About Oxfordshire Grammar Schools
Oxfordshire hosts 4 selective schools — primarily Oxford-area independents including Magdalen College School, Oxford High School (girls), New College School, and Headington School. The county has no state grammar schools (abolished in the 1970s). Oxford independents have strong academic reputations tied to Oxford University connections.
History & Tradition
Magdalen College School Oxford (founded 1480) is one of England's oldest grammar schools — originally a choir school for Magdalen College, Oxford. New College School (1379) is even older. Oxford High School (girls, founded 1875) and Headington (1915) are 19th-20th century foundations. Oxfordshire abolished state grammars in 1974.
The Entry Test
Oxford independents use school-specific tests. Magdalen College School uses the Oxford Schools Joint Entrance Examination. Oxford High School uses its own paper. Most include interviews and Maths/English assessment.
Oxfordshire 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Oxfordshire Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1Magdalen College School Oxford (founded 1480) is one of England's oldest still-operating schools — known for academic excellence and a famous choir.
- 2Oxfordshire abolished state grammars in 1974 — all selective education is now fee-paying independent.
- 3Oxford High School (founded 1875, girls) is part of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) — known for strong A-Level results and Oxbridge admissions.
- 4New College School (founded 1379) is the oldest of all Oxford choir schools — providing the choristers for New College's chapel choir.
- 5Headington School (Oxford, girls) is known for strong rowing — the school's boat club has produced multiple Olympic athletes.
- 6Oxford families seeking traditional 11+ state grammar education typically look to neighbouring Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury, ~30 minutes by car) or independents in Reading.
- 7Many Oxford independents recruit alumni's children — there's a strong tradition of multi-generation attendance, especially at Magdalen College School and New College School.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abingdon Prep | Boys | — | GL Assessment | — | — | |
| Abingdon School | Boys | 160 | GL Assessment | 87.1% | 88.9% | |
| Magdalen College School (MCS) | Boys | — | Independent | 94.1% | 93.2% | |
| Oxford High School (OHS) | Girls | — | Independent | 93.6% | 89.3% |
Oxfordshire Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
What 11+ exam do Oxfordshire grammar schools use?
Most Oxfordshire grammar schools admit pupils through the Independent 11+. Check each school's row above, as some set their own entrance test or use a different exam board.
What makes Oxfordshire grammar schools distinctive?
Magdalen College School Oxford (founded 1480) is one of England's oldest still-operating schools — known for academic excellence and a famous choir.
What else should families know about the Oxfordshire 11+?
Oxfordshire abolished state grammars in 1974 — all selective education is now fee-paying independent.
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: