About The Oratory School
The Oratory School is a co-educational independent day school in Oxfordshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in 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.
The Oratory School 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. Ranked #420 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 41%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for The Oratory School
The Oratory School Admissions Criteria
The Oratory School is a co-educational independent day school in Oxfordshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in 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 The Oratory School 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 The Oratory School. 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 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit The Oratory School's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic 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 his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at The Oratory School.
- ✓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 The Oratory School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
The Oratory School 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 The Oratory School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — The Oratory School 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 The Oratory School
Step 1 — Attend a Whole School Open Morning (held in Spring and Autumn terms
Attend a Whole School Open Morning (held in Spring and Autumn terms) or book a personal tour
Step 2 — Meet the Head to discuss your son's application
Meet the Head to discuss your son's application
Step 3 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form and pay the £150 registration fee
Step 4 — Once registered in Year 5
Once registered in Year 5 or Year 6, you receive information about Taster Days and events
Step 5 — Your son sits The Oratory School Entrance Exam in January of Year 6
Your son sits The Oratory School Entrance Exam in January of Year 6 — assessments in English, Mathematics, and an online CAT4 test (Verbal, Non-Verbal, Spatial and Quantitative Reasoning)
Step 6 — A place is normally offered within 2 weeks of taking the
A place is normally offered within 2 weeks of taking the Entrance Exam
Step 7 — The acceptance deadline is set in the first week of March
The acceptance deadline is set in the first week of March
Step 8 — Pay the £1,000 deposit to secure your son's place at the
Pay the £1,000 deposit to secure your son's place at the school
Independent Subjects Tested at The Oratory School
Scholarships & Bursaries at The Oratory School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Sport, All-Rounder Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available (apply via letter to the Registrar).
Outcome announced: Awarded at the discretion of the Headmaster
Additional notes: The Oratory School is an independent Catholic boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 11-18 in Woodcote, Oxfordshire. 13+ entry uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test or Common Entrance.
Independent Practice Papers for The Oratory School
The Oratory School uses School's own bespoke 11+ 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 The Oratory School 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.
Academic Performance at The Oratory School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
The Oratory is a genuinely all-round school with a broad curriculum and strong exam results, where success is measured well beyond grades alone.
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: strong results, with pupils progressing to a wide range of universities.
- Progression: strong progression to a wide range of universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for The Oratory School
The Oratory School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day and boarding school (with day, weekly, flexi and full boarding), it draws families from across the Reading and Oxfordshire area and, for boarders, more widely, with entry by assessment (the CAT4) rather than where a family lives.
The school sits in countryside at Woodcote, about six miles north-west of Reading; pupils join at 11+, 13+ and the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1859 by St John Henry Newman — the only school he founded — The Oratory School is an HMC co-educational Roman Catholic boarding and day school (ages 11–18) at Woodcote in South Oxfordshire, with the motto ‘Cor ad cor loquitur’ (heart speaks to heart). A Catholic school that welcomes pupils of all faiths and none, it places the faith, its two chapels and Newman’s vision of educating the whole person at the centre of a warm, close-knit ‘family’ community with strong pastoral care, under the ethos ‘Be you. Become more.’
A wide co-curricular programme lets each pupil find their strength, with a notable reputation in sport alongside music, drama and the arts. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Oratory School
How do I get into The Oratory School?
To gain entry to The Oratory School Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
What entrance exam does The Oratory School use?
The Oratory School sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at The Oratory School?
The Oratory School uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at The Oratory School?
Yes. The Oratory School offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to The Oratory School?
Most independent schools including The Oratory School accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for The Oratory School?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at The Oratory School. No registration required.
When is the The Oratory School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at The Oratory School is Before the January entrance exam (Year 6). The registration fee is £150. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are The Oratory School 11+ results announced?
At The Oratory School, 11+ assessment results are Approximately 2 weeks after the Entrance Exam. The deadline to accept a place is First week of March.
What is the acceptance deposit at The Oratory School?
The acceptance deposit at The Oratory School is £1,000. This is payable on acceptance of a place.