D’Overbroeck’s School Review: Rankings, Fees, And More
d’Overbroeck’s is a prominent, independent co-educational school located in Oxford. The school is known for its high-quality education programmes and robust extracurricular offerings, with a focus on GCSE and A Levels. In our guide, we explore what makes this school a highly sought-after study destination among students local and abroad.
Table of Contents
Summary
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 11-19
- Pupils: 744; sixth formers: 423
- Fees: (for international students) Tuition fees £11,135 – £12,085 per term, Boarding fees £7,270 per term
- 2024 A-levels result: 50% A*-A
- 2024 GCSE result: 47% 9-7
Overview
Situated In North Oxford, d’Overbroeck’s is a distinguished independent day and boarding school known for its unique educational approach. The school offers the IGCSE and A-Level curriculums for grades 11 through 18 across two separate campuses: the Sixth Form and the International School. For the third consecutive year, d’Overbroeck’s has achieved a top ranking among schools in England according to our A-Level League Table, making it the leading school in Oxfordshire for A-Level advancement. Both the International School and the Sixth Form boast small class sizes, with a maximum of 11 students per class, ensuring personalised attention and support for each student.
The International School, located just a short distance from downtown Oxford, caters to students aged 11 to 16. It offers a welcoming environment where students from diverse international backgrounds can learn together. The school’s academic programmes are tailored to support international students in adapting to the UK education system, focusing on enhancing their critical thinking, English language skills, confidence, and teamwork abilities.
d'Overbroeck's Courses and Programmes
Year 7 – 11 Curriculum
At d’Overbroeck’s, students in Years 7 through 11 follow the English National Curriculum, culminating in their GCSE exams at age 16. In Years 7 and 8, they engage in a broad curriculum that covers subjects such as mathematics, science, geography, history, computing, art and design, music, theatre, physical education, religion, ethics, and philosophy.
As students enter Year 9, they start to concentrate on specific areas of study. They can explore ancient civilisations or select two French, Spanish, and Latin languages. Additionally, students begin studying physics, chemistry, and biology as distinct subjects.
Year 10 – 11 (GCSE)
At Key Stage 4, students choose from a variety of topics to study towards their GCSE certificates. Nine GCSEs will be taken by each student; they are arranged into option groups to offer a great deal of freedom and choice. Students will take two or three science topics, such as biology, chemistry, and physics, in addition to the required subjects of mathematics, English language, and literature. Students will also have the ability to customise their curriculum based on their unique interests, abilities, and goals for the future by selecting from a wide range of elective topics.
Sixth Form
With an unrivalled array of 37 A-level disciplines, d’Overbroeck’s Sixth Form lets students mix and combine courses to suit their unique interests, strengths, and professional objectives. Apart from this excellent academic programme, students will benefit from a large academic enrichment programme, many amazing clubs and activities, and exceptional pastoral assistance.
As they get ready for college and start thinking about their future jobs, students in the Sixth Form dive further into the courses they have selected. They become increasingly specialised in their areas of interest and often concentrate on three or four A-levels. Students can also choose to pursue the half-A-level equivalent Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This enables individuals to expand their knowledge by exploring a subject or area they are enthusiastic about.
d'Overbroeck's Fees 2024/2025 per term
Year 7-11
Registration fee: £160
Acceptance fee: £860
Deposit: £415 (refunded after completion of final term)
Tuition Fees
Termly fee: £7,550
Sixth Form 2024-2025
Registration fee: £160
Acceptance fee: £860
Deposit: £3,350 (refundable after completion of final term)
Tuition Fees
Termly fee: £9,900
Boarding Fees
Boarding houses: £8,060 per term
Upper Sixth studio flats: £9,310 per term
Weekly boarding: £5,395 per term
Host families: £6,130 per term
The International School 2024-2025
Registration fee: £160
Acceptance fee: £860
Deposit: £3,350 (refundable after completion of final term)
Tuition Fees
Termly fee
Year 9: £11,135
Year 10: £11,345
Year 11: £12,085
Termly tuition fees include lunch
Boarding Fees
Termly fee: £7,270 (including breakfast and dinner)
d'Overbroeck's Entry Requirements
Year 7-11 Entry Requirements
Years 7 through 11 at d’Overbroeck’s are open to students from all around the United Kingdom who are 11 to 16 years old. Although the majority of new students start in Years 7 or 9, there are additional chances to enrol in Years 8 or 10, contingent on available spots. To gain a sense of the learning environment at the school, prospective students will have the opportunity to participate in a taster day. They will then go through a two-hour cognitive abilities exam as part of a group or solo evaluation.
