About Oxford High School (OHS)
Oxford High School (OHS) is a girls independent day school in Oxfordshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the GDST 11+ entrance assessment, part of the Girls' Day School Trust family, covering English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Oxford High School (OHS) is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Oxford High School (OHS)
Oxford High School (OHS) Admissions Criteria
Oxford High School (OHS) is a girls independent day school in Oxfordshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the GDST 11+ entrance assessment, part of the Girls' Day School Trust family, covering English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Oxford High School (OHS) to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Oxford High School (OHS). Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — GDST entrance assessment: Your daughter will sit the GDST 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. The assessment is consistent across the GDST family of schools and designed to identify academic ability and potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about her interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether her child has been offered a place at Oxford High School (OHS).
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Oxford High School (OHS). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Oxford High School (OHS) Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Oxford High School (OHS).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Oxford High School (OHS) 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Oxford High School (OHS)
Step 1 — Visit Oxford High School (OHS) GDST
Visit Oxford High School (OHS) GDST — meet Head Mrs Marina Gardiner Legge at an Admissions Event
Step 2 — Apply early in the year preceding entry using the online
Apply early in the year preceding entry using the online application form
Step 3 — Submit all applications for Year 7 entry
Submit all applications for Year 7 entry when your daughter is in Year 6 (earlier applications welcomed)
Step 4 — Upload a current passport style photo
Upload a current passport style photo and tell us about your daughter
Step 5 — Pay the non-refundable registration fee of £120 (UK applicants
Pay the non-refundable registration fee of £120 (UK applicants) / £180 (overseas applicants) — waived for income support recipients
Step 6 — Apply for bursary via tick box on registration form
Apply for bursary via tick box on registration form (must be in main application round)
Step 7 — Contact Registrars (admissions@oxf.gdst.net / 01865 478 678
Contact Registrars (admissions@oxf.gdst.net / 01865 478 678) for any queries
Step 8 — Your daughter sits the entrance assessment at OHS
Your daughter sits the entrance assessment at OHS
Independent Subjects Tested at Oxford High School (OHS)
Scholarships & Bursaries at Oxford High School (OHS)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries via GDST. Bursaries can only be awarded in the main application round.
Outcome announced: Academic and specialist scholarships awarded; means-tested bursaries via GDST
Additional notes: Oxford High School (OHS) is an independent day school for girls aged 3-18 in Oxford (founded 1875). Member of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) — the first GDST school. ~45-50 new pupils into Year 7 each year. Headmistress: Mrs Marina Gardiner Legge. Pupils must have reached age 11 before 1st September in year of entry.
Academic Results at Oxford High School
Oxford High School (OHS) is a high-performing GDST school with a strong record at GCSE and A-level, with many leavers progressing to leading universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.
- Academic profile: consistently strong outcomes across the sciences, humanities and languages.
- Destinations: dedicated higher-education and careers guidance supports competitive university and degree-apprenticeship applications.
Confirm the school's latest published results on its official website.
Catchment Area for Oxford High School
As an independent school, Oxford High School has no fixed catchment area — places are offered on the basis of the entrance assessment rather than where a family lives.
- Where pupils come from: families travel from across Oxford and the wider Oxfordshire area, with good transport links into the city.
- Setting: a city location in north Oxford.
Pastoral Care & Co-curricular Life at Oxford High School
As part of the Girls' Day School Trust, OHS places pupil wellbeing and individual development at the centre of school life, supported by a form and house system.
- Pastoral care: strong pastoral and wellbeing provision within a supportive all-girls environment.
- Co-curricular: a wide programme of sport, music, drama, STEM and leadership opportunities, with access to the GDST's national network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oxford High School a state grammar school?
No. It is an independent (fee-paying) girls' day school and part of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST); entry is by the school's own assessment rather than the state 11-plus.
What does the entrance assessment involve?
Candidates sit the school's own assessment (typically English, Mathematics and reasoning), usually alongside a taster experience or interview.
How do I apply?
Apply directly to the school's admissions office — there is no Local Authority Common Application Form for this school.
Are fees, scholarships and bursaries available?
Yes — fees apply, and the GDST offers means-tested bursaries and scholarships. Details are on the school's website.
Independent Practice Papers for Oxford High School (OHS)
Oxford High School (OHS) uses GDST 11+ Entrance Assessment format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Oxford High School (OHS) 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.