The Oratory School 11+ Practice Papers and Tutor Video Answers

The Oratory School – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

1. History of the School

The Oratory School is a prestigious independent day and boarding school for boys aged 11-18, with a co-educational Sixth Form, located in Woodcote, South Oxfordshire. It is known for its academic excellence, strong Catholic ethos, and outstanding pastoral care.

Founded in 1859 by Blessed John Henry Newman, The Oratory School was originally established to provide a rigorous Catholic education for boys.
The school was inspired by Newman’s vision of a holistic education, emphasising intellectual, spiritual, and physical development.
While it remains rooted in Catholic traditions, The Oratory welcomes students from all faiths and backgrounds, promoting an inclusive and nurturing environment.
Over the years, the school has modernised its curriculum and facilities, becoming a leading choice for families seeking a traditional yet forward-thinking education.

2. Pupil Numbers

The Oratory School educates approximately 350 students, ensuring a close-knit and supportive school community.
The school is structured into:
- Lower School (Years 7-9, ages 11-14, boys only).
- Middle School (Years 10-11, ages 14-16, leading to GCSEs, boys only).
- Sixth Form (Years 12-13, ages 16-18, offering A-Levels and EPQ, co-educational).
Boarding makes up around 40% of the student population, with boarders coming from over 15 nationalities.
Small class sizes (typically 10-15 students per class) allow for individualised attention and a personalised learning experience.

3. Academic Achievements and Awards

The Oratory School is academically strong, offering a broad and balanced curriculum designed to support a range of learning styles and ambitions.

📌 Outstanding GCSE & A-Level Performance

A high percentage of students achieve grades 9-7 at GCSE and A-B at A-Level*.
Many students gain places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and other top institutions.

📌 STEM & Innovation Excellence

The school places a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Students regularly participate in Maths Olympiads, Science Challenges, and Engineering Competitions.

📌 National Recognition

Rated “Excellent” by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) for both academic achievement and personal development.
Recognised as one of the UK’s leading independent Catholic schools.

🏫 The Oratory School – Contact Information

School Name: The Oratory School
Type: Independent Catholic Co-educational Day and Boarding School (Ages 11–18)

📍 Address:

The Oratory School
Woodcote
Nr Reading
South Oxfordshire
RG8 0PJ
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)1491 683500

📝 Exam Board: Cat4 exam

How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for The Oratory School, in the 11+ Entrance Exam

The Oratory School uses Cat4 test for admission to Year 7. To secure a place, students must perform well in the exam. The CAT4 aims to assess developed abilities via modules testing Verbal, Non-Verbal, Spatial and Quantitative Reasoning.

Why Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations?

✔ Designed for Independent School Entrance Exams – Covers question types that may appear in the The Oratory School entrance test.
✔ Video Explanations for Every Question – Helps students understand mistakes and improve problem-solving skills.
✔ Identifies Strengths & Weaknesses – Tailored practice to improve weaker areas.
✔ Boosts Confidence & Exam Performance – Familiarisation with exam-style questions reduces anxiety.

How to Use ExamTutor for The Oratory School 11+ Exam Preparation

1. Understand the Exam Format

📌The Oratory School 11+ entrance test typically includes:

Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal) – Logical thinking, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness.

✔ Start by introducing your child to each section and understanding what is tested.

2. Create a Structured Study Plan

✔ Allocate dedicated study time for each subject every week.
✔ Use ExamTutor practice papers to track progress.
✔ Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations

Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence

How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:

✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.

4. Develop Exam Strategies & Time Management

✔ Teach skimming and scanning techniques for comprehension questions.
✔ Use mental maths tricks to speed up calculations.
✔ Practice logical reasoning techniques to improve accuracy in reasoning questions.

5. Take Practice Exams & Review Performance

✔ Schedule practice exams close to the real test date.
✔ Analyse results and focus on weak areas.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s tutor-led video explanations for targeted revision.

6. Boost Confidence & Reduce Exam Stress

✔ Maintain a positive and encouraging learning environment.
✔ Encourage regular breaks and revision balance.
✔ Use mindfulness techniques to stay calm before the exam.