The International School
13 to 16-year-old international students are accepted at the International School. It offers five distinct academic programmes, each with specific prerequisites and enrolment requirements. A brief personal statement must be submitted by each prospective student as part of the application process. The senior leadership team will then ask the prospects to take entrance examinations and engage in an interview.
Sixth Form
Students between the ages of 16 and 18 are admitted to the school’s highly esteemed Sixth Form, which includes both day and residential students. The requirements for admission differ depending on the applicant’s country of origin (UK or abroad), with entrance examinations being mandatory for foreign students. As part of the application process, all prospective students are required to submit a brief personal statement and take part in an interview with the Sixth Form leadership team.
Accommodation and Pastoral Care at d’Overbroeck’s
Boarding at The International School
Boarders stay at one of four comfortable homes which are Hayfield, Nash, St.Phillips, and Wyvill. Students living in these residences have access to common areas where they may play games, watch films, and relax with friends. They will also be assisted during study sessions in the evenings. Read more about international boarders to gain detailed information.
Boarding in The Sixth Form
Students gain increased flexibility and independence in the Sixth Form when they board. They may live with one of the outstanding host families at the school or in one of three houses: Islip, St. Aldates, or Westway. There are alternatives to board over the whole term or only weekly (Sunday through Thursday).
Pastoral Care
At d’Overbroeck’s, pastoral care is central to all that is undertaken. This ensures that every student receives the necessary support to excel academically and thrive as an individual. The pastoral care at d’Overbroeck is founded on personal relationships and an overall ethos of mutual respect, openness, and care, reinforced by robust structures. To help students cope with intensive study periods, the school provides a tolerant and positive environment, allowing students to feel content, confident, and free to develop their sense of self.
The informality of the ethos, coupled with the strong relationship students build with their teachers and other staff members in the Sixth Form, ensures that students always have several avenues to seek help, and advice, or simply engage in conversation.
Extracurricular Activities at d'Overbroeck's
Drama
Drama and performance, including the school production at d’Overbroeck’s, go far beyond simply memorising lines and acting; they are also about unlocking the dramatic creativity of the students. Drama at d’Overbroeck’s serves as a means for students to build confidence in themselves, not only as performers but also as individuals and members of a wider society. A strong emphasis is placed on collaboration, where everyone has a role to play, and each person’s abilities are acknowledged. Through Drama, students cultivate self-confidence, empathy, imagination, and their natural talents.
Sports
Sport at d’Overbroeck’s is highly inclusive, to accommodate a wide range of interests and ability levels. A dedicated team of enthusiastic teachers and professional coaches is in place to support students in cultivating existing talents or discovering a passion for sports. While providing students with opportunities to compete and represent the school is a priority, fostering lifelong learning about active, healthy lifestyles is considered equally important.
- Basketball
- Football
- Hockey
- Netball
- Polo
Tennis Academy
The d’Overbroeck’s Tennis Academy is a specialised programme aimed at supporting outstanding tennis players who wish to pursue their tennis careers while studying for their A-Levels and enjoying the full benefits of a d’Overbroeck’s education. Participants receive personalised coaching year-round through the programme’s partner, the North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club situated a 15-minute walk from the Sixth Form.
d'Overbroeck's Reviews from Parents/Students
What I’ve enjoyed the most about studying at d’Overboreck’s is the amazing teaching experience and the amount of extracurricular activities available to diversify my learning and skills.
The most incredible 2 years of my high school, I have spent in dOverbroeck’s. This school is truly exceptional and anyone would be silly to not join if given the opportunity to. The staff/teachers are out of this world amazing.
Best 2 years I had in Oxford! Wouldn’t have wanted to go to a better sixth form! Inspiring teachers and amazing people!
Frequently Asked Questions about d'Overbroeck's
d’Overbroeck offers a diverse and rigorous academic curriculum tailored to students’ interests and future goals. The curriculum includes a range of subjects with opportunities for advanced study and enrichment activities.
Yes, d’Overbroeck welcomes applications from international students. The school provides support with visas, accommodation, and integration into the school community.
d’Overbroeck provides various opportunities for student leadership through roles such as student council positions, peer mentoring, and involvement in school committees and projects.
Boarding in the houses at d’Overbroeck’s offers a traditional residential experience with fellow students while staying with a host family provides a more personalised and homely atmosphere. Both options are designed to support students’ academic and personal growth.
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