St Edwards School Oxford Review: Rankings, Fees, And More
St Edward’s School, Oxford is a prestigious co-educational boarding and day school with a rich history dating back to 1863. Located in the heart of Oxford, the school blends academic excellence with a strong focus on extracurricular activities, offering GCSEs, A-Levels, and the International Baccalaureate. With a diverse student body and top-tier facilities, St Edward’s provides a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. This guide explores its rankings, fees, admissions process, academic performance, and student life.
Table of Contents
St Edwards School Summary
- Age range: 13-18
- Type: Co-educational
- Pupils: 820; sixth formers: 343
- Boarders: 42%
- Fees: Day £12,725 per term; Boarding £15,906 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- 2024 GCSE Results: 46.4% 9-7
- 2024 A Level Results: 46% A*-A
- 2024 IB Results: 32
St Edwards School Overview
St Edward’s School, Oxford, combines tradition with a forward-thinking approach to education. Established in 1863 by Thomas Chamberlain, the school sits on a 100-acre campus in Summertown, providing students with access to world-class academic and cultural resources.
It offers a choice between A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form, with the student body split evenly between the two pathways. The school has around 820 pupils, including both boarders and day students, with representation from over 40 countries.
Known for its strong academic performance, St Edward’s consistently achieves high results, with 46% of A-Level students securing A*-A grades in 2024 and an IB average score of 32 points. Beyond academics, the school excels in arts, sports, and extracurricular activities, fostering an environment where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
St Edwards School Courses And Programmes
St Edward’s School offers a broad and flexible curriculum designed to cater to a range of academic interests and aspirations. Students in the Lower School study a core curriculum that includes English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Languages, laying a strong foundation for future study. At the Upper School level, students choose between A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
The A-Level programme allows students to specialise in three or four subjects, providing in-depth knowledge in their chosen fields. The IB Diploma, known for its academic rigour, requires students to study six subjects across different disciplines, alongside core components such as the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS).
The school also offers GCSEs, where students typically take ten subjects, including core requirements and electives. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, St Edward’s provides a supportive learning environment that prepares students for top universities in the UK and abroad.
St Edwards School Fees
St Edward’s School charges different fees for day and boarding students. As of the 2024/2025 academic year, the fees are:
- Boarding: £15,906 per term (+ VAT)
- Day: £12,725 per term (+ VAT)
These fees cover tuition, accommodation (for boarders), meals, and access to school facilities. Additional costs may apply for extracurricular activities, trips, and specialised learning support. Prospective families should check with the school for the latest fee structures and any applicable scholarships or bursaries.
St Edwards School Rankings and Results
St Edward’s maintains a strong academic reputation, consistently achieving high results in GCSEs, A-Levels, and the International Baccalaureate (IB).
2024 Academic Results:
- A-Levels: 46% of students achieved A*-A grades.
- IB Diploma: The average score was 32 points.
- GCSEs: 46.4% of grades were 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A).
School Rankings:
- Ranked 185th among UK independent schools.
- Recognised for its balanced approach to academics, extracurricular activities, and student well-being.
Beyond exam results, St Edward’s is known for its “value-added” education, helping students reach their full potential through strong academic support, Oxbridge preparation, and a broad curriculum.
St Edwards School Boarding Experience
St Edward’s offers a vibrant and inclusive boarding experience. The school operates 13 boarding houses, divided into boys’, girls’, and co-educational houses. Each house accommodates around 60–70 students, creating a close-knit community within the larger school environment.
House System and Support
- Each house is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress (HM), who lives on-site with their family.
- Students receive academic and personal guidance from house tutors and a resident matron, ensuring well-being and pastoral care.
- The houses foster a strong sense of identity, with students taking part in inter-house competitions in sports, arts, and academics.
Accommodation and Daily Life
- Younger students (Shell Year) live in shared dorms of four.
- Years 10 and 11 move into twin rooms.
- Sixth formers enjoy private rooms for more independence.
