point score was 32.13. These achievements reflect the school’s commitment to academic excellence while maintaining a supportive environment for all students.
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