Final Tips for Success

✔ Start preparation early – At least 6-12 months before the exam.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s practice tests regularly – Build confidence with real exam-style questions.
✔ Practice writing skills – Creative writing is often a key component in independent school exams.
✔ Stay consistent – Small daily practice sessions are more effective than last-minute cramming.
✔ Attend an open day or taster session at The Oratory School – Familiarity with the school environment can boost confidence.

By using ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations, your child will gain strong exam skills, improve accuracy, and build confidence—increasing their chances of success in the The Oratory School 11+ Entrance Exam.

📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at The Oratory School! 🚀

The Oratory School – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

The Oratory School is a prestigious independent day and boarding school for boys, located in South Oxfordshire. It is known for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and wide range of extracurricular activities. The school provides a nurturing and inspiring environment, encouraging students to develop confidence, independence, and leadership skills.

Admission to Year 7 (11+ entry) is competitive, requiring students to perform well in the entrance assessment, interview, and school reference evaluation.

This guide outlines the Year 7 admissions criteria and explains how to apply.

Year 7 Admissions Criteria

To gain admission to The Oratory School for Year 7, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Entrance Examination

All applicants take part in an entrance assessment, which typically includes:

📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and creative writing.
📌 Mathematics – Arithmetic, problem-solving, algebra, and numerical reasoning.
📌 Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning – Assessing logical thinking and pattern recognition.

The entrance assessment is designed to evaluate both academic ability and potential.

2. Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview with senior staff, which assesses:
✔ Communication skills and confidence
✔ Enthusiasm for learning and academic curiosity
✔ Problem-solving abilities
✔ Personal interests, extracurricular involvement, and alignment with the school’s values

The interview is informal and designed to assess the student’s suitability for The Oratory School’s academic and extracurricular environment.

3. School Reference

The Oratory School will request a confidential reference from the candidate’s current school, covering:
✅ Academic performance and ability
✅ Behaviour, attitude, and work ethic
✅ Participation in extracurricular activities

4. Scholarships & Bursaries

Academic Scholarships are awarded based on strong entrance assessment and interview performance.
Music, Drama, Art, and Sports Scholarships are available for students with outstanding ability in these areas.
Means-tested bursaries are offered to families who require financial assistance.

How to Apply for Year 7 Admission

The application process follows a structured timeline, so it’s important to apply on time and prepare in advance.

Step 1: Register Your Child

📅 Deadline: Typically in November of the year before entry.

Complete the online registration form on the The Oratory School website.
Pay the non-refundable registration fee.

Step 2: Attend an Open Event (Optional but Recommended)

The Oratory School holds Open Mornings and Taster Days for prospective students and parents.
These events provide an opportunity to explore the school, meet teachers, and understand the curriculum and extracurricular activities.

Step 3: Entrance Assessment

📅 Assessment Date: Typically in January.

Candidates take tests in English, Mathematics, and Reasoning.
Preparation using past papers and timed exercises is highly recommended.

Step 4: Interview & School Reference

📅 January – February

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with senior staff.
The school will request a reference from the candidate’s current school.

Step 5: Offer Letters Sent

📅 February – March

Successful applicants receive an offer letter.
Parents must accept the offer by the deadline and pay a deposit to secure the place.

Step 6: Transition & Induction

📅 Summer Term (before joining in September)

The school provides orientation and transition events for new students.
These sessions help students adjust to the school environment and meet their future classmates.

Key Dates to Remember

📌 Registration Deadline: November (Year before entry)
📌 Assessment & Interviews: January – February
📌 School Reference Requests: January – February
📌 Offer Letters Sent: February – March
📌 Acceptance Deadline: March

(Exact dates may vary, so always check the The Oratory School admissions page for the latest updates.)

Final Tips for a Successful Application

✔ Prepare for the entrance assessment early – Use practice papers and reasoning exercises to improve performance.
✔ Encourage reading and writing practice – Strong literacy skills are essential for the English and reasoning sections.
✔ Practice interview skills – Confidence, enthusiasm, and clear communication are key.
✔ Highlight extracurricular activities – The school looks for well-rounded students.
✔ Attend open events – Gain insights into the school environment and ethos.

Admission to The Oratory School Year 7 is competitive, but with early preparation, strong academic performance, and a well-rounded application, your child can maximize their chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit the official The Oratory School website.

The Oratory School | 11+

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