Weekends are lively, with activities ranging from house dinners and film nights to cultural trips and on-campus events. The flexibility to return home on Saturday nights offers additional balance for students.
Pastoral Care And SEN Support
St Edward’s places a strong emphasis on student well-being, offering a structured support system that ensures both academic success and personal development.
Pastoral Care
- Led by Deputy Pastoral Head, the pastoral team includes housemasters, housemistresses, tutors, and a school counsellor.
- Each student is assigned a personal tutor, responsible for guiding them academically and pastorally.
- Peer Listeners, trained Sixth Form students, provide confidential support for younger pupils.
- The school chaplain offers additional spiritual guidance and emotional support.
SEN Support (Special Educational Needs)
St Edward’s provides tailored support for students with learning differences, ensuring they thrive in a mainstream academic setting. The school supports:
- Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia
- ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Asperger’s
- Hearing and Physical Impairments
- Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Learning Support Department offers:
- One-on-one or small-group interventions
- Assistive technology and exam accommodations
- CReSTeD accreditation for specialist dyslexia support
With a holistic approach to well-being, St Edward’s ensures that every student receives the necessary care and resources to excel both academically and personally.
St Edwards School Application Deadline
Boarding applications must be submitted by September of the year before the intended start date. For example, students applying for the next academic year must complete their applications by September.
St Edwards School Extracurricular Activities
St Edward’s offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, encouraging students to develop skills beyond the classroom. With over 60 clubs and societies, the school provides opportunities in academics, the arts, sports, and leadership.
Arts and Music
- The Olivier Hall (1,000-seat theatre) hosts school productions and concerts.
- Ogston Music School provides state-of-the-art facilities, including a recording studio and recital rooms.
- North Wall Arts Centre, shared with professionals, offers workshops and performances.
- Student-led performances, including house drama competitions and music gigs, foster creative expression.
Sports and Athletics
- Major sports include: Rowing, rugby, cricket, hockey, football, netball, and tennis.
- Rowing success: Five-time winners of the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta.
- National-level achievements in hockey, cricket, and athletics.
- Access to elite sports facilities, including a fitness gym, swimming pool, squash courts, and a golf course.
Clubs and Societies
- Academic Forum: Fortnightly TED-style talks.
- Model United Nations (MUN): Engages students in global political debates.
- Debating Society: Competes at national tournaments.
- MedSoc: Supports aspiring medical students.
- Bee-keeping Club: Produces the school’s own Teddies Honey.
- Chess, Crochet, and Creative Writing Clubs for varied interests.
St Edward’s ensures that every student finds an activity that complements their interests, fostering leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.
St Edwards School Reviews
“The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that students with various conditions receive the assistance they require. The school’s dedication to creating an inclusive community reflects in the positive experiences of both students and parents.”
“As a parent, I appreciate the school’s commitment to inclusivity. The support for various learning differences and conditions is thorough. St Edward’s not only focuses on academic excellence but also places a strong emphasis on the well-being of every student, creating a nurturing and positive atmosphere.”
“The SEN support at St Edward’s is exceptional. My child, who faces specific learning difficulties, has received targeted assistance that has helped them overcome challenges. The school’s understanding and proactive approach towards diverse needs make it a standout institution for inclusive education.”
St Edwards School Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.stedwardsoxford.org/
- Email: registrar@stedwardsoxford.org
- Phone call: +44 (0)1865 319204
- Location: St Edward’s School, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 7NN
Frequently Asked Questions
St Edward’s admits students at 13+ and 16+ entry points. Applicants must complete entrance exams, interviews, and submit academic records. International students may need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Yes, the school provides academic, music, sport, and arts scholarships, along with means-tested bursaries for families requiring financial assistance. Awards are highly competitive and require additional assessments.
St Edward’s balances academic excellence, extracurricular depth, and pastoral care in a co-educational setting. Located in Oxford, it offers students access to world-class universities, museums, and research institutions, enriching their educational experience.
Apply To A UK Boarding School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!
Apply To St Edwards School, Oxford Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!