Oxford High School GDST
Belbroughton Road, Oxford, OX2 6XA
Pupils
864
Ages
4 - 18
Gender
Girls
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mrs Marina Gardiner Legge
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£3,505 to £6,262
ISC Associations
GSA, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Non-denominational
Bursaries
Available
About Oxford High School GDST
Oxford High School GDST, located in the heart of Oxford, is a prestigious day school for girls aged four to 18. Known for its academic rigour and commitment to nurturing potential, the school offers a seamless transition from prep to senior school, ensuring that students joining from year 3 onwards are guaranteed a place in the senior school. The current system, which offers most pupils a place by year 5, remains in place for others. For external candidates, approximately 45 places are available, with selection based on a series of tests assessing reasoning, maths, English, comprehension, puzzles, and problem-solving skills, followed by an interview.
The school is highly sought after, particularly for its sixth form, which receives more applications than available places. Prospective sixth formers are required to sit two exams and attend an interview, with the expectation of achieving at least five top-grade GCSEs, particularly in desired A-level subjects. Despite the competitive nature of entry, the school is committed to supporting its students throughout their academic journey, ensuring that no student is asked to leave due to poor GCSE results.
The academic results at Oxford High School GDST are consistently impressive, with a significant number of students progressing to Russell Group universities, including Oxbridge. In 2022, the school secured nine Oxbridge places and seven for medicine or dentistry. The school also encourages applications to European and US universities, reflecting its global outlook.
Teaching and learning at the school are characterised by a supportive yet challenging environment. The school fosters a culture of academic ambition, with students naturally striving to excel. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with a strong emphasis on the joy of learning. Pupils are encouraged to explore a wide range of subjects, including modern languages such as Russian and Mandarin Chinese, as well as Greek and Latin, all available at A-level. The school operates a weekly timetable with 30-minute lessons, some of which are doubles, and minimal setting, allowing for a more personalised learning experience.
The quality of teaching is enhanced by small class sizes, particularly from year 10 onwards, allowing teachers to develop a deep understanding of their pupils. Many teachers hold doctorates, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. The school also places a strong emphasis on co-curricular activities, with each subject offering a fully formed programme to complement academic learning.
Learning support and special educational needs provision have been significantly strengthened, with a focus on celebrating neurodiversity. The school has a dedicated Neurodiversity and Academic Support Hub (NASH), which provides a range of support services, including wellbeing support. The school is proactive in identifying and addressing learning differences, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed.
The arts and extra-curricular activities are a vibrant part of school life, with pupils encouraged to participate in a wide range of clubs and societies. The school hosts numerous events, including poetry evenings and school productions, showcasing the talents of its students. Music is also a key feature, with opportunities to join jazz bands, choirs, and the school orchestra.
Sport is an integral part of the school experience, with a variety of options available, including hockey, netball, football, dance, swimming, tennis, and athletics. While sport may not be the primary reason families choose the school, it is well-regarded, with some high-achieving teams competing at national levels.
The ethos of the school is rooted in its pioneering and liberal values, providing a nurturing environment for bright, self-directed girls who set high standards for themselves and others. The school has a rich heritage, having been founded in 1875, and continues to advance the cause of girls’ education.
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ISI Review
Oxford High School GDST, founded in 1875, is an independent day school for girls located in Summertown, Oxford. The school operates across three sites within walking distance of each other and is part of the Girls' Day School Trust, which oversees its governance. The school comprises four sections: early years, pre-prep and prep, senior school, and sixth form. The current head, Mrs. Marina Gardiner Legge, has been in position since January 2021, while the chair of the local governing board, Miss Katherine Haynes, has held her role since January 2020.
The school aims to foster resilience, curiosity, and self-assurance among its pupils, encouraging them to embrace challenges and develop their individual strengths in a supportive environment. The student body primarily consists of British nationals, with a notable number of international pupils from countries such as Hong Kong, China, and the United States. The academic ability of pupils is generally above average, with a significant number of students receiving additional support for special educational needs or English as an additional language.
The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that Oxford High School meets all the standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection evaluated various aspects of the school, including the quality of education, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality.
In terms of educational quality, the school provides a curriculum that is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. Teaching in both the prep and senior schools enables pupils to make good progress, with assessment frameworks in place to monitor performance. The school emphasizes relationships education and has consulted parents to ensure compliance with statutory guidance.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizenship. The school has established effective measures to safeguard pupils' welfare, promote good behavior, and prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, and appropriate first aid provisions are in place. The school maintains accurate admission and attendance registers and has a strategic approach to risk assessment.
The suitability of staff is rigorously checked, and a register is maintained as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and arrangements for admission and behavior.
Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring transparency and accountability. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting pupil well-being.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, noting their curiosity, ambition, and strong work ethic. Pupils make rapid progress across the curriculum, particularly when high expectations are set by teachers. Their communication skills are highly developed, and they demonstrate confidence in expressing themselves. The school nurtures pupils' individual strengths and academic potential, creating an environment that encourages creativity and intellectual challenge.
Pupils' personal development is also excellent, with a strong sense of self-awareness and moral understanding. They engage actively in school life and the local community, demonstrating initiative and commitment. The school fosters respect for diversity and inclusivity, with pupils actively participating in discussions about ethical issues and cultural awareness.
The school encourages pupils to take responsibility for their learning and behavior, promoting a culture of mutual respect and support. Pupils are involved in various extracurricular activities, achieving success in sports, music, and academic competitions. The school emphasizes the importance of community engagement, with pupils participating in charity fundraising and outreach programs.
Overall, Oxford High School GDST provides a high-quality education that supports the academic and personal development of its pupils. The school's commitment to fostering resilience, curiosity, and self-assurance prepares students for future challenges, ensuring they are well-equipped to succeed in their academic and personal endeavors. The positive school culture, strong leadership, and emphasis on inclusivity contribute to a nurturing environment where all pupils can thrive.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024