Each exam season, tension fills the air. In classrooms everywhere, students and teachers wait side by side, hearts pounding as results are revealed. Those numbers might look like the most important thing in the world right now, but they’re really just a small part of the bigger picture. Because true education is about nurturing confident, capable individuals ready for university and life.
At The Oratory School, an independent Catholic boarding and day school for girls and boys aged 11 to 18, that belief is at the heart of everything they do. With a campus surrounded by open countryside and woodland overlooking the Thames Valley, it’s a place where learning is full of joy, discovery, and opportunities to shine. “My favourite thing is that my children have turned out all-rounders, they’ve had a go at absolutely everything but they’re kind, considerate and not afraid of having a go at anything,” says Nikki, a parent.
Studying at The Oratory School means access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a Real Tennis court and a nine-hole golf course. Source: The Oratory School
A legacy of learning with love
The Oratory School’s story goes all the way back to 1859, when Saint John Henry Newman founded it with one simple belief: that education should focus on the person first. At the time, he was answering the request of a group of eminent Catholic laymen Catholic families who wanted a school built on English public school traditions, but one that stayed true to faith and character.
That same belief lives on at The Oratory today. You can see it in the way teachers care for their students, in the school’s ties with families, and in the close-knit community that extends long after graduation. “What I love most about the school is as its motto says, ‘Cor ad Cor Loquitur, Heart Speaks to Heart,’” says Barney, a student. “It pans out so well, everyone is so nice here and you will always be listened to. There is always someone to lend a helping hand whenever you are struggling.”
A big part of what makes The Oratory special is its size. It is big enough to have established its own route to academic success, The Oratory Ex Umbris Learning Culture, which takes learning beyond exam prep. That same spirit extends outside the classroom. From sports to co-curricular programmes, there’s always a chance to discover new passions and talents.
“I never really thought that I would be in many sports teams, but just this year I’m in A-Team hockey,” says Holly, a student. “But with all the coaching and stuff, it meant that I could do that, and I have had loads of fun.”
Parents notice this difference too. “The sporting opportunities are great here,” says Natasha. “My son, Herbie, had never experienced rowing before but because the school is near and, on the river, he’s able to join the rowing team,” she says. “We’d never heard of Real Tennis before too, but now Herbie’s in the Real Tennis team and representing Oratory and winning his matches.”
Lessons at The Oratory are interactive, practical, and adjusted to match different ways of learning. Source: The Oratory School
The strength of a small school, the heart of a big family
Even with so much happening, The Oratory still feels small enough for everyone to be known. Teachers and staff understand their students outside the classroom: their hopes, fears, and ambitions much like a parent would. “What I love the most about The Oratory is the family feel that it has as a school; that’s aligned very well with my children and they are all the better for it,” shares Stephen, a parent. Within this close-knit environment, learning becomes both challenging and supportive.
“I really appreciate the fact that all my teachers know me,” says Mimi, a 6th Form student. “They know what my other subjects are and my other interests and because of that, they are able to support me with my learning, and they know what my best performance looks like, and how to help me achieve that in my exams.”
And although The Oratory places a strong focus on helping pupils grow and flourish, that doesn’t mean academics take a back seat. The school is ranked in the top 25% nationally for value-added results at GCSE and A Level and in the top 10% for girls’ GCSE results in 2025. With small classes, dedicated teachers, and a broad curriculum, students are encouraged to stay curious and aim high. “The bottom line is you know Herbie is going to be happy. I feel sending Herbie to The Oratory is absolutely the right decision,” says Natasha. “He feels like he’s at home. He’s made friends and sometimes he doesn’t even realise he’s learning.”
Follow The Oratory School on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